Beating of the steering wheel at speeds over 80 km / h and characteristic vibration of the body most often indicate a violation of the wheel centering caused by improper installation of balancing loads on the wheel. alloy-plate. Unlike stamped analogues, cast models have a complex geometry of spokes and often require the use of special self-adhesive loaders, since traditional "pinspins" can damage the paint coating or simply not catch on the edge. Ignoring this nuance leads not only to discomfort, but also to accelerated wear of the bearings of the hub and suspension elements.
The process of restoring static and dynamic equilibrium requires precise positioning of the wheel on the machine shaft. Errors in the initial landing of the disc on the cone or insufficient cleaning of the inner surface of old dirt and glue residues negate all efforts even when using high-precision equipment. It is important to understand that a cast disc is less plastic than steel, and any shocks when balancing can cause it to break down.
Before starting work, always check the tire pressure and bring it to the nominal value specified by the car manufacturer, as the change in air volume changes the geometry of the contact spot and affects the machine readings.
Imbalance diagnosis and equipment preparation
The first step is visual inspection and cleaning of the wheel unit. Sticky dirt, stones stuck in the tread or snow inside the disc can create a significant imbalance that cannot be eliminated by installing cargo. The interior must be thoroughly washed. cast-disc and remove all foreign objects. If the surface shows traces of old self-adhesive loads, their remains must be carefully removed with alcohol or a special solvent so that the new sticker lay flat.
For high-quality balancing requires a serviceable machine with the function of automatic determination of the position of the cargo. Modern devices allow you to choose modes for wide wheels, which is important for low-profile rubber over large radii. Before installation of the wheel, the calibration of the equipment and the condition of the cones shall be checked, which shall be clean and free from mechanical damage.
There are two main types of imbalances that need to be addressed: static and dynamic. Static causes the wheel to bounce up and down, and dynamic - swinging from side to side. For cast discs, it is critical to eliminate both types, as the rigid design does not cushion impacts as much as steel.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a hammer to fit cones or clamps on cast discs. The impact load can lead to the formation of microcracks in the structure of the alloy, which is dangerous during operation.
Technology of installation of wheel on balancing machine
Correct fitting of the wheel on the shaft of the machine is the foundation of accurate balancing. The cone should fit snugly to the central opening of the disc along the entire circumference. If a clamping mechanism is used, the force shall be sufficient to fix, but not excessive so as not to deform. centre-hole. Luft even a few tenths of a millimeter will give an error of several grams, which is noticeable at high speeds.
After fixing, it is necessary to enter the wheel parameters in the machine memory. Usually you need to specify the distance from the machine board to the disk, the width of the disk and its diameter. For cast disks with a deep seat (high ET), it is important to measure the departure correctly using a special measuring compass or a ruler included in the equipment kit.
- 📏 Accurate measurement of the disk's departure is critical for calculating the shoulder imbalance.
- 🧹 Cleaning the landing plane of the cone prevents distortion of the axis of rotation.
- 🔒 Checking the reliability of the clamping before starting the rotation eliminates the wheel jumping.
Some machine models are equipped with a laser pointer, which helps to accurately determine the location of the load. When working with expensive forged or composite discs, it is recommended to use the “Hidden cargo” mode, which allows you to place loaders behind spokes, while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the wheel.
Selection of balancing cargoes for alloy wheels
The main difference in the balancing of cast discs is the type of loaders used. Traditional bulking with hooks is categorically not recommended for most modern alloy-disc. Their installation on the edge can lead to chipped paint, oxidation of the metal at the contact point and the appearance of corrosion. In addition, the shape of the spokes often does not allow the hook to be reliably hooked.
The optimal solution is self-adhesive lead or zinc cargoes. They have a flat shape and a special adhesive layer protected by paper or plastic film. Zinc cargoes are preferred as they are not oxidized and have a more aesthetic silvery color, harmonizing with the color of the disc. Lead analogues can eventually be covered with a white oxide coating.
It is important to pick up the weight of the cargo with a minimum step. If the machine shows the need to install 45 grams, it is better to use a combination of loads (for example, 20+25) than one load of close value, if space allows. For hidden installation behind the spokes, there are special elongated loads that are attached to the inner shelf of the disk.
Step-by-step instructions for eliminating imbalances
The balancing process begins with the start of the rotation of the machine drum. The device spins the wheel to a certain speed, measures the beat and stops, indicating the places of installation of goods. The display displays the required weight for the inside and outside of the disk. First, the inside is adjusted, then the outside.
To install self-adhesive cargo, it is necessary to degrease the surface of the disk with an alcohol napkin or a twig with a solvent. The installation location is determined by the indicators of the machine (usually a laser point or arrow). The cargo is glued strictly in the center of the specified zone. After installation, the procedure is repeated to check the result.
☑️ Balancing checklist
If after installing the calculated weight of the machine shows a residual imbalance of more than 5 grams, it is necessary to check the correctness of the wheel landing. Perhaps the cone has stood obliquely or a stone has stuck in the tread. Re-installation of the wheel often solves the problem.
| Parameter | Normative value | Permissible deviation | Influence on the car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residual imbalance | 0g | 5g | Vibration of the steering wheel |
| Tyre pressure | Manually | ± 0.1 bar | Wear, flow |
| Temperature in boxing | +15...+25°C | No drafts. | Precision of glue |
| Rotation speed | 100-200 rpm | On the machine | Inertia of cargoes |
Features of working with wide and low profile tires
Owners of sports cars and tuning cars often face difficulties in balancing wide wheels. Low-profile rubber has a high sidewall rigidity, which requires a larger weight of cargo to compensate for the imbalance. However, the space for their placement on the cast disc may not be enough due to the complex relief of spokes.
In such cases, the “weighting” method is used. If the machine shows the need to install a heavy load (for example, 60 grams) at one point, and it cannot be placed structurally there, the weight is divided. Two loads of 30 grams are set at a distance of 120 degrees from each other from the central point, which mathematically compensates for the imbalance.
The Secret to Perfect Balancing of Wide Wheels
Use the “ALU 2” or “Split” mode, which automatically calculates the installation of cargo behind the spokes. This allows you to place the loads on the inner shelf of the disk, maintaining the ideal appearance and avoiding problems with aerodynamics and washing.
⚠️ Note: When using large amounts of small loads, make sure that they do not overlap each other and do not unstick from vibration. overlapping of goods is unacceptable.
Quality control and frequent errors
After completion of the work, a final inspection is necessary. The wheel is re-unwinded and the screen should burn zeros or values within the tolerance (usually 0-5 grams). If the readings jump, it means that the wheel is not fixed rigidly or the bearing of the machine itself is damaged. It is also worth visually inspecting the quality of the sticker of goods.
A common mistake is to ignore the radial beating of the tire. Even a perfectly balanced wheel can have a geometric beat (egg or eight). For cast discs, this is less common, but new rubber may have defects. In such cases, you need to roll the tire or replace it, as the loads geometry can not be corrected.
- 🚫 Error: Sticking a load onto a dirty or wet surface will result in a tear-off at speed.
- 🚫 Mistake: Using old, oxidized cargo breaks the balance over time.
- 🚫 Mistake: Ignoring the machine readings in the hope that it will “disperse” on the road.
A well-balanced wheel on a cast disc provides not only comfort, but also safety. Vibration reduces control of the car and driver fatigue. Regular inspection of cargo condition, especially after high pressure washing or driving on bad roads, will help to maintain the perfect weight distribution.
The main conclusion: Perfect balancing is impossible without a clean disk surface and a properly selected type of cargo; saving on self-adhesive elements for the sake of stuffed ones can cost repairing an expensive cast disk.
How often should you balance the wheels on cast discs?
It is recommended to carry out balancing every 10-15 thousand kilometers of run, and also necessarily after seasonal change of tires, suspension repair or getting into a deep hole. For cast discs, the frequency may be higher due to greater sensitivity to impacts.
Can old loads be reused?
Self-adhesive cargoes are disposable. After removing their adhesive layer loses its properties, and the repeated sticker will be unreliable. Bulk loads can be reused if they are not deformed, but for cast discs their use is limited.
Why does the machine show different values when re-scrolling?
This can be caused by poor fixation of the wheel on the shaft, the presence of backlash in the bearings of the machine, stuck stone in the tread or improper input of the dimensions of the disk. The temperature in the room and drafts also affect.
Are lead loads harmful to cast discs?
Lead itself is not harmful to the alloy, but its oxidation products can spoil the appearance. More dangerous galvanic vapor in contact of different metals in the presence of electrolyte (water with reagents), so zinc cargoes are preferable.