Tire Balance

Balance all four tires on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to eliminate vibrations and ensure even tire wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clip-on wheel weights (assorted sizes) × 1 — Use as needed per balancer reading
• Adhesive wheel weights (assorted sizes) × 1 — Use as needed per balancer reading

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen all wheel lug nuts slightly (1/4 turn) while wheels are still on ground
3. Lift vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-designated lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on four jack stands at frame points
5. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove all four wheels
   Remove the loosened lug nuts completely and take off all four wheels. Keep lug nuts organized by wheel position (LF, RF, LR, RR). Inspect wheel mounting surfaces on hubs for rust, debris, or damage that could affect balance.
2. 2

   Clean wheel mounting surfaces
   Use wire brush to clean the wheel hub mounting surface and the back of each wheel where it contacts the hub. Remove any rust, brake dust, or debris. Clean buildup can cause as much vibration as an unbalanced tire.
3. 3

   Inspect tires and remove old weights
   Inspect each tire for irregular wear, damage, bulges, or embedded objects. Check tire tread depth. Remove all existing wheel weights from both the inner and outer rim flanges using wheel weight pliers. Note any wheel damage or corrosion in weight mounting areas.
4. 4

   Mount first wheel on balancer
   Select appropriate wheel cone or centering adapter for the Silverado's wheel bore. Mount wheel securely on balancer spindle, ensuring it is centered properly. Enter wheel diameter and width into balancer (factory sizes are typically 17", 18", or 20" depending on trim). Lower the hood or safety guard on the balancer.
5. 5

   Perform dynamic balance
   Initiate spin cycle on wheel balancer. Allow the machine to complete its measurement cycle. Review both inner and outer imbalance readings. For the Silverado, target zero imbalance or within manufacturer tolerance (typically 0.25 oz or less per side).
6. 6

   Install wheel weights
   Install clip-on or adhesive weights at the positions indicated by the balancer. For factory aluminum wheels, use adhesive weights on the inner barrel to avoid visible weights. For steel wheels, clip-on weights can be used on both inner and outer flanges. Ensure weights are seated firmly and properly positioned at the 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock positions as indicated.
7. 7

   Verify balance and repeat
   Re-spin the wheel on the balancer to verify balance is within tolerance. Adjust weight placement if necessary. Repeat steps 4-7 for the remaining three wheels, marking each balanced wheel to track its original position on the vehicle.
8. 8

   Check and adjust tire pressures
   Before reinstalling wheels, check tire pressure on all four tires. Adjust to specification listed on driver door jamb (typically 35 PSI cold for front and rear). Ensure valve stems are not damaged and valve caps are present.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels on vehicle
   Mount each wheel back to its original position on the vehicle. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Install all lug nuts finger-tight before proceeding to torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower vehicle partially so tires contact ground but jack stands still support some weight. Torque lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) using star pattern (tighten opposite lug nuts in sequence). Fully lower vehicle, remove jack stands, and perform final torque verification in star pattern to ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Perform final lug nut torque check after vehicle has been driven 50-100 miles
2. Store any unused wheel weights and balancing equipment properly

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (35-70 mph) to verify vibration has been eliminated
• Check for any steering wheel shimmy or seat vibration at highway speeds
• Verify all lug nuts are properly torqued after test drive
• Re-check tire pressures after test drive and adjust if necessary

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