Tire balancing - different kinds of weights?

[ZPmadA]

Hey,
I have a 951 and this is my first driving Porsche, but noticed the wheel weights look different than the ones on my old 240sx. This car has these weights that look glued onto the side of the lip of the rim, while my 240sx used these clip on weights that would clip on the edge of the rim between the rim and rubber. I tried searching but couldn't find anything. Will I be fine if I use the clip on weights? Im going to have my Pirelli pzero nero tires installed tomorrow at my uncles place and I know they have old equipment and clip on weights (they are not a performance garage) If their equipment is too old and dated, and I don't get a proper balance could I get the tires re-balanced or will they be warped from a lousy balancing job? When my tire blew out, I drove on the shoulder for about 100feet at 20mph to find a safe spot to replace it because it was on the left side facing traffic. Is it possible my alignement is now off and does anyone know if my Dunlop 5000 that blew has a belt that protects the rim?

[bearone2]

if the wheel can't use the clip on type/hammer, they use the stick ons.

[Jmasters]

you can get them at a tire shop, a firestone tire shop is where I got my stick on weights, I'm sure goodyear or sears has them also

[bluebullet]

I work at a professional rim/tire shop (we also do audio, which is our main selling point).

Ive mounted everything from 14" rims to 26". We have the top of the line mounting and balancing equipment, all from Hunter (GSP9700 is the model name of the balancer, check out their website and you will see what I mean).

We use stick on weights for alloy rims (aftermarket) and we use clip on (or referred to as bang-on weights) for OE wheels, unless requested by the customer. High end cars such as Porsche, audi, BMW, Mercedes, usually come with stick on weights from the factory, so we stick to that routine.

Its a bit of a trip, but if you wanted to bring your wheels to us, and I myself oversee the mounting and balancing (heck Im on the only one that does the work hehe). But at least you could rest assured that your wheels are properly balanced.

[Techno Duck]

bluebullet, where in NY are you? I will need new tires sometime around the end of summer, maybe i can take it to you for peace of mind...

[bluebullet]

I work at Precision Installations in Valley Stream. The address is

220 East Merrick Rd
Valley Stream, NY 11580.

Its literally right around the corner from my house. PM me with how many you need to get done and I'll work a price with you.

[IceShark]

bluebullet sounds like he knows what he is talking about.

You don't want the bang on type weights used as they will mar your nice alloy rim. So the alternative is stick ons and you want them all out of sight on the rear. This can make it hard to balance, since you can't get out as far on the face of the rim.

But a good balancer can make it work. If he has trouble your tire may be the problem and if it is new, get a replacement. Good tire sellers know the issue well and will send you a tested replacement, no problem.

The other thing, although most good tire guys know this, is clean the inside of the rim with brake cleaner or such so that the stick on weights stay stuck on. Otherwise you will throw one off. This is actually a good test to watch your tire guy and if he knows what he is doing.

Member Tim Strayer worked in a tire shop for some time and he could probably expand on the subject.

[bluebullet]

Ice Shark is on the money too. Our balancer allows us to put weights as close as we can to the outside, right behind the spoke, and on the very inside of the rim. This makes it much easier to balance, rather than just the inside of the rim.

I also make it a habit to keep all the old weights off and apply only new ones. I order all my stuff from Myers, from patches to plugs, wheel cleaner and weights. And I cant forget the tire soap lol. Helps out with those lower profile tires.

[Ferrara_racing]

Bluebullet,


A friend of mine works for Nissan and told me the most current technology for tire balancing is called a "road force" balancer. This machine somehow accounts for operating conditions along with the proper weighting. Have you heard of one? Is that machine you are using?

[bluebullet]

yes that is the one I use. It presses a roller against the tire and measures the tires roundness, and where the tire has the most weight or out of round, you match that with the area of the rim that is heaviest.
I rarely use it though, because it involves you having to dismount the rim and tire and match them up again. This is time consuming in my area of work, so unless your car is the only one Im working on all day long, then the regular balancing on this machine works just fine.

[Ferrara_racing]

Hey Blue,


Thanks for the information. It sounds like the RF balancer would be costly to get done to each wheel as well. I think the better place to put my money will be in the tires. Right now my Porsche has Sumatumo HTR-Z's. Two are brand new so I'm running them. I always ran the Pirelli's on my 944 and would prefer either Michelins or Pirelli's for the next set of tires..

[bluebullet]

Im saving up for michelins..at more than $800 for a set of 18s it isnt cheap.

[speedracing944]

bluebullet... I have seen people place racers tape on top of the sticky weights. What purpose does this serve?

Speedy

[bluebullet]

keeps the weights from flying off the wheel at speed. The adhesive on the back is designed for average people driving, not speeds in excess of 110-120 mph. It will usually hold, but tape is an extra precaution (i think it might be in the scca rules too??)

Also, if a weight happens to come off of the inside of the wheel, at speed its inertia is quite large. It becomes a heavy projectile, and chances are it will cut through just about anything, including your brake line. Ive seen weights come off a professional race car, and bash quite a few things in the wheel well and punch a nice hole in the tin work.