Tire Balance

Remove all four wheels, mount tires on balancing machine, correct imbalance with wheel weights, and reinstall wheels to proper torque specification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Use appropriate size for measured imbalance

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground during initial lifting.
3. Mark each wheel position (LF, RF, LR, RR) with chalk or masking tape to ensure reinstallation in original position unless rotation is intended.
4. Loosen all wheel lug nuts approximately one full turn while wheels are still on the ground. Do not remove yet.
5. Verify tire balancing machine is calibrated and appropriate cone adapters for Viper wheel center bore are available.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using the floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Once elevated, place jack stands under the front frame rails at the manufacturer-designated support points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Repeat process for the rear of the vehicle, using the rear jacking point and placing stands under the rear frame rails. Ensure all four corners are securely supported before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove all wheels
   Fully remove all lug nuts (5 per wheel) and set aside in organized groups to maintain position awareness. Carefully pull each wheel straight off the hub. Inspect the hub mating surface for corrosion or debris that could cause runout issues. Use a wire brush to clean hub face if necessary. Set wheels aside in a clean area corresponding to their marked positions.
3. 3

   Inspect wheels and tires before balancing
   Visually inspect each wheel for bends, cracks, or damage that could affect balance. Check each tire for uneven wear patterns, sidewall damage, embedded objects, or belt separation. Verify tire pressure and adjust to manufacturer specification before balancing (refer to the driver door jamb placard or owner's manual for the correct front and rear cold pressures, which differ due to staggered fitment). Remove any existing wheel weights and clean the weight mounting surfaces with solvent or degreaser.
4. 4

   Mount first wheel on balancing machine
   Select the appropriate cone adapter for the Viper's wheel center bore. Mount the wheel onto the balancing machine spindle ensuring it is centered and seated properly against the cone. Secure with the machine's clamp and locknut. Enter wheel specifications into the balancing machine: measure and input wheel diameter, width, and distance from machine housing to inner weight plane. Lower the hood or safety guard.
5. 5

   Perform balancing measurement
   Initiate the balancing machine spin cycle. Allow the machine to complete its measurement cycle and display the imbalance values for both inner and outer weight planes. The machine will indicate weight amount and placement location (typically in degrees or clock position). Record the values for reference.
6. 6

   Apply corrective weights
   Based on machine readings, select appropriate wheel weights (clip-on for steel wheels or adhesive for alloy wheels). Rotate the wheel to the position indicated by the balancing machine for the outer weight plane. Apply the specified weight at the 12 o'clock position as indicated. Repeat for the inner weight plane. Ensure weights are firmly seated and secure. For adhesive weights, clean the rim surface with alcohol before application.
7. 7

   Verify balance
   Perform a verification spin on the balancing machine to confirm the imbalance has been corrected. Acceptable tolerance is typically 0.25 oz or less per plane for performance applications. If readings are not within tolerance, adjust weight placement or amounts as needed and re-spin until acceptable balance is achieved.
8. 8

   Balance remaining wheels
   Remove the balanced wheel from the machine and set aside. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for each of the remaining three wheels. Maintain organization to ensure each wheel returns to its original position on the vehicle.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Clean the hub face once more if needed. Align each wheel with its original position (or new position if rotating) and slide onto the hub studs. Thread all 5 lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a breaker bar or impact wrench until snug, but do not torque fully while vehicle is on stands.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With all wheels on the ground, perform final torque of all lug nuts to specification using a torque wrench. Follow a star pattern on each wheel: tighten in a crossing sequence (for 5-lug pattern) in three passes, with the final pass to the factory-specified lug nut torque (verify exact value against Viper service documentation, commonly approximately 150 Nm / 110 ft-lb).
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. After initial test drive (50-100 miles), re-check lug nut torque to ensure proper retention.
2. Check tire pressures after wheels have cooled and adjust to specification if needed.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds up to highway speed, noting any vibration through the steering wheel (indicates front wheel imbalance) or through the seat/chassis (indicates rear wheel imbalance).
• Verify no vibration is present at speeds between 55-75 mph, where wheel imbalance is most noticeable.
• Confirm all lug nuts are torqued to specification using torque wrench.
• Verify all wheel weights are securely attached and properly positioned.
• Check tire pressures are at specification and TPMS warning light (if equipped) is not illuminated.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle