Many car enthusiasts underestimate the importance of wheel balancing, considering such a popular event a waste of money. But this is a big mistake.
Such an attitude can lead not only to costs in the future, but also to a serious accident with unpredictable consequences.
Remember that wheel balancing on time is one of the main tasks for any driver. At the same time, how, when and why this is done, we will consider in the article.
When it is necessary?
Specialists identify several basic requirements for wheel balancing.
This work must be done in the following cases:
- When replacing tires from winter to summer (and vice versa). Usually, at normal service stations, when the car is changed, balancing is done immediately and is included in the cost of the service. If you change the tires yourself, then the balancing work will also have to be done independently;
- In case of hitting a curb, hitting a hole or passing a concrete policeman at speed. Such situations rarely end without a trace for the car's drive. Even the smallest defect can lead to wheel imbalance. Therefore, contacting a tire service is also mandatory;
- Every 15,000 kilometers. Few car enthusiasts cover such a distance in one year, so balancing is sufficient when seasonal shift rubber. But there are also truckers who have to do this job twice a year;
- Every 7000-8000 kilometers - for those who like fast and aggressive driving;
- Before a long trip (1.5-2 thousand kilometers and more) and after it. This requirement is based on security considerations.
What is the danger?
It would seem, what can happen if wheel balancing is not done in a timely manner? We often forget that each wheel has its own individual weight, pressure, specifications, oval shape and defects. Therefore, the issue of balancing it is very important.
If this is not done, then the consequences can be as follows.
- The braking distance of the vehicle is increased.
- It can be easily explained - the contact area of the tire with the asphalt decreases, grip deteriorates, and driving safety decreases.
- Controllability falls.
- The reasons are the same as in the previous case.
- There is a beating in the steering wheel.
- The imbalance in the wheel is transmitted to the suspension, and then to the steering wheel. The stronger it is, that greater vibrations are felt by the driver. In this case, driving a car is very dangerous.
- Suspension wear is accelerated.
- Most of all, poor-quality balancing (or lack of it) affects the suspension bearings and hubs. Due to imbalance, these elements running system may even collapse. The result is a loss of controllability and the likelihood of an accident.
- Rubber wear increases.
The reasons are uneven distribution of efforts and the appearance of vibration. In fact, the tires will "eat up" from one side.
Imbalance types
Today, there are two main types of wheel imbalance:
Static imbalance. It implies uneven distribution of the weight of the product along the axis, the wheel begins to "beat" in the vertical plane. In fact, there is no center of gravity on the wheel axle at all. This problem sooner or later leads to the destruction of the suspension.
Dynamic imbalance- unevenness in the plane of the wheel. In this case, there is a center of gravity, and it is on the axis of rotation (where it should be). The only difference is that the axis of inertia does not coincide with the center of gravity.
The imbalance can be caused by design features wheels (tread pattern, valve hole location, inaccuracies in geometry, dimensions, and so on).
At the same time, the greatest imbalance can be caused by itself car tire... Much depends on the rubber material, weight, structure, and so on.
Signs of poor quality work
Wheel balancing is not always done well. There are several factors by which this can be determined:
At the workshop, no measurements are taken before work. A good technician should definitely clarify the parameters of the runout of the disc and tire. At the same time, it is desirable to do this as accurately as possible, taking into account the radial and lateral runout;
All dirt from the tire and excess elements from the tread must be removed. If this is not done, then balancing becomes a completely useless exercise. Before starting work, the wheel must be perfectly cleaned;
pay attention to appearance balancing machine. If it is dirty, then it is very difficult to count on accurate data and high-quality balancing.
Finishing balancing
Final balancing is performed on wheels that are already installed on the car. The advantage of the work is that not only the wheels are adjusted, but also the brake discs, CV joints, hubs and axle shafts.
This type of balancing provides real smoothness of the ride, improves traction of the wheels with the road and allows you to achieve a number of other positive aspects.
We do the work with our own hands
To perform balancing, you need to prepare a special set of weights (you can buy it in the store).
At the same time, for cast and forged wheels, balancers are sold that are glued to the wheel (they must be preferred).
The sequence of actions is as follows.
- Raise the wheel with a jack and make sure it turns easily. If there is friction, then slightly loosen the hub nut. Clean the wheel from dirt and remove all stones from the tread (they will interfere with balancing).
- Be sure to check the tire pressure. It should be in accordance with the recommendations specified in the car's manual.
- Remove the old balance weights.
- Then spin the wheel counterclockwise and wait until it comes to a complete stop. Now you can mark the top point with chalk (this is the easiest spot).
- Then rotate the wheel clockwise and put the mark again (also at the top point). Between the first and second mark is the lightest part of the wheel.
- Glue 30 grams of balancers on both sides.
But that is not all.
We spin the wheel in any direction and watch, after it stops, the weights should be at the bottom. With this we have found out the point of the necessary balancing. If the result is different, pick up heavier weights, but do not overdo it.
Having achieved the result, move the weights to the right or left of the last point. It is necessary to ensure that the wheel stops at different positions of the point.
Now go to the rest of the wheels and proceed in the same sequence.
How do professionals work?
In professional workshops, wheel balancing is performed on special computer-controlled machines. Human participation in such work is minimal.
Laser equipment determines with high accuracy the installation locations and the weight of the required balancers. In this case, all data is displayed on the monitor screen.
This balancing helps eliminate any kind of runout of the wheel and disc assembly.
Output
Remember that the wheels need periodic balancing, and this directly depends on technical condition vehicle and your health.
You need to understand that self-balancing of wheels does not give an accurate result, only modern high-tech equipment can give an ideal result, and you can find it only in a good car service.
Wheel Balancing Videos:
Balancing machines detect irregularities on parts during rotation and help to eliminate them. Most often, devices with this principle of operation are used in tire shops. In addition, these devices are used in the mechanical engineering industry, where they help balance propellers, turbines and other parts.
Such devices can be equipped with equipment to automatically correct irregularities. In this article, we will talk about the calibration of a balancing machine with our own hands and describe its structure.
The structure of the apparatus
The basis of the balancing machine is the support on which the workpieces are installed and sensors that determine their balance. During testing, the level of imbalance is determined, and based on this information, further actions.
Depending on the type of support, balancing machines are divided into soft and hard. The first measure the parameters of the wheel, taking into account the vibrations of the supports. At the same time, the device is additionally tuned for each detail, which allows for fairly accurate testing.
Rigid wheel balancing machines are capable of testing Various types parts with the same equipment. This is very convenient, but the quality of measurements can be seriously affected by this.
In both the first and second versions of the device, the speed sensor plays a special role. No less important for such a machine is a sensor that measures the angles of a turn. Depending on the type of information input, balancing devices can be manual or automatic.
Principle of operation
The main task of the balancing machine is to determine the balance of the geometric center of the wheel with its mass. An unbalanced part makes any work difficult and can lead to serious damage. Eliminating the imbalance allows:
- Extend bearing life.
- Prevent premature tire wear.
- Extend the operating period of the suspensions.
Most often, such machines are in demand at a time when drivers change the type of rubber. The balancing of detuned parts can be carried out only on special equipment. The workshop has machines that can work with the most different disks in various modes.
There are several options by which you can correct the imbalance of wheels or other parts:
- Balancing rings - used in the repair of metalworking machines.
- Adjusting screws - special pins are screwed into the unbalanced part, by means of which it is adjusted.
- Drilling is the most popular balancing option. It is carried out by creating holes that change the weight of the workpiece.
Balancing machine repair
After long-term operation individual parts of the device may malfunction. Conditionally, the origin of breakdown can be divided into mechanical disorders and a problem with electrical components... In the latter case, problems with the sensors are detected. Mechanical faults most often occur after falls or hard blows.
Problems with the machine can be detected by the following signs:
- Several cycles of operation are required for proper balancing.
- The parameters of the tested disks are determined incorrectly.
To repair a balancing machine, the type of breakage is first determined by calibration. After that, the defective part is replaced. Restore damaged part harder than buying a new one. In addition, repaired structural elements most often break again after relatively short term.
Homemade device
You can make a calibration machine at home, but only its mechanical part. Electrical equipment and measurement sensors should be purchased ready-made. The drawings of the device should be selected in accordance with the features of the future use of the machine. Most the best option to create a balancing machine is presented in this step by step instructions:
- We create a shaft. It should be cut in such a way that at one end there is a ready-made place for mounting the bearings, and at the other there is a thread for installing the washer.
- We install bearings. It is best to use those that have already been applied, but have not yet used up the main resource. Such details will create minimal resistance.
- We form the rack of the device. For these purposes, it is best to use a pipe with a diameter of 5.2 centimeters. At the upper end of the support, we mount it from above and from the side.
- For convenient placement of the part, we recommend creating a support platform.
Video: DIY wheel balancing machine.
Nuances of operation
To start working with the machine, you need to fix the disc. This can be done with a nut and a cone. Having checked the reliability of the fastening, you can proceed to the measuring procedures. The disc spins up, and then its performance is compared with the reference. Deviations should be in the range of 2 and 1.5 g. The first indicator is horizontal, the second is radial.
After initial testing, remove all weights and re-measure. The disk under test stops at the heaviest point from top to bottom. Be sure to take this information into account when measuring the disk parameters. After that, the wheel must be twisted 90 degrees and we hang the load on the opposite side. In the event that, when turning 45 degrees, the wheel stops rotating, it means that the calibration with your own hands was done successfully.
Many car enthusiasts underestimate the importance of wheel balancing, considering such a popular event a waste of money. But this is a big mistake.
Such an attitude can lead not only to costs in the future, but also to a serious accident with unpredictable consequences.
Remember that wheel balancing on time is one of the main tasks for any driver. At the same time, how, when and why this is done, we will consider in the article.
When it is necessary?
Specialists identify several basic requirements for wheel balancing.
This work must be done in the following cases:
- When replacing tires from winter to summer (and vice versa). Usually, at normal service stations, when the car is changed, balancing is done immediately and is included in the cost of the service. If you change the tires yourself, then the balancing work will also have to be done independently;
- In case of hitting a curb, hitting a hole or passing a concrete policeman at speed. Such situations rarely end without a trace for the car's drive. Even the smallest defect can lead to wheel imbalance. Therefore, contacting a tire service is also mandatory;
- Every 15,000 kilometers. Few car enthusiasts cover such a distance in one year, so balancing is sufficient when changing seasonal tires. But there are also truckers who have to do this job twice a year;
- Every 7000-8000 kilometers - for those who like fast and aggressive driving;
- Before a long trip (1.5-2 thousand kilometers and more) and after it. This requirement is based on security considerations.
What is the danger?
It would seem, what can happen if wheel balancing is not done in a timely manner? We often forget that each wheel has its own individual weight, pressure, specifications, oval shape and defects. Therefore, the issue of balancing it is very important.
If this is not done, then the consequences can be as follows.
The braking distance of the vehicle is increased.
It can be easily explained - the contact area of the tire with the asphalt decreases, grip deteriorates, and driving safety decreases.
Controllability falls.
The reasons are the same as in the previous case.
There is a beating in the steering wheel.
The imbalance in the wheel is transmitted to the suspension, and then to the steering wheel. The stronger it is, that greater vibrations are felt by the driver. In this case, driving a car is very dangerous.
Suspension wear is accelerated.
Most of all, poor-quality balancing (or lack of it) affects the suspension bearings and hubs. Due to imbalance, these elements of the running system can completely collapse. The result is a loss of controllability and the likelihood of an accident.
Rubber wear increases.
The reasons are uneven distribution of efforts and the appearance of vibration. In fact, the tires will "eat up" from one side.
Imbalance types
Today, there are two main types of wheel imbalance:
- Static imbalance... It implies uneven distribution of the weight of the product along the axis, the wheel begins to "beat" in the vertical plane. In fact, there is no center of gravity on the wheel axle at all. This problem sooner or later leads to the destruction of the suspension.
- Dynamic imbalance- unevenness in the plane of the wheel. In this case, there is a center of gravity, and it is on the axis of rotation (where it should be). The only difference is that the axis of inertia does not coincide with the center of gravity.
The imbalance can be caused by the design features of the wheel (tread pattern, location of the valve hole, inaccuracies in geometry, dimensions, and so on).
In this case, the greatest imbalance can be caused by the car tire itself. Much depends on the rubber material, weight, structure, and so on.
Signs of poor quality work
Wheel balancing is not always done well. There are several factors by which this can be determined:
- At the workshop, no measurements are taken before work. A good technician should definitely clarify the parameters of the runout of the disc and tire. At the same time, it is desirable to do this as accurately as possible, taking into account the radial and lateral runout;
- All dirt from the tire and excess elements from the tread must be removed. If this is not done, then balancing becomes a completely useless exercise. Before starting work, the wheel must be perfectly cleaned;
- Pay attention to the appearance of the balancing machine. If it is dirty, then it is very difficult to rely on accurate data and high-quality balancing.
Final balancing is performed on wheels that are already installed on the car. The advantage of the work is that not only the wheels are adjusted, but also the brake discs, CV joints, hubs and axle shafts.
This type of balancing provides real smoothness of the ride, improves traction of the wheels with the road and allows you to achieve a number of other positive aspects.
We do the work with our own hands
To perform balancing, you need to prepare a special set of weights (you can buy it in the store).
At the same time, for cast and forged wheels, balancers are sold that are glued to the wheel (they must be preferred).
The sequence of actions is as follows.
Raise the wheel with a jack and make sure it turns easily. If there is friction, then slightly loosen the hub nut. Clean the wheel from dirt and remove all stones from the tread (they will interfere with balancing).
Be sure to check the tire pressure. It should be in accordance with the recommendations specified in the car's manual.
Remove the old balance weights.
Then spin the wheel counterclockwise and wait until it comes to a complete stop. Now you can mark the top point with chalk (this is the easiest spot).
Glue 30 grams of balancers on both sides.
But that is not all.
We spin the wheel in any direction and look, after it stops, the weights should be at the bottom. With this we have found out the point of the lower balancing. If the result is different, pick up heavier weights, but do not overdo it.
Having achieved the result, move the weights to the right or left of the last point. It is necessary to ensure that the wheel stops at different positions of the point.
Now go to the rest of the wheels and proceed in the same sequence.
