Imbalance

In Wheel and Tyre Assembly, two types of imbalances occur:

STATIC IMBALANCE

Properly balanced wheel rims rotate freely and it can stop in any position if brakes applied. Incase if there is static imbalance, spot on the wheel with the greatest mass is acted on and by gravitational forces wheel deflects downwards. Normally, static imbalances occur in the centre portion of the wheel rim and it cases bumpy rides. This type of static imbalances can be compensated by applying wheel balance weights on the opposite side of the imbalance occurrence area

DYNAMIC IMBALANCE

Dynamic imbalance is caused due to improper mass distribution in and outside, the wheel rim. Compared to Static imbalance, this imbalance is risky. Forces work in different direction when the vehicle is in movement and causes the wheel to hop or wobble. To determine a dynamic imbalance the tire/wheel assemblies can be checked on a balancing machine. The dynamic imbalance can be compensated by applying wheel balance weights on the outer and inner side of the rim.

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCING

At a speed of 60 km/h, the centrifugal force of a 10 g imbalance is equal to that of a sledge hammer. When the speed of the vehicle is more, forces would be severe. Poor Balancing / Improper Balancing are dangerous. It can create following impact:

  • Induce stress level in suspension components and bearing areas
  • Vibrations in Steering Wheel and it can be felt inside the cabin
  • • Brake Wear
  • • Tyres wear and tear will be more
  • • Braking distance increases

With the balancing weights of BHRATWEIGHTS axes are brought back to balance.

CORRECTING IMBALANCE ON TYRES AND RIMSf

The imbalance of the tyre and rim is measured by the balancing machine and the problem is corrected using BHARATWEIGHTS WHEEL BALANCE WEIGHTS.

Procedure involves rethreading the tyre on the rim until the sources of imbalance on the rim and tyre are opposite each other. The residual imbalance is compensated with BHARATWEIGHTS WHEEL BALANCE WEIGHTS.

A form defect of the rim can only be compensated by uneven tyre deflection. Smooth running optimisation involves placing the heavy and hard area of the tyre opposite the highest area of the rim. The residual imbalance is compensated with BHARATWEIGHTS WHEEL BALANCE WEIGHTS.

OPTIONS FOR BALANCING

Balancing by knock-on or Clip Weights for both levels. This type requires least mass for balancing. Most car manufactures use this option.

Balancing with the use of Sticker (Adhesive) Type Balance Weights in both the areas. The weights are affixed to the inner or outer plane of the wheel in the outer most positions.

Both Sticker (Adhesive) Weights are affixed on the inside of the wheel rim. The external balance level is in this case transferred back behind the spokes.

The outer balancing level is relocated inside and the Sticker (Adhesive) Weight is attached in the rim centre in the brake disc area. A knock-on or safety weight is attached at the inner wheel rim flange.

Sticker (Adhesive) Wheel Balance Weight is used at the outside of the rim. It is attached to the outer most position of the wheel. A knock-on or clip-on weight is used at the inner wheel rim flange

At the outer side of the wheel rim, a knock-on or clip-on weight is used at the rim flange. Sticker (Adhesive) weight is used on the inside of the wheel rim. The weight is affixed to the rim centre in the outer most position

If uncoated balancing weights are mounted on a rim, it may come to contact corrosion. Contact corrosion occurs when metals with different nobility are in close contact. The more noble metal enhances the corrosion of the less noble metal. The condition for this process is a corrosive media between the two metals, like rain water or simple humidity. Coated balancing weights preserve any rim from damage due to contact corrosion. The high quality OEM coating protects the weight optimally against environmental influences, even under extreme conditions. See comparison coated / uncoated weights in self-test on the right side. All weights are correspondingly subjected to OEM specifications 600 hours salt spray test according to DIN 9227 and ADTM B 117-73.

BBW does various surface coatings for Wheel Balance Weights as per OE Customer requirement viz., Geomet, Atotech, Dorken, Magni, Silver Synthetic Powder Coating, e-Coating + Top Paint

INSTALLATION OF KNOCK-ON WEIGHTS

SELECTION OF THE CORRECT WEIGHT

Prior to installation, select the appropriate weight from the BHARATWEIGHTS range on the basis of the rim shape. The choice is determined by the rim design. The rim flange thickness varies (steel rim/aluminium rim) and different rolling processes are used. Put the weight beside the rim flange before installation to check the shape.

POSITIONING THE WEIGHT

Put the weight to the calculated place. Before knocking the weight on the rim, make sure that the clip is correctly touching the rim flange.

APPLICATION OF THE WEIGHT

After positioning of the weight, apply it with an adequate tool (such as mounting pliers or hammer). To install the weights, no more than two forceful knocks should be used. A higher number of knocks can damage the coating of the weights.

POSITIONING OF WHEEL WEIGHT

After the installation, please ensure a tight fit of the weight.

APPLICATION

After positioning of the weight, apply it with an adequate tool (such as mounting pliers or hammer). To install the weights, no more than two forceful knocks should be used. A higher number of knocks can damage the coating of the weights

STICKER (ADHESIVE TYPE WEIGHT) INSTALLATION