Maintenance of automobile wheels involves performing operations on replacing rubber, restoring the geometry of tires, processing coatings, etc. However, the process of operating the wheels is often accompanied by subtle factors that can adversely affect the physical control of the machine. In particular, wheel beating during movement is common. To eliminate such effects, weights are used to balance the wheels, allowing you to align their mass in the chassis. Such products can have different masses and structural devices, so in each case a special type of element is selected.
Operational functions of a weight
The main task of the weight is to provide a load in the design of the disk. Its mass should help to eliminate wheel imbalance, in particular, to eliminate axial and radial runout. Imbalances occur as a result of a shift in the center of gravity, so the weight acts as a kind of weight corrector. If we talk about the practical visible effect, then the question as to why wheel balancing is needed in principle will not do without mentioning the vibration effect. If the imbalance is too high, then during the ride the driver will physically feel small jolts with noise. After proper installation of the weight, such phenomena will be eliminated. The use of such products is important not only to ensure comfort in the cabin. The beating negatively affects both the wheels and the running gear as a whole. The same vibrations contribute to the rapid wear of the metal elements of the suspension, not to mention the tires.
The main characteristics of the weights
Most attention is paid to the weight of the weight. On average, it varies from 5 to 50 grams. Selection is carried out in proportion to the identified imbalance. However, the maximum weight of the weights when balancing trucks can be used to eliminate small deviations of the center of gravity. This is due to the large size of the wheels, which require a large compensating load.
In professional workshops, when balancing, they approach in detail the determination of other parameters. So, from the point of view of installation, the landing clearance will be significant - from 1.8 to 5.5 mm. That is, even regardless of weight, the shape of the element as such will play a role in eliminating the beating. For example, weights for balancing wheels can have a width of up to 20 mm and a height of more than 30 mm. The width of the bracket is also taken into account, which can be 10-20 mm. The choice in shape should be based on the type of wheel, its size and design features.
Varieties of weights by type of installation
Mostly printed and self-adhesive weights are used. In the first case, the "working" part of the weight is supplemented by the aforementioned bracket, the width of which is 10-20 mm. That is, weights for balancing wheels of this type are attached using an auxiliary element. Fixation is usually carried out to the edge of the rim of the disk with a hammer. Since the operating conditions can be severe, the fastening part is treated with a corrosion-resistant coating - it protects the element from rust under the influence of water.
Adhesive weights are also popular. On one side of such products, wear-resistant double-sided tape is provided. As an additional reinforcement, specialized mounting glue can also be used. Self-adhesive weights are installed to balance the wheels on the inside of the tire rim. But before the operation itself, it is very important to thoroughly clean the surface where the element will be.
Varieties of material
Material is selected specifically for a particular type of disk. For example, for steel tires, the accuracy of the weights is important. This characteristic is achieved only in the processing of the same steel alloys. It turns out quite massive, but durable products that are resistant to deforming processes. The same material can be used for alloy wheels. But in this case, the presence of anti-corrosion treatment is especially important because of the characteristics of the mutual contact between metals. Self-adhesive weights for balancing alloy wheels can also have a lead base. This is a practical solution in the sense that a metal with a small mass can provide sufficient load compensation. But lead has drawbacks - it is environmentally unsafe and prone to deformation. Therefore, in the selection of such weights, special attention is paid to the quality of the supporting bracket. All mechanical load with corrosion protection will be assigned to it.
Weights manufacturers
In Russia, weights of the Reifen, ROSSVIK and Norton M&W PRO brands are popular. Moreover, the last two manufacturers conduct their activities in cooperation with domestic enterprises. Italian Reifen products are famous for their reliability, precision and protective qualities. However, these are not cheap weights for balancing, the price of which is about 1000 rubles. for 20 pcs. By the way, the Russian manufacturer "Bison" sells individually weights for 10-15 rubles.
Balancing Recommendations
The operation is very delicate, it requires accuracy and skill. As already mentioned, balancing is advisable only with washed and cleaned products - this applies to both the disc itself and the weight. In this case, the tire should be planted strictly in its place. The slightest deviation at the interface will nullify all efforts. If the wheels are balanced on a car using a tire changer, then the quality of the correction can be checked by changing the position of the disk relative to the cone. In modern models of stands, alignment is shown with special instruments. As for the weight, it must be securely fixed and checked for mechanical resistance. As practice shows, from the point of view of durability of landing printed products installed mechanically are better than themselves.
Other consumables for balancing
As an alternative, tire technicians offer pellets. These are small balls made of ceramics and coated with a silicone layer. They are automatically distributed inside the tire in problem areas where a weight addition is required. This effect is triggered by centrifugal forces, so the correction will provide optimal balance. Insert the balls into the cavity either through the air supply valve or during the replacement of rubber. The advantages of this solution include ease of operation without the involvement of specialists and self-balancing. So, if the weights for balancing the wheels will provide load compensation in a static mode - that is, at a fixed installation location, then the granules are distributed depending on the current driving conditions. After all, it must be borne in mind that deviations of the center of gravity can be dynamic - depending on the changed suspension defects, stones getting into the tread, icing, etc. But there are also disadvantages to balancing granules. Firstly, they are more expensive in price, and secondly, they create excessive compression in the tires, which is harmful to rubber.
Conclusion
The method of balancing tires using weights seems simple and affordable, even taking into account the need to contact specialists. However, abuse of such adjustments is still not worth it. The presence of foreign bodies in the tires reduces the service life of both tires and rubber. To balance the wheels on the car does not lead to rapid wear of the chassis, it is important to choose the right compensation products. It should be a solid material without chips and cracks. Special attention is paid to the quality of the fixing equipment - glue base or metal bracket. And in any case, it is recommended not to bring the condition of the wheels to a runout. In the process of driving a car, you should try not to expose the wheels and chassis to shock, excessive loads and shocks.