Tire Balance

Remove all four wheels, mount tires on balancing machine, add balance weights as needed, and reinstall wheels to factory torque specification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clip-on wheel weights (assorted sizes) × 1 — Use appropriate weight sizes as determined by balancing machine
• Adhesive wheel weights (assorted sizes) × 1 — Use for inner barrel if required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, paved surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if balancing front wheels first, or in front of front wheels if starting with rear.
3. Verify balancing machine is calibrated and functioning properly before beginning work.
4. Inspect all wheels for visible damage, cracks, or bending that would prevent proper balancing.

Procedure

1. 1

   Loosen wheel lug nuts
   With all four wheels still on the ground, loosen each lug nut approximately one full turn using a breaker bar or lug wrench. Do not remove lug nuts completely at this stage. Loosen in a star pattern to prevent binding.
2. 2

   Raise and support vehicle
   Lift the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic floor jack at the front crossmember jacking point. Raise until front wheels are clear of the ground. Position jack stands under the front frame rails at the factory support points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Repeat process for rear of vehicle, jacking at the factory-designated rear frame jacking point and placing stands under rear frame rails. Ensure all four jack stands are secure and vehicle is stable before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove all four wheels
   Remove the lug nuts completely from each wheel, keeping lug nuts organized by wheel position (LF, RF, LR, RR). Remove all four wheels and set aside in a clean area. Mark each wheel with its original position if they will be reinstalled in the same locations.
4. 4

   Inspect tires and wheels
   Inspect each tire for uneven wear, damage, bulges, or embedded objects. Check tire tread depth and note any irregular wear patterns that may indicate alignment issues. Inspect wheel rims for damage, cracks, or bent flanges. Clean any mud, debris, or old wheel weights from the wheel barrel and mounting surfaces.
5. 5

   Remove old wheel weights
   Remove all existing wheel weights from each wheel using wheel weight pliers or a flat blade. Remove both clip-on weights from the outer rim flange and any adhesive weights from the inner barrel. Clean adhesive residue from the wheel surface using an appropriate solvent. Ensure the wheel is completely clean before balancing.
6. 6

   Mount first wheel on balancing machine
   Select the appropriate cone adapter for the Viper's center bore. Mount the wheel on the balancing machine spindle with the cone adapter, ensuring the wheel is centered properly. Hand-tighten the spinner nut to secure the wheel, taking care not to over-tighten and damage the wheel. Verify the wheel spins freely without wobble.
7. 7

   Input wheel specifications
   Enter the wheel diameter (17 inches), wheel width, and distance measurements as indicated by the balancing machine. For the 1992 Viper front wheels (17x10) and rear wheels (17x13), verify the exact wheel width against the wheel markings and enter the correct specifications for accurate balance weight placement.
8. 8

   Perform balance spin cycle
   Lower the safety hood on the balancing machine and initiate the spin cycle. Allow the machine to complete its analysis. The machine will indicate the amount and location of weight needed on both the inner and outer planes of the wheel. Record the readings.
9. 9

   Install balance weights
   Install clip-on weights at the positions indicated by the balancing machine on the outer rim flange. For the inner plane, use adhesive weights on the inner barrel surface if the wheel design prevents clip-on weight installation. Press adhesive weights firmly to ensure proper adhesion. Spin the wheel again to verify balance. Add or adjust weights as needed until the machine indicates the wheel is within acceptable balance tolerance (typically less than 0.25 oz per plane).
10. 10

    Balance remaining wheels
    Remove the balanced wheel from the machine. Repeat steps 6 through 9 for each of the remaining three wheels, ensuring each is balanced to specification before proceeding to the next.
11. 11

    Inspect wheel mounting surfaces
    Clean the hub mounting surfaces on all four corners of the vehicle using a wire brush. Remove any rust, corrosion, or debris that could prevent the wheel from seating flat against the hub. Inspect wheel studs for damage or corrosion.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount each wheel onto its respective hub, aligning the wheel holes with the studs. If wheels were marked by position, reinstall them in their original locations. Hand-thread all lug nuts onto the studs, turning clockwise. Tighten lug nuts by hand in a star pattern until the wheel is drawn snug against the hub, but do not apply full torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove load from the jack stands. Remove all four jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until all wheels are in full contact with the ground. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten each wheel's lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Make multiple passes in the star pattern to ensure even torque distribution across all lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify tire pressures
    Check tire pressure on all four tires using a tire pressure gauge. Adjust to the manufacturer's recommended pressure specification found on the driver's door jamb placard. For the 1992 Viper, adjust tire pressures to the values listed on the driver's door jamb placard.

Reassembly

1. After driving 50-100 miles, re-check lug nut torque to ensure they remain at specification.
2. If vibration persists after balancing, inspect for bent wheels, tire defects, or suspension component wear.
3. Balance should be rechecked whenever tires are dismounted and remounted, or if vibration develops during driving.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds (30-70 mph) to verify that vibration has been eliminated.
• Steering wheel should remain steady with no oscillation at highway speeds.
• No unusual tire noise or thumping should be present during driving.
• Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification after test drive.

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