Tire Balance

Remove all four wheels, mount tires on balancing machine, add wheel weights as needed to eliminate vibration, and reinstall wheels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clip-on wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Use as needed per balancing machine readout
• Adhesive wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Use as needed for alloy wheels

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts approximately one full turn while vehicle is still on the ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified front jacking point and secure with jack stands under frame rails
5. Lift rear of vehicle and secure with jack stands under rear axle or frame rails
6. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove all four wheels
   Finish removing the loosened lug nuts from all four wheels and set aside. Remove wheels and place in order (LF, RF, LR, RR) to maintain tire rotation tracking. Inspect lug nuts for damage or excessive wear.
2. 2

   Inspect tires and wheels
   Before balancing, inspect each tire for irregular wear patterns, damage, embedded objects, or separation. Check wheels for bends, cracks, or other damage. Remove any existing wheel weights. Clean wheel rim surfaces where weights will be applied using wire brush if necessary.
3. 3

   Mount first tire on balancing machine
   Mount the tire/wheel assembly on the balancing machine cone, ensuring it is centered properly. Install the appropriate cone size for the wheel center bore and tighten the wing nut or quick-release mechanism securely. Enter wheel diameter, width, and distance measurements into the balancing machine as prompted.
4. 4

   Perform balance measurement
   Lower the safety hood on the balancing machine and initiate the spin cycle. Allow the machine to complete its measurement cycle. Review the readout showing the amount and location of weight needed on both the inner and outer rim flanges.
5. 5

   Install wheel weights
   Rotate the wheel to the position indicated by the balancing machine (typically at 12 o'clock when machine signals). Install the specified weight at the outer rim location. For steel wheels, use clip-on weights at the rim flange. For alloy wheels, use adhesive weights on the inner barrel surface. Repeat for inner weight location. Ensure weights are firmly seated.
6. 6

   Verify balance
   Spin the tire again on the balancing machine to verify balance is within acceptable limits (typically 0.25 oz or less per side). If out of specification, adjust weight positions or amounts as needed. Repeat verification spin until balanced.
7. 7

   Balance remaining three wheels
   Remove the balanced wheel from the machine and repeat steps 3 through 6 for each of the remaining three wheels. Keep track of which wheel came from which position on the vehicle.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels on vehicle
   Mount each wheel back onto its original hub position (unless performing tire rotation). Hand-thread all lug nuts to ensure proper seating and prevent cross-threading. Do not fully tighten yet.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
   Carefully lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque all lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern: start with one lug nut, then move to the opposite side, continuing in a star pattern until all are torqued. Complete the pattern at least twice to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final lowering and recheck
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands and floor jack. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in the same star pattern to confirm they remain at specification. Store all tools and dispose of any old wheel weights properly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Verify no tools or parts are left near the vehicle
3. Remove wheel chocks before test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (25-65 mph) to verify vibration has been eliminated
• Steering wheel should remain centered and steady at highway speeds
• No unusual vibrations should be felt through the seat or steering wheel
• Recheck lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving

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