Does this look like a normal tire balance? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cubanbaptist · #1 02-11-2006, 02:53 PM

I've never seen 2 weights used before I got these tires.

Any thoughts on whether or not this is normal for balancing?

See attached jpg's.

zcc · #2 02-11-2006, 02:57 PM

Yes it's normal because of an old rings.

Pete Geither · #3 02-11-2006, 03:04 PM

The people balancing the tire may not have one weight that filled the bill and just used two to add up to the required weight. I have done that on occasion, but usually on the inside if possible. That is where you have two weights close together. The other wheel with the weights far apart is a mystery. I have never had to put two weights so far apart. It's like they never took the original weight off and just added one after they mounted the new tire.

Peter Guenther · #4 02-11-2006, 03:20 PM

I have seen it once, they balanced the tire on the rim, and then spun it on the car with a strobe light and a sensor attached to the "A" arm. I dont think anyone does it anymore, the MB shop in Arlington Heights IL called it a "fine line" balance. It was under warranty for the infamous 140 vibration, and it did do a pretty job until tire rotation.
I had it done in FL at a place that advertised "on car balance" and it was the worst balance ever, talk about getting screwed. I should have known by the location and all the pick up trucks and characters.

Moneypit SEL · #5 02-11-2006, 03:32 PM

Pic 1 is OK. Pic 2 is pretty bogus.

Brian Carlton · #6 02-11-2006, 04:24 PM

The second picture is caused by two errors on the part of the operator:

1) The use of a slightly larger weight than necessary. This would require a smaller weight directly opposite the first weight.

2) A slightly misplaced angle for the application of the weight. This would require a correction at 90 degrees to the application of the first weight.

In the case of the second wheel, he has a combination of the two errors. The largest error is the fact that the weight is too big. The smaller error is the fact that the weight is placed slightly too far counterclockwise. If it was moved clockwise by about 3°, the second weight would be directly opposite the first weight. Then, he'd only have made one type of error.

Note, however, that the final result is the same.......it just looks like crap to someone with experience in these things.

#7 02-11-2006, 04:28 PM

Pic 1 was just a matter of making up the needed weight with two weights instead of one. Pic 2 is a sign of a poorly operating balancer or shoddily applied weights on the first spin then when spinning it the second time it asked for some extra weight in an effort to balance what it found.

Pic 2 could very easily be the result of the balancer not having the proper diameter/width/offset properly set on the first spin up. In any event it is somewhat shoddy, but not uncommon. Many of the tire store kids just keep spinning and adding weight until the machine zeros. A person who cares about their work will remove the weights adjust the machine or whatever then respin to minimize the added weight. Most are just wanting to get it off the machine and back on the car so they can get closer to quitting time.

The good news is that in all likelihood the wheel is balanced.

Have a great day,

stevebfl · #8 02-11-2006, 05:34 PM

I was going to say most of what Larry said, so I won't repeat it. I might point out that ones gets what one pays for.

Other than the bold ugliness of the job, the weights also were POS. Can you tell the difference between midiocrity and good service. If it doesn't matter why would one pay more for quality. But then why would one who didn't care drive a MB.

#9 02-11-2006, 06:34 PM

That is toatal @#$*&(^%$#@$%^&*)!! Those are not the correct weights for your wheels!! They used steel wheel weights and not alloy. You will have gouges where these weights were applied to your rim. You can see the difference of the weights in Pic 2. This (pic 2) is a typical counterbalance when wheel weights are not removed prior to balancing and just adding where the machine says to, as Larry said. This only wears the tire out faster making a higher rotating weight. I have been balancing tires for 15 years on and off. I can't count how many times I have seen tires come in for the same thing from people that worked with me. Pure lazy. Let us know where not to go and let them know that you posted their shotty work here when you get your money back. I had my car waiting at one recommended shop and watched the tech replace used weights that he cut to shave some weight on the auto. I took my keys back and went away quickly. The manager was rather embarrassed and actually called me that night and appoligized. Too little too late. A good shop that treats your auto like their own is hard to find but worth it's weight in gold!
Chris
1990 300E

t walgamuth · #10 02-11-2006, 07:25 PM

the factory weights use springs and dont scratch or come loose.

they are hard to beat but you only get them at the dealer, in my experience. i admit i have only done it once that way.

tom w