Tire Balance

Remove all four wheels, dismount tires from wheels, balance each tire on a balancing machine, and reinstall tires and wheels on vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if starting with front wheels, or in front of front wheels if starting with rear wheels.
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts approximately one full turn while wheels are still on the ground (do not remove).
4. Verify tire balancing machine is calibrated and ready for use.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Using the hydraulic floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle at the front jacking point located under the front crossmember. Once lifted to working height, place jack stands under the front frame rails near the suspension attachment points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Repeat process for rear of vehicle, jacking at the manufacturer-specified rear jacking point and placing stands under the factory-designated rear support points (verify locations in the service manual). Ensure all four corners are securely supported on jack stands before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove all four wheels
   With the lug nuts already loosened, remove all six lug nuts from each wheel completely and set aside. Remove each wheel from the hub and place on clean surface in order (mark or remember which corner each came from). Inspect the wheel studs for damage or thread wear while wheels are removed.
3. 3

   Inspect tire and wheel assemblies
   Before balancing, inspect each tire for uneven wear patterns, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. Inspect each wheel for bends, cracks, or damage to the bead seating surface. Check valve stems for cracks or damage. If any wheel or tire shows damage that would prevent proper balancing, note for repair or replacement before proceeding.
4. 4

   Mount first wheel on balancing machine
   Select the appropriate centering cone and adapter for the Viper wheel. Mount the first wheel assembly onto the balancing machine spindle, ensuring the wheel is properly centered using the cone and backplate. Secure with the machine's mounting hardware according to the balancer manufacturer's instructions. Input the wheel diameter, width, and offset measurements into the balancing machine.
5. 5

   Remove old wheel weights
   Remove all existing wheel weights from both the inner and outer rim flanges. For clip-on weights, use a screwdriver or weight removal tool to pry off. For adhesive weights, peel off and clean any remaining adhesive residue with appropriate solvent. Ensure the rim surface is clean and free of debris where new weights will be applied.
6. 6

   Perform tire balance
   Lower the balancing machine hood or safety guard. Initiate a spin cycle on the balancing machine. Allow the machine to complete its measurement cycle and display the amount and location of weight needed for both inner and outer wheel planes. Note the weight amounts and clock positions indicated by the machine.
7. 7

   Install wheel weights
   Rotate the wheel to the first weight location as indicated by the balancing machine. Install the specified weight at the 12 o'clock position (or as indicated by machine). For clip-on weights, firmly press onto the rim flange using the weight hammer or installation tool. For adhesive weights, clean the mounting surface and press firmly for 5 seconds. Repeat for the second weight location if indicated. Perform a verification spin to confirm balance is within acceptable tolerance (typically 0.25 oz or less).
8. 8

   Balance remaining three wheels
   Remove the balanced wheel from the machine. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for each of the remaining three wheels, ensuring each is balanced to specification before removing from the machine. Keep wheels organized by their original vehicle position.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels on vehicle
   Mount each wheel back onto its original hub position. Install all six lug nuts on each wheel by hand, threading them in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands using the floor jack, remove the stands, and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 110 ft-lb using the torque wrench. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque to the final specification to ensure even pressure distribution.
11. 11

    Verify tire pressures
    Using a tire pressure gauge, check the cold tire pressure on all four tires. Verify the correct cold tire pressures for the 2008 Viper on the driver door jamb placard, as front and rear specifications may differ due to staggered tire sizing. Adjust pressure as needed. Adjust pressure as needed.

Reassembly

1. Lug nut torque must be rechecked after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure proper retention.
2. Road test the vehicle at moderate speeds to verify no vibration is present. If vibration persists, rebalance or check for bent wheels or tire defects.

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (30-70 mph) to confirm no steering wheel vibration or chassis shake is present.
• Visually inspect all wheel weights to ensure they are securely attached and properly positioned.
• Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification using torque wrench after test drive.

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