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Wheel balance

To: tigers@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Wheel balance
From: Tom Hall <modtiger@engravers.com>
Date: Sat, 02 May 1998 22:53:53 -0700
Tigers are very sensitive to typically minor errors in balance or
roundness.  I found out the first time I installed a set of LAT-70s.  The
original LAT rims never were very good in this regard.  Unless the balance
Technician was observent, It is very easy to place the weights in a
location where the calipers knock them off.  

They are also very sensitive to runout of either the rim or the tires.
Runout can occur from several causes.  Improper machining, lack of
centering, and operational damage.  It's always a good idea to check the
rims before or between tire mountings.  A dial indicator will give you the
best readout, but any fixed pointer will give you the basic story.  Runout
exceeding 0.06 will definately give you feedback in the form of vibration
and cause other problems.  The more positive offset your wheels have the
more pronounced this problem will be.  You need to check both diametrial
runout and side to side which will occur with either bad seating on the hub
or road damage.  If the rims run true, the next step is the tire.  Tires
are not perfect and out of round belts are more common than you might
think.  Tires can be trued (cut round) by many performance tire shops.  You
may think you are throwing money away by cutting off rubber, but the truth
is that a tire that runs with less runout will run cooler, cause less
feedback of vibration and will likely last longer than one simply mounted
and run as is.  It will also make the car much more enjoyable to drive.

Tom


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