Wheel balancing is one of the activities that ensure the stability of the car on the road and affect traffic safety. Many car owners believe that only service stations can do high-quality balancing. They are partly right, but it is not always possible to contact the masters, and it is impossible to delay the procedure. In this situation, you can do the balancing of the wheels with your own hands in a garage. There are ways to carry out this procedure without professional equipment.
Why is balancing necessary?
Uneven wear of rubber or disc damage lead to imbalance, that is, a violation of the distribution of the mass of the wheels relative to the horizontal and vertical planes. There are two types of imbalance:
- Static, when the axis of rotation shifts with respect to the axis of inertia and begins to move the center of gravity up and down.
- Dynamic, when the axis of rotation intersects with the axis of inertia, violating the horizontal distribution of the mass of the wheel. The disc writes a figure eight while the car is moving.
There are two types of imbalance: static and dynamic.
The imbalance causes the wheels to vibrate while driving. Wheel imbalance, especially when driving at high speed, impairs handling, increases the length stopping distance, leads to premature wear of running gear parts.
Unbalanced wheels while driving at high speeds cause loss of control. But even if the accident did not happen, constant vibration renders the hub bearing unusable, and over time, the failure of the entire running system TS.
The task of the procedure is to restore balance to the wheels during rotation. The result of balancing is a uniform distribution of the mass of the wheel relative to the axes of rotation.
How often to
- During a tire change. In reputable service stations, the procedure is included in the cost of the service for “changing shoes” for a car.
- If a wheel hits an object or falls into a hole. Such situations lead to damage to the disc and imbalance of the wheel.
- After 15000 km run. During the season, few motorists wind up such a number of kilometers, therefore standard car enough balancing when changing tires.
- Every 8000 km for lovers of aggressive driving style.
- Before traveling over 1500 km.
Signs of imbalance
The main signal of imbalance is the appearance of vibration. The intensity of the vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment depends on the degree of imbalance. Sometimes at speed the car starts to literally tremble with the whole body.
The nature of the vibration indicates which wheels are unbalanced:
- the front give pushes to the steering wheel;
- the rear ones make the rear seats vibrate.
Other signs of imbalance are increased fuel consumption, rustling tires while driving, uneven wear and regular tire deflation.
Balancing methods
Using the advice of experienced drivers, you can independently balance the old-fashioned way without using a special machine. This will take more time than the master would spend in the service, but will save money.
If desired, wheel balancing can be carried out independently in garage conditions.
To perform the procedure yourself, you will need the following devices and materials:
- jack;
- balancing weights;
- chalk or marker;
- a set of keys.
Interesting! To balance wheels on cast or forged rims, it is advisable to purchase self-adhesive weights. But in winter, such weights can come unstuck from temperature changes.
Balancing weights are required for balancing.
without wheel removal
The self-balancing process consists of the following steps:
- Preparatory. The wheels are cleaned of dirt, stones stuck in the tires, the caps are removed, the pressure in the tire is lowered, and the old weights are removed. The jack is installed on one side of the vehicle, freeing 2 wheels. Check the free rotation of the wheels. If the wheel turns hard, you need to unpin it and loosen the hub nut.
- Definition of a light point. The wheel is rotated counterclockwise and waited for it to stop. Mark the top point. Then turn the wheels clockwise and again mark the top point. The middle between two marks is a light point.
- Installation of weights. With a hammer, weights weighing from 10 to 45 grams are stuffed onto the found point, starting with the lungs. After that, spin the wheel and wait for it to stop. The weights should be at the bottom. If it didn’t work out, light weights are removed and heavier ones are stuffed. It is not recommended to use more than 60 grams of cargo per wheel.
- Static balancing. As soon as after stopping the weights were at the bottom, they begin to move apart in different directions. The wheel begins to rotate and spread the weights. The purpose of the process is to ensure that the wheel stops in a different position each time. Once this starts to work out, the weight is distributed evenly, that is, a static balance is achieved.
In this sequence, the procedure is carried out with each wheel. To check the correctness of the balancing performed, you need to drive a car for at least ten kilometers at a speed of more than 90 km / h. If there are no shocks and taps during movement, then everything is done correctly. If the procedure is performed incorrectly, specific shocks to the steering wheel appear.
For your own confidence, at the first independently performed balancing, you can undergo diagnostics at the service station. If the masters confirm that everything was done correctly, in the future you can do the procedure yourself.
Important! Self-balancing in the garage is only permissible in case of static imbalance. The elimination of dynamic imbalance requires the use of equipment. Experts recommend contacting the service if the car has worn tires and old bent wheels. It is impossible to balance such wheels without special equipment.
On a makeshift stand
You can facilitate the balancing process by making a home-made stand in the garage. In this case, you do not have to remove from the wheel brake pads and loosen the shoulder nut.
A homemade stand simplifies the wheel balancing process
The stand is assembled from an old hub with a working bearing. The hub is mounted on the frame in such a way that the wheel rotates freely, and the whole structure firmly rests on the surface. It is convenient to use vertical metal racks as a frame, between which the wheel is attached. Further balancing steps are the same as the previous method of performing the procedure.
On the machine
Even an experienced motorist in garage conditions carries out balancing "by eye". Therefore, there can be no complete confidence in the correctness of the process. In specialized workshops, balancing is carried out on computer-controlled machines.
Modern service stations are equipped with CNC balancing machines
The machine consists of a conical support for mounting the wheel, a rotating electric motor and sensors. The wheel rotates during tire fitting, and at the same time the computer determines the vibration and pressure. The readings of the sensors help to accurately calculate the weight and installation location of the weights.
Workshops are equipped with two types of machines:
- Manual - on which the master measures the wheel with a ruler and manually enters the data.
- Automatic - information is read by sensors and displayed on the monitor in digital or graphical form.
According to the type of supports used, the machines are divided into:
- Soft, measuring the parameters of the wheel, taking into account vibrations of the supports.
- Rigid, measuring pressure and phase of the rotor.
Interesting! On rigid machines, various parts can be tested, but the quality and accuracy of measurements for this reason is reduced.
Most modern services are equipped with automatic balancing machines. The master puts the wheel on the shaft, clamps it with bolts and spins it. The sensors determine the points of end runout. The computer determines the intensity of the push and calculates the mass of the load that must be attached to the calculated point. The computer will also tell you if the wheel cannot be balanced.
Balancing with granules
One of the newest methods of wheel balancing is the use of special granules instead of weights. The essence of the technique is the filling of special granules into the tire, sliding during movement in the internal space. This free movement eliminates imbalance while moving at speed.
Modern methods of wheel balancing involve the use of microbeads
The advantage of this method is that the granules are loaded once and they perform their intended function for the entire life of the tire. The disadvantage of this balancing method is the high cost of granules. Therefore, balancing in this way has not gained popularity at the present time.
Video: do-it-yourself wheel balancing
Errors during the procedure
If the balancing process is carried out in violation of technology, then the vibration problem will not be solved at best, and at worst it will further worsen. The most common mistakes:
- Balancing in the presence of dirt on the wheel. Additional imbalance can break even pebbles stuck in the tread. The overall picture, even on precise equipment, will be violated, and it will not work to bring the wheel to zero.
- Balancing a wheel that has a broken tire or rim geometry. If the disk has even slight dents or distortions, it must first be rolled on a special machine. Straightening the disk with a hammer or other percussion instruments is unacceptable.
- Incorrect tightening of the hub bolt on the balancing machine. Excessive force will lead to a misalignment of the wheel, and the balance will be incorrect.
- Violation of the technology of installing a tire on a disk. Often even experienced installers perform work in violation of technology. As a result, the wheel is given additional inertia.
- Violation of alignment during the installation of the wheel on the axle of the vehicle. This problem occurs due to a violation of the tightening order of the bolts. Even if a properly balanced wheel is installed out of alignment, it will vibrate.
In order not to encounter such troubles, it is necessary to carefully choose a car service and control the work of the masters. Qualified professionals guarantee own work and show balancing results on the machine display. If the master forbids the presence of the owner of the car during work or does not give a guarantee, it is advisable to refuse his services.
Wheel balancing is an important element of monitoring the technical condition of the vehicle. A timely procedure will help not only increase the safety and comfort of driving, but also extend the life of the car, preventing premature wear of the parts of the running system.
Balancing machines detect irregularities on the parts during rotation and help to eliminate them. Most often, devices with this principle of operation are used in tire shops. In addition, these devices have found application in the engineering industry, where they help balance screws, turbines and other parts.
Such devices may be equipped with equipment for automatic correction of irregularities. In this article we will talk about the calibration of the balancing machine with our own hands and describe its structure.
The structure of the apparatus
The basis of the balancing machine is the support on which the workpieces are mounted and sensors that determine their balance. During testing, the level of imbalance is determined, and based on this information, further actions are taken.
Depending on the type of supports, balancing machines are divided into soft and hard. The first measure the parameters of the wheel, taking into account the oscillations of the supports. At the same time, the device is additionally configured for each detail, which allows for fairly accurate testing.
Rigid wheel balancers are capable of testing different types parts with the same equipment. This is very convenient, but the quality of measurements can be seriously affected by this.
Both on the first and on the second version of the device, the speed sensor plays a special role. No less important for such a machine is a sensor that measures the angles of rotation. Depending on the input option, balancing devices can be manual or automatic.
Principle of operation
The main task of the balancing machine is to determine the balance of the geometric center of the wheel with its mass. An unbalanced part makes any work difficult and can lead to serious damage. Elimination of imbalance allows you to:
- Extend bearing life.
- Prevent premature tire wear.
- Extend suspension life.
Most often, such machines are in demand during the period when drivers change the type of rubber. Balancing of detuned parts can only be carried out using special equipment. There are machines at the service station that can work with a variety of discs in various modes.
There are several options by which you can correct the imbalance of wheels or other parts:
- Balancing rings - used in the process of repairing metalworking machines.
- Adjusting screws - special pins are screwed into the unbalanced part, through which it is adjusted.
- Drilling is the most popular balancing option. It is carried out by creating holes that change the weight of the workpieces.
Balancing machine repair
After prolonged use, individual parts of the device may fail. Conventionally, the origin of the breakdown can be divided into mechanical disorders and a problem with electrical components. In the latter case, problems with the sensors are detected. Mechanical failures most often appear after falls or strong impacts.
You can identify problems with the machine by the following signs:
- Normal balancing requires several cycles of operation.
- The parameters of the tested disks are incorrectly determined.
To repair a balancing machine, the type of failure is first determined by calibration. After that, the defective part is replaced. Restoring a damaged part is more difficult than buying a new one. In addition, repaired structural elements most often break down again after a relatively short period of time.
homemade device
It is possible to make a calibration machine at home, but only its mechanical part. Electrical equipment and measurement sensors should be purchased ready-made. The drawings of the device should be selected in accordance with the features of the future use of the machine. Most best option to create a balancing machine is presented in this step-by-step instruction:
- We create a shaft. It should be machined in such a way that one end has a ready place for mounting bearings, and the other has a thread for installing a washer.
- We install bearings. It is best to use those that have already been applied, but have not yet used up the main resource. Such parts will create minimal resistance.
- We form the rack of the apparatus. For these purposes, it is best to use a pipe with a diameter of 5.2 centimeters. At the upper end of the support, we mount it from above and from the side.
- For convenient setting of the part, we recommend creating a support platform.
Video: do-it-yourself wheel balancing machine.
Nuances of operation
To start working with the machine, you need to fix the disk. This can be done with a nut and a cone. After checking the reliability of fastening, you can proceed to the measuring procedures. The disk spins up, and then its performance is compared with the reference. Deviations should be in the range of 2 and 1.5 g. The first indicator is horizontal, the second is radial.
After initial testing, remove all weights and re-measure. The disc under test stops at the heaviest point downwards. Be sure to take this information into account when measuring disk parameters. After that, the wheel must be twisted 90 degrees and we hang the load on the opposite side. In the event that the wheel stops rotating during a 45-degree turn, it means that the do-it-yourself calibration has been done successfully.
Wheel balancing is important procedure the timeliness of which depends on the comfort and safety of passengers. If the wheels are out of balance, then the vibrations while driving will be transmitted to the steering wheel when the speed reaches approximately 60 kilometers per hour.
What happens if you don't balance on time?
Many drivers think about whether or not to do wheel balancing with their own hands. In reality, there is no choice. It is necessary to carry out this procedure, otherwise the following consequences are possible:
- accelerated wear of the suspension system;
- destruction of bearings;
- poor tire grip;
- the appearance of a non-permanent contact spot;
- lengthening the braking distance;
- deterioration in controllability;
- uneven tread wear;
- frequent tire changes;
- loss of a wheel right on the road.
Due to the fact that the vibration during the ride is transmitted to the hands of the driver - this contributes to rapid fatigue. Therefore, balancing is necessary, especially when there is a long road ahead.
The process of balancing on the machine and stand
To make balancing, you need a special machine or stand. Both are equipped with mounting cones. But only the second in full automatic mode will balance the wheels quickly and reliably.
The wheel starts spinning on the machine. In this case, the lead weights on the rim move. As a result, it is possible to achieve a random location of the center of gravity. But this is a rough balancing act that professionals do not recommend doing.
To make more accurate balancing, you will need to enter the appropriate data about the wheel into the information base of the stand. The device itself will determine what the balance should be in different positions.
Attention! After the completion of calculations and tests, the optimal place for the load will be displayed on the monitor of the stand.
The weights needed for balancing can be of different shapes, but almost all are made of lead. It is ideal for this task. Balancers can both be glued and stuffed.
If we talk about adhesive external balancers, then their main advantage is that they do not violate the overall aesthetics of the disc , on the contrary, they complement it qualitatively.
However, padded balancers also have their advantages. For example, they are better suited for use in the winter than adhesive ones. This is due to the fact that at low temperatures the fixing qualities of the adhesive tape deteriorate. Simply put, the adhesive weight can fall off at high speed. Even a strong jet when washing in a car wash can tear them off the main surface.
Attention! On some discs, due to their unique technical specifications, it is simply not possible to install clip-on weights.
How to properly balance
It all starts with cleaning the wheel from dirt. Even the stones in the tire tread need to be removed. Only then can balancing be done. If at the same time there are old balancing weights on the rims, then you need to get rid of them, otherwise the whole point of the work will be lost.
When the wheel is fixed, several tests must be done. The main thing will be measuring the runout of the tire. Moreover, this must be done in both directions: lateral and radial. This will be needed for the control comparison.
Balancing is more than just securing the weight on the rim. For example, in order to achieve a positive result, you need to properly fit the tire on the disk. This requires a special solution or lubricant. If this is not done, then distortion is quite possible. Naturally, in such conditions, fine tuning is impossible.
If you want to do your own tuning without any difficulties and with maximum accuracy, then you need a quality stand. Devices with the possibility of 3D modeling show themselves best. The laser is responsible for the measurement accuracy. It allows you to calculate the parameters of the disk, and on their basis to carry out the most accurate settings.
Attention! On a device with a 3D function, the amount of wheel runout is measured on three axes.
Do-it-yourself machine
You can make an elementary machine for balancing wheels with your own hands without much difficulty. Here is the simplest design that will allow for much more precise tuning than a car hub:
- support table;
- stand-indicator;
- indicators;
- bearings;
- cone;
- washer;
- bolts for adjustment;
- disk;
- bottom rack;
- tire.
Bolts help to control the height, choosing the optimal parameter. Bearings help reduce drag. But for them you need to make a case. As a basis for the rack, you can take a pipe with a diameter of 52 mm. Indicators are installed on the sides. They will measure the beat.
Attention! The support table is attached in the middle.
How to balance the wheels with your own hands is shown in the video:
Do-it-yourself balancing without special equipment
The setting can be done by hand without special equipment. To do this, you need to slightly jack up the wheel. Therefore, when spinning it up to a certain speed. In fact, the role of the machine will be performed by the hub.
You have to wait for the wheel to stop on its own. The fact is that its heaviest place will be at the bottom. In order to make sure of this, make a note and spin it again.
Attention! The data received on the machine is more accurate.
The balancer is mounted on the opposite side of the heaviest place. Special attention should be paid to the selection of weight. It is better to start with a small mass and gradually increase it until the wheel stops at an arbitrary place each time. Only then can the final fixation be made. If the design allows, it is better to divide the weight into two parts. This will make it possible to evenly distribute the weight over the entire area.
Wheel balancing can be done by hand without much difficulty. In the very simple version You don't even need a machine for this. A hub and a little free time will be enough. Ideally, it is better to use a stand.
In the video you can see how to balance the wheels at home:
The balancing machine is designed to detect the imbalance of parts during rotation. The most widespread machines received on tire fitting. They are also used in mechanical engineering for balancing screws, cardan shafts and turbines and to prevent runout and breakage of machine parts. Some models are equipped with mechanisms for automatic balancing.
What is balancing
A wheel is considered unbalanced if its geometric center and center of mass do not coincide. When such a disk rotates, powerful centrifugal forces appear, causing the car to vibrate. In addition, suspension parts and rubber wear out faster.
Balancing cardan shafts and wheels allows you to avoid uneven wear of tires, increase the life of bearings and suspension. The greatest demand for balancing cardan shafts and discs is manifested in the off-season, when motorists switch from winter tires for summer and vice versa.
balance the wheel or cardan shaft possible only with special equipment. It is not enough just to correctly assemble the wheel, it needs to be balanced. Specialized balancing machines work with discs of different sizes and shapes, provide different modes of operation.
Machine device
The design consists of supports on which the wheel is mounted, an electric motor and measurement sensors. During tire fitting, the part rotates, sensors detect pressure or vibration. Based on the data obtained, the place of imbalance is identified.
Machine tools differ in the design of supports, which can be:
- soft: when testing, the amplitude and frequency of the movement of the support, provoked by the torsion of an unbalanced wheel, are measured. Each type of part has its own machine, so the results of the checks are more accurate;
- rigid: pressure and rotor phase are measured. One machine is testing different kinds details - a universal fixture that gives less accurate results.
Stands for balancing can be with a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation. Accurate measurements are possible with an automated drive.
The speed sensor is one of the most important devices in the machine. It works on the principle of an accelerometer or magnetic induction.
The turn angle measurement sensor is the second important tester in the machine.
Based on the readings of the sensors and the number of turns of the wheel, it is calculated where and how much mass must be added.
According to the principle of data entry, balancing machines are:
- automatic;
- manual.
In the second case, the master measures the wheel manually using a ruler and enters the data manually. Automatic machines require data on the diameter, distance to the disc and sometimes the width to work. Such equipment quickly balances cardan shafts and discs. Information is displayed on an LED or LCD monitor, depending on the model, it can be displayed in graphical or digital form.
Balancing methods
There are three ways to balance wheels and other rotating parts:
- adjustment screws - holes are drilled in the part, where screws are screwed if necessary. They can be changed many times, rearranged, which is very convenient;
- drilling - grooves and holes are made in the necessary places to reduce weight - this is the simplest and most common method at tire fittings;
- balancing rings - used only in metalworking for the repair of milling machines.
Repair of balancing machines
With intensive use, malfunctions of the mechanical or electronic part are detected:
- the most frequent mechanical breakdowns are provoked by falls or bumps: failure of cardan shafts, bearings, and other parts;
- electronic breakdowns are associated with the failure of power, control or sensor boards.
Signs that the machine needs repair:
- balancing does not happen the first time;
- disk weight is incorrectly determined;
- the shape of the disk is incorrectly determined.
Sometimes problems are solved by calibrating the machine. Testing of work is carried out using a reference wheel. The balancing machine is repaired at a tire fitting or with removal to a workshop.
Homemade balancing machine
drawing of the machine: 1 - lower rack; 2 - support table; 3 - bearings; 4 - bearing housing; 5 - indicator stand; 6 - indicators; 7 - nut; 8 - shaft; 9 - cone; 10 - disk; 11 - thrust washer; 12 - tire; 13 - height adjustment bolts
- We grind the shaft, from one end we prepare places for landing bearings, from the other we cut the thread under the cone with the stop washer.
- It is better to use bearings that have been in use and well washed. They provide minimal resistance.
- Do-it-yourself machine stand is welded from a 52 mm metal pipe. Beat indicators are fixed at the top and side.
- To make it easier to install the wheel, a support platform is mounted.
Machine operation:
- We fix the disk in the machine with our own hands, using a nut and a cone;
- We unwind and compare the readings with the norms (horizontal should be no more than 2 g, radial no more than 1.5 g);
- We remove all the weights and check the wheel again, it stops at the heaviest point down, it should be noted;
- We turn the marked point by 90 degrees and hang a weight on the opposite edge;
- If, when turning 45 degrees, the wheel stops and does not rotate, do-it-yourself balancing is done correctly.
Interesting information about wheel balancing and balancing machine repair in videos: