Wheel balancing

[ttedj]

Although it has been mentioned many times, could someone enlighten me as to what the actual recommended technique is for wheel balancing? I have searched the topics but nothing definitive except needing to use cones either side.
I have a slight wheel wobble through the steering between 50 and 70. Have had the wheels off and had a look at everything which seems fine - no noticeable play. Have already replaced ARB to chassis bushes and the steering column lower UJ (couldn't feel the wobble before that )
Any advice welcomed please.
thanks

Ted

[AndyC]

Have you had the road wheels balanced professionally?

[ttedj]

Had it done at a tyre fitters which just moved the wobble from 40 to 50. Having researched it, it seems that there is a specific way to have them balanced?

ted

[AndyC]

There is a specific way, but I've always just had mine done by the tyre fitters, and had no issues afterwards (or not once the tyres have been used for 500 miles and then balanced).

40mph seems a bit slow to be wheel wobble, I know it alters with the rolling diameter of the tyres, so varies, but generally I've had it at 50 upwards. Is it behaving like wheel balance, steering wobbling form side to side but car relatively stable and planted? Is it only evident in the steering wheel or is there a feeling through the whole car?

Rear wheel wobble can do the whole car thing, a warped wheel could result in a balanced wheel but wobble through the end it's on.

[ttedj]

It was at 40 until I had them balanced and then it moved up to 50 although less strong. It is literally a little wobble left and right through the steering wheel and nothing else. I couldn't feel it at all until i replaced the steering column U/J.
I did have a slightly warped wheel but I swapped it for the spare and have given them all a good spin and they look true inside and out.

[MrCoolA]

Not sure if this will help but if you have changed your bushes may be wise to get the geometry checked, mine was out som what after I changed all mine

[johnthebass]

Hi Ted
I had a similar problem with mine last summer. The solution was to firstly balance the wheel without the tyre, refit the tyre and then rebalance. Worked a treat! It was handy though that I was fitting new tyres at the time. Beware ignorant operatives if you are going to a "Kwik-Fit" establishment they might want to put the weights on the outside of the wheel. Also make sure the inside of the wheel is clean.
Hope this helps!
John.

[ttedj]

Thanks for the replies. Will get them all balanced again tomorrow.

Ted

[lambert.john]

Are the tyres sound? On more than one occasion I have found that with sub-standard tyres no amount of "balancing" will cure a wheel wobble.

[MrCoolA]

Are the tyres sound? On more than one occasion I have found that with sub-standard tyres no amount of "balancing" will cure a wheel wobble.

you would hope that a tyre dealer/balancer would advise if the tyre was knackered........... I know Mike T's guy did with mine when i picked up my new wheels

[ttedj]

All brand new pirellis (a few months ago). Still waiting to get them balanced as ended up being busy over the weekend. Swapped front and back wheels and wobble has gone down significantly although not totally so probably is balancing. When I get time I will finally get them balanced
Ted

[barker_001]

Are you absolutely sure you haven't got another warped wheel? Presumably you have the OZ wheels on your 1989 car. The OZs on mine seem to be very soft and easily put "out of round" by potholes etc. The last time I had tyres, the fitter commented on the alarming amount of wobble on my rims. Subsequently I've had the wheels refurbished and straightened, and my wobble has now disappeared. Very good service from Renowheel (http://www.renowheel.co.uk) in Bridgend, South Wales.

The other thing I have noticed is that because my car can sometimes stand for a few days in between drives, it seems a bit prone to flat spots on the tyres, which can cause a wobble. I have to drive for a good 10 miles or so to get the tyres round again (not a problem!)

[ttedj]

Have to admit I have only spun them and looked for any buckle by eye. At some point I will sort this out, however just driving faster until the vibration goes away is working for me...
I may also have a look at the calipers as this morning there was more vibration than tonight on the same bit of road so wondering if they are sticking slightly. Seemed fine though last time I had a look.

Ted