Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment vs Steering alignment
- Thread starter mingboy
- Start date
Racebred
Core Group Members
Re: Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment vs Steering alignment
wheel balancing = making sure the 360 degree mass of the mounted rim around the centre hub is equal. done by spinning the wheel and detecting variances in centrifugal forces. most tyre shops can do it. resolved by sticking lead weights in areas about the rim to equalise differences. cost about $10 probably, or free. failure to get wheel balanced will get you a wobbly ride + steering.
wheel alignment = making sure the values of the toe, camber and caster of the wheels are within specs. Usually means make sure they point straight. modern wheel alignment machines use lasers to help measure these values. some workshops and few petrol stations carry this machine, usually cost about $80 onwards. Some places put sandbags into the car to simulate driver weight, as more weight = more negative camber. failure to have your wheels aligned mean your car may veer to one side + uneven and premature tyre wear.
steering alignment is usually done together, to ensure that the steering wheel is pointing straight when the wheels are.
wheel balancing = making sure the 360 degree mass of the mounted rim around the centre hub is equal. done by spinning the wheel and detecting variances in centrifugal forces. most tyre shops can do it. resolved by sticking lead weights in areas about the rim to equalise differences. cost about $10 probably, or free. failure to get wheel balanced will get you a wobbly ride + steering.
wheel alignment = making sure the values of the toe, camber and caster of the wheels are within specs. Usually means make sure they point straight. modern wheel alignment machines use lasers to help measure these values. some workshops and few petrol stations carry this machine, usually cost about $80 onwards. Some places put sandbags into the car to simulate driver weight, as more weight = more negative camber. failure to have your wheels aligned mean your car may veer to one side + uneven and premature tyre wear.
steering alignment is usually done together, to ensure that the steering wheel is pointing straight when the wheels are.
Re: Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment vs Steering alignment
Racebred... Thanks... makes sense now! The leads on my second hand rims are peeling off so I guess it's time to do some wheel balacing!
Last question on wheel balancing - Do the rubbers have to come off the rims when this is done?
Racebred... Thanks... makes sense now! The leads on my second hand rims are peeling off so I guess it's time to do some wheel balacing!
Last question on wheel balancing - Do the rubbers have to come off the rims when this is done?
DreamDriver
Well-Known Member
Re: Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment vs Steering alignment
No. In fact you'll want them on, since wheel = tyre + rim. Everytime you change tyres, you will need to balance again, as the variance is caused by both rim and tyre together.
mingboy said:
No. In fact you'll want them on, since wheel = tyre + rim. Everytime you change tyres, you will need to balance again, as the variance is caused by both rim and tyre together.
Re: Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment vs Steering alignment
All, just to share the information.
Did my wheel alignment at Euro Motor at AMK Autopoint for $100 (with sandbags to simulate passenger weight).
Also replaced my bushings ($260 for a pair and labour) as well as replaced my engine oil bleeder hose ($23 for parts).
Cheers
All, just to share the information.
Did my wheel alignment at Euro Motor at AMK Autopoint for $100 (with sandbags to simulate passenger weight).
Also replaced my bushings ($260 for a pair and labour) as well as replaced my engine oil bleeder hose ($23 for parts).
Cheers
