Wheel Balancing Aesthetic

[Jack K]

Sold my ‘82SC and replaced it with an ‘89 3.2 Carrera - sad and happy at the same time!

I am very satisfied with the car except that the previous owner [as part of the purchase arrangement] delivered the car with 2 new rear Bridgestone tyres on the fuchs wheels. Sounds good but looks terrible because the weights have been stuck on the outside of the rim. Well, I phoned the firm who fitted the tyres and balanced them - they're 750 miles away - and they told me that it is more accurate that way. I don't believe them because they didn't sound like they had any experience with fuchs wheels and when I pushed them for an answer, they admitted it *may* have been possible to balance them on the inside.

My question is: I am happy to have them redone but I presume it will leave marks and, if so, can they be successfully cleaned up? They have been put on with double sided tape.

Any advice will be appreciated.

[911pcars]

Short answers:

Tape residue can be removed. No harm, no foul.

Acceptable balancing can be accomplished on the back side for appearance.

Proper balancing may place weights on one or both sides of the wheel.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911cars

[Jamie79SC]

As for removing the tape goop, what works without harming the finish. That stuff's TOUGH!

[Jack K]

Mission accomplished. The tyre shop that re-balanced the back wheels took off the weights from the outside of the wheel. They actually came off surprisingly easy - virtually with finger nails - and cleaned the marks with a patent liquid disolvent which contained, I don't know exactly, but he did mention it does have alcohol in it. I suppose for quick drying.

Anyway, all's well and the fuchs look good.

Tx for your responses.

[sammyg2]

There are a couple different ways to balance something like a wheel, single plane (also called static) or two plane (couple).

The two plane balance is more accurate, but is only sometimes necessary.

Quoted from one of the dusty books on my desk:
"Static unbalance, formerly called force unbalance, exists when the principal axis of inertia is displaced parallel to the shaft axis".

"Couple unbalance is that condition where the principal axis of inertia intersects the shaft axis at the center of gravity".

Layman's terms, if the unbalance is even and in the same place in relation to the inside and outside of the wheel, then a single plane balance is just fine.

If the unbalance is unequal or opposite when viewed from the inside vs. the outside of the wheel, then a two plane balance is required.
Basically the if the wheel hops, single plane. If it wobbles, then two plane. Clear as mother's milk.

[Jorgeman]

I've used backside weights for the past nine years and into the third set of tires with excellent results. At least up to 125 mph I can vouch for the level of balance achieved. Very important to have the balancer take the time to properly clean the site for the weight(s) if you want them to stay on.