Hey Gang....
I'm new to the group. I've been thinking about new aftermarket wheels and tires for my '95 V6. I'm honestly not realknowledgable when it comes to this topic. However, I've gotten a lot of great ideas andlearned a lotfrom reading through this forum. Thank you!
My question is this. I hope it's not a stupid one....

Does balancing have to be done with those awful ugly weights on the outside of the wheel like I've seen all my life on stock wheels?

Nothing ruins the look of nicely detailed shoes than those ugly weights. Especially if tires have been changed and there are scratches and rust spots from the old weight location.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken

 

No, it can be done 2 ways. Static balance, where just a weght is used on the inside lip. Or a weight used on the inside lip, and sticky weights behind the "spokes" of the wheel.

 

Thanks for the reply, Stoenr.
I am leaning toward a package from Tire Rack.

Is this something I need to request when they mount the tires to the rims, or can I assume anyone who has a clue knows to hide the weights?

It has always made me crazy that Ford balanced the stock wheels on my Mustang & Explorer (with Chrome Sport Wheels) on the outside.

Thanks again,

Ken

 

You will be best served to request the weights on the inside, as the outside is standard on most factory wheels. You will not have an option as to where the weights are actually located as the rotational balance will determine that.

You will most likely be able to easily see the weights through the spokes and will have to just live with it.

Jazzer

 

Yeah, I would request for no weights on the outside lip.

Jazz, Some of the better, more expensive balancers can hide the weights behind the spokes.
You can see in this crappy pic below of the balancer machine it shows spokes. You tell it where 2 spokes next to eachother are located and it sets it up to place weights behind the spoke. Kinda neat.

Unfortunatly with my new wheels theres not much spoke to hide behind, lol.

If the pic doesnt work, link here http://home.comcast.net/~therockshow/balance.JPG

 

Coooooool [8D]

So the machine can 'calculate' the actual location and weight needed and split it between two weights and spread them out???? Sounds like a great idea and will look into that possibilty in future.

I would guess that this 'may' become an issue if you were to have very high speeds and the small difference would be exaggerated.

Thanks, Jazzer

 

Thanks for the help Stoenr & Jazz!
Having balanced many-a-ceiling fan, I understand the concept of balancing. I've just never understood how it applies to wheels. I mean the actual process of balancing. I've seen still photos, but I've never seen it done. I guess it's all computerized now, per Stoenr's great pics.They gave me an idea of how it's done, but now I'm intrigued to know more.
I guess my lesson here is to make sure I request the weights on the inside, and as hidden as possible.
If I have to see them through the spokes, well.... maybe they'll detract from my ugly calipers until I can do something about that!

Ken[/align]

 

Yeah, just takes a little longer to balance. Need to show it the new spoke location after each wheel. I balance mine out to the one hundreth. Most places just to tenths. Im picky like that.