Hunter SmartWeight Touch User manual

Copyright © 2012 - 2014 Hunter Engineering Company
Form 6555TE-05, 05-14a
Supersedes Form 6555TE-05, 09-12
SmartWeight Touch®and GSP9200
Touch Wheel Balancer
Operation Instructions Software Version 2.0

CONTENTS i
Contents
Owner Information ...............................................................v
Concept and Procedure Training Checklist.............................................v
1. Getting Started ...............................................................1
1.1 Introduction...........................................................................1
References........................................................................1
1.2 For Your Safety........................................................................2
Hazard Definitions ..................................................................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................2
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS........................................................3
Electrical..........................................................................3
Decal Information and Placement ......................................................3
Right Side View..............................................................3
Left Side View ...............................................................4
Back View ..................................................................4
Specific Precautions/Power Source.....................................................4
Specific Precautions/BDC Laser Indicator................................................5
Specific Precautions/HammerHead®TDC Laser Indicator (Optional)...........................5
Turning Power ON/OFF ..............................................................5
Push Button Switch ...........................................................5
Main Power Switch ...........................................................5
Equipment Installation and Service .....................................................6
Equipment Specifications.............................................................6
Explanation of Symbols ..............................................................6
1.3 SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch Components...........................................7
1.4 Main Screen Components ...............................................................8
1.5 Operating the Balancer .................................................................9
Main Balance Screen................................................................9
Main Balance Screen - Error Pop-ups ............................................9
Main Balance Screen - Prompt Text ..............................................9
Main Balance Screen – Performing a Spin.........................................9
Main Balance Screen – Servoing To Position......................................10
Main Balance Screen – SmartWeight® Buttons....................................10
2. Introduction to Balancing.......................................................11
2.1 Balance Forces.......................................................................11
Balancing Theory - Static Imbalance ...................................................11
Balancing Theory - Couple Imbalance..................................................12
2.2 SmartWeight Balancing Technology® .....................................................13
Static and Dynamic Imbalance Sensitivity ...............................................13
2.3 SmartWeight Balancing Technology® Dynamic Weight Planes .................................14
2.4 Using SmartWeight Balancing Technology® ................................................14
Switching from SmartWeight Balancing Technology® to Traditional Dynamic Balancing...........15
Switching from Traditional Dynamic Balancing to Traditional Static Balancing....................16
Blinding and Rounding .......................................................16
Enable Performance Mode ..........................................................16
Show Savings.....................................................................17
3. Balancing Procedures.........................................................19
3.1 Mounting a Wheel Using Wheel Lift (Optional)...............................................19
Raising the Wheel Assembly .........................................................19
Lowering the Wheel Assembly........................................................20
3.2 Mounting the Wheel on the Balancer Spindle Shaft ..........................................21
Installing the Wheel - Typical Scenario .................................................21
Installing the Wheel Using Quick-Thread® Wheel Clamping.................................22
Installing the Wheel Using Auto-Clamp™ Wheel Clamping (Optional) .........................23
3.3 CenteringCheck® Wheel Centering Feature ................................................25

ii CONTENTS
CenteringCheck®..................................................................25
CenteringCheck® Errors......................................................25
Balance Mode CenteringCheck® ...............................................25
Mounting Error Detection Features..............................................26
3.4 Front / Back Collet Mounting ............................................................27
Using The Plastic Wheel Mounting Spacer ..............................................27
Using The 9-Inch Alloy Wheel Pressure Cup.............................................28
Front Collet Mounting...............................................................28
Heavy Wheel Centering .............................................................28
3.5 Specialized Mounting Conditions.........................................................29
Collet / Flange Plate Mounting ........................................................29
Using the Pressure Ring and Spacers..................................................29
Pressure Ring ..............................................................29
3.6 On-Vehicle Wheel Installation Methods ....................................................30
Hub Centric ......................................................................30
Lug Centric.......................................................................30
3.7 Wheel Assembly Selection for Saving Spin Data ............................................31
Saving Spin Data ..................................................................31
Measurement Storage ..............................................................31
Print Summary ....................................................................31
3.8 Balance Modes.......................................................................33
SmartWeight® Balancing Technology ..................................................33
Dynamic Balancing – Traditional Balancing Mode.........................................33
Switching from SmartWeight Balancing Technology® to Traditional Dynamic Balancing ....33
Static Balancing – Traditional Balancing Mode ...........................................34
Switching from Traditional Dynamic Balancing to Traditional Static Balancing. ............34
Blinding and Rounding .......................................................34
3.9 Balancing Procedures for Specific Weight Types and Placement using TruWeight™.................35
Dimensions Entry..................................................................35
Dimensions Entry - Inner Clip ..................................................35
Dimensions Entry - Inner Tape .................................................35
Dimensions Entry - Outer Tape.................................................36
Dimensions Entry - Enter Spoke(s) ..............................................36
Dimensions Entry - Outer Clip..................................................36
Dimensions Entry - Inner and Outer Clip..........................................36
Balancing Procedure Using Clip-On Weights ............................................36
Balancing Procedure Using a Combination of Clip-On & Adhesive (Tape) Weights (Mixed Weights)..38
Balancing Procedure Using Adhesive (Tape) Weights......................................41
3.10 Automatic Dataset® Arms Operation .....................................................43
Automatic Weight Position Measurement................................................43
Manual Weight Position Measurement..................................................44
Measuring Dimensions..............................................................44
3.11 Blinding and Rounding ................................................................44
3.12 Tape Weight Menu ...................................................................45
Split Weight® .....................................................................45
Correcting Large Imbalances.........................................................46
3.13 Split Spoke® Feature .................................................................46
3.14 BDC Laser Adhesive Weight Locator .....................................................47
3.15 Optional HammerHead®TDC Laser Adhesive Weight Locator .................................47
Specific Precautions / HammerHead® TDC Laser System ..................................48
3.16 TPMSpecs™ Feature .................................................................48
3.17 Hunter Help.........................................................................50
Video Player......................................................................50
Launch Help ......................................................................51
3.18 Printout ............................................................................53
3.19 Quick-Thread® Wheel Clamping ........................................................54
Auto-Clamping™ Wheel Clamping (Optional) ............................................54
3.20 Motor Drive/Servo-Stop and Spindle-Lok®................................................55
Motor Drive/Servo-Stop .............................................................55
Spindle-Lok® Feature ..............................................................55
3.21 Safety Hood Features ................................................................55

CONTENTS iii
Hood Autostart ....................................................................55
3.22 Loose Hub Detect Feature.............................................................56
4. Equipment Information ........................................................57
4.1 Tools ...............................................................................57
Quick Calibration Check.............................................................57
Set Up...........................................................................57
“Reset All” Button ...........................................................58
Specification Database .......................................................59
Volume Control .............................................................59
Date and Time..............................................................60
Support of 3M Tape Weights...................................................60
Display Language ...........................................................61
Print Language .............................................................61
Printer ....................................................................61
Print Preview ...............................................................61
Printout Paper Size Selection ..................................................62
Selectable Print Destination ...................................................62
Servo-Stop ................................................................62
Rim Dimension Manual Entry ..................................................62
Rim Interior Light............................................................63
Balance Checkspin ..........................................................63
Weight Units ...............................................................63
Background Color ...........................................................63
Calibration Procedures..............................................................64
Diagnostics.......................................................................64
Identify Software ..................................................................65
Authorization .....................................................................65
TPMS ...........................................................................65
Clean Threads ....................................................................67
Balance Bare Rim .................................................................67
4.2 USB Program Flash Drive and Security Key Removal and Installation............................68
5. Calibration and Maintenance....................................................69
5.1 Calibration Procedures.................................................................69
eCal™ Auto-Calibration .............................................................69
Calibration Procedures..............................................................69
Calibration Check..................................................................70
5.2 Diagnostic Tools......................................................................71
Data Acquisition Circuits ............................................................71
Keys and Switches.................................................................71
eCal™...........................................................................71
Spindle Encoder...................................................................72
Dataset Arm Sensors...............................................................72
5.3 Cleaning the Console..................................................................73
Cleaning the Screen................................................................73
Safety Instructions...........................................................73
Spindle Hub Face and Shaft .........................................................73
BDC Laser Adhesive Weight Locator Maintenance or Service ...............................73
Optional HammerHead®TDC Laser Clip-On Weight Locator Maintenance or Service ............74
5.4 Mounting Cone Maintenance ............................................................74
6. Glossary ...................................................................75

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
iv

OWNER INFORMATION / CONCEPT AND PROCEDURE TRAINING CHECKLIST v
OWNER INFORMATION
Model Number
Software Version Number
Serial Number
Date Installed
Service and Parts Representative
Phone Number
Sales Representative
Phone Number
CONCEPT AND PROCEDURE TRAINING CHECKLIST
Trained Declined
Safety Precautions
Quick-Thread®
AutoClamp (optional)
Autostart
Servo-Stop
Maintenance & Calibration
Cleaning, Lubrication, and Maintenance of Adaptors, Hub, and Shaft
Calibrating the Balancer
Calibrating the Load Roller and Dataset Arms
Calibrating the Inflation Station
Mounting the Wheel/Tire Assembly
Verifying Mounting Repeatability with Centering Check Feature
Cone Mounting
Pressure Ring and Spacers
Flange Plate and Cone Mounting
Wheel Balancing
SmartWeight®
Standard
Mixed Weights
Adhesive Weights with Auto Dataset Arms

vi OWNER INFORMATION / CONCEPT AND PROCEDURE TRAINING CHECKLIST
Split Spoke®
RimScan
TPMS
Do’s and Don’ts of Wheel Balancing
Adjusting P/SUV/LT Limits
Assembly Measurements
Applying Previous Wheel Measurements
Applying Previous Tire Measurements
Wheel Measurement with Dataset Arms
Tire Installed
Bare Rim
Matching Without Rim Runout
Individuals and Date Trained:
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________

GETTING STARTED 1
1. Getting Started 1.1 Introduction
This manual provides operation instructions and
information required to operate the SmartWeight Touch®/
GSP9200 Touch Balancer. Read and become familiar
with the contents of this manual prior to operating the
SmartWeight Touch® or the GSP9200 Touch Balancer.
The owner of the SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch
Balancer is solely responsible for arranging technical
training. The SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch
Balancer is to be operated only by qualified trained
technicians. Maintaining records of personnel trained is
solely the responsibility of the owner and management.
This manual assumes the technician has already been
trained in basic balancing procedures.
References
This manual assumes that you are already familiar with
the basics of tire balancing. The first section provides the
basic information needed to operate the SmartWeight
Touch®/GSP9200 Touch. The following sections contain
detailed information about equipment operation and
procedures. “Italics” are used to refer to specific parts
of this manual that provide additional information or
explanation. For example, “1.3 SmartWeight Touch®/
GSP9200 Touch Components” on page 7. These
references should be read for additional information to
the instructions being presented.

2 GETTING STARTED
DO NOT ALTER THE ELECTRICAL PLUG.
Plugging the electrical plug into an unsuitable
supply circuit will damage the equipment and
may result in personal injury.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not operate equipment near
open containers of flammable liquids (gasoline).
Read and follow all caution and warning labels affixed to
your equipment and tools. Misuse of this equipment can
cause personal injury and shorten the life of the balancer.
Keep all instructions permanently with the unit.
Keep all decals, labels, and notices clean and visible.
To prevent accidents and/or damage to the balancer, use
only Hunter SmartWeight Touch® and GSP9200 Touch
Balancer recommended accessories.
Use equipment only as described in this manual.
Never stand on the balancer.
Wear non-slip safety footwear when operating the
balancer.
Keep hair, loose clothing, neckties, jewelry, fingers, and
all parts of body away from all moving parts.
Do not place any tools, weights, or other objects on the
safety hood while operating the balancer.
ALWAYS WEAR OSHA APPROVED SAFETY
GLASSES. Eyeglasses that have only impact resistant
lenses are NOT safety glasses.
Keep the safety hood and its safety interlock system in
good working order.
Verify that the wheel is mounted properly and that the
wing nut is firmly tightened before spinning the wheel.
The safety hood must be closed before touching the
green “START” button, to spin the wheel.
Hood Autostart will cause the balancer shaft to spin
automatically upon hood closure. For the next Autostart,
the safety hood has to be lifted to the full up position and
then closed.
Raise safety hood only after wheel has come to a
complete stop. If safety hood is raised before the spin is
completed, the weight values will not be displayed.
Do not let cord hang over any edge or contact fan blades
or hot manifolds.
1.2 For Your Safety
Hazard Definitions
Watch for these symbols:
CAUTION: Hazards or unsafe practices,
which could result in minor personal injury or
product or property damage.
WARNING: Hazards or unsafe practices,
which could result in severe personal injury or
death.
DANGER: Immediate hazards, which
will result in severe personal injury or death.
These symbols identify situations that could be
detrimental to your safety and/or cause equipment
damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before operating the SmartWeight
Touch®/GSP9200 Touch Balancer. Read and follow
the instructions and warnings provided in the service,
operation and specification documents of the products
with which this SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch
Balancer is used (i.e., automobile manufacturers, tire
manufacturers etc.).
Do not operate equipment with a damaged cord or
equipment that has been dropped or damaged until a
Hunter Service Representative has examined it.
Always unplug equipment from electrical outlet when not
in use. Never use the cord to pull the plug from the outlet.
Grasp plug and pull to disconnect.
If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a current
rating equal to or more than that of the equipment should
be used. Cords rated for less current than the equipment
may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord
so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
Verify that the electrical supply circuit and the receptacle
are properly grounded.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use on wet
surfaces or expose to rain.
Verify the appropriate electrical supply circuit is the same
voltage and amperage ratings as marked on the balancer
before operating.

GETTING STARTED 3
Decal 128-1117-2 shows the FDA performance standards
compliance.
Figure 1.
The red “STOP” button, can be used for emergency
stops.
Never reach under the hood while the
balancer is performing a balance spin.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Electrical
The Hunter SmartWeight Touch® and GSP9200 Touch
Balancer are manufactured to operate at a specific
voltage and amperage rating.
Make sure that the appropriate electrical supply circuit is
of the same voltage and amperage ratings as marked on
the balancer.
DO NOT ALTER THE ELECTRICAL PLUG.
Plugging the electrical plug into an unsuitable
supply circuit will damage the equipment.
Make sure that the electrical supply circuit and the
appropriate receptacle is installed with proper grounding.
To prevent the possibility of electrical shock injury or
damage to the equipment when servicing the balancer,
power must be disconnected by removing the power cord
from the electrical power outlet.
After servicing, be sure the balancer ON/OFF switch is in
the “O” (off) position before plugging the power cord into
the electrical power outlet.
This device is rated as Class A for radiated emissions.
In the event of radio interference, the display read out
may flicker - this is normal.
Decal Information and Placement
Right Side View
Decal 128-1244-2 cautions the operator that spindle
rotation may occur with foot pedal depression and
to keep clear of clamping components during Quick-
Thread® shaft rotation.
Decal 128-1234-2 gives the maximum wheel diameter
and maximum wheel weight for the SmartWeight Touch®/
GSP9200 Touch.
Decal 128-116-2 warns the operator not to view the laser
light with optical instruments.

4 GETTING STARTED
Back View
Decal 128-381-2 warns the operator not to remove
the cover of the SmartWeight Touch/GSP9200 Touch
because of the risk of electrical shock and not to use
below garage floor level.
Decal 128-1120-2 shows ETL listing and cautions not to
use below garage floor level.
WARNING
TOPREVENT THE RISK
OFELECTRICSHOC K
DONOTREMOVE
COVER.NOUSER
SERV ICEABLE PA RT S
INSIDE.REFER TO
QUALIFIEDSERVICE
PERSONNEL. 128-381-2
!
CAUTION:DO NOTUSE
BELOWGARAGEFLOORLEVEL
ATTENTION: NE PASUTILISER
AUNNIVEAUINFERIEURA
CELU IDUPLANCHE RDU
GARAGE OUDU SQL.
CONFORMS TO
UL STD201
CERTIFIED TO
CAN/CSA STDC22.2 NO. 68-92
ETLLISTED
3091212
128-1120-2
128-381-2
128-1 120-2
Figure 3.
Specific Precautions/Power Source
The SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch Balancer is
intended to operate from a power source that will apply
230VAC +10% / -15%, 1 phase, 10 amp 50/60 Hz, power
cable includes NEMA 20 amp plug, L6-20P, between the
supply conductors of the power cord. The power cord
supplied utilizes a twist lock connector, NEMA L6-20P.
(Figure 4.) This machine must be connected to a 20 amp
branch circuit. Please refer all power source issues to a
certified electrician. Refer to “Installation Instructions for
SmartWeight Touch® Balancer,” Form 6423-T.
Left Side View
(Figure 2.)Decal 128-391-2-00 cautions that the unit may
automatically start upon closing of the hood when hood
Autostart is enabled.
!WA R NING
MAY S TA R T
AUTOMATICALLY
UP ON H OOD
CL OSING
128-391-2-00
128-391-2-00
Figure 2.

GETTING STARTED 5
Figure 6.
Turning Power ON/OFF
Push Button Switch
The SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch is equipped
with a push button power switch located on the left side
of the LCD support. Use this switch for normal shut down
and restarting procedures.
Figure 7.
Main Power Switch
To prevent loss of data, always use the push
button switch on the LCD support to power the
balancer on and off. Then use the main power
switch to remove power to the entire unit.
YX
G
Figure 4.
A protective ground connection, through the
grounding conductor in the power cord, is
essential for safe operation. Use only a power
cord that is in good condition.
For information on converting from single phase
NEMA L6-20P plug to thee phase NEMA L15-
20P plug refer to Form 5350-T, “NEMA L6-20P
to NEMA L15-20P Power Plug Conversion
Instructions.”
Specific Precautions/BDC Laser Indicator
The BDC (Bottom Dead Center) Laser Indicator is a class
1M laser designed to aid in applying adhesive weights.
The laser is not a field serviceable or adjustable part.
Use caution in regard to reflective materials around the
laser and never look into the laser beam.
Figure 5.
Specific Precautions/HammerHead®TDC
Laser Indicator (Optional)
The TDC (Top Dead Center) Laser Indicator is a class
2M laser designed to aid in applying clip-on weights. The
laser is not a field serviceable or adjustable part.
Use caution in regard to reflective materials around the
laser and never look into the laser beam.

6 GETTING STARTED
The main power ON/OFF switch is located on the back of
the balancer cabinet. To power the balancer “ON,” press
the “I” side of the ON/OFF switch. To turn all power the
balancer “OFF,” press the “O” side of the ON/OFF switch.
(Figure 8.)
Figure 8.
After the SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch
Balancer performs a self-check, the main balance
screen will appear indicating the unit is ready for use.
Figure 9.
Equipment Installation and Service
Only a Hunter Factory-Authorized Representative should
perform installation.
This equipment contains no operator serviceable parts.
All repairs must be referred to a qualified Hunter Service
Representative.
Equipment Specifications
Electrical
Voltage: 230VAC +10% / -15%, 1
phase, 50/60 Hz, power cable
includes NEMA 20 amp plug,
L6-20P
Amperage: 10 amperes
Wattage: 3450 watts (peak)
Air
Air Pressure Requirements: 100-175 PSI (6.9-12.0 bar)
Approximate Air Consumption: 4 CFM (110 Liters/Minute)
Atmospherics
Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (+32°F to
+122°F)
Relative Humidity: Up to 95% Non-condensing
Altitude: Up to 1829 m (6 000 ft.)
Sound Pressure Level
Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure at operator’s
position does not exceed 70 dB (A).
Explanation of Symbols
These symbols may appear on the equipment.
Alternating current.
Earth ground terminal.
Protective conductor terminal.
lON (supply) condition.
OFF (supply) condition.
Risk of electrical shock.
Stand-by switch.
Not intended for connection
to public telecommunications
network.

GETTING STARTED 7
1.3 SmartWeight Touch®/GSP9200 Touch Components
SAFETY HOOD
OUTER DATASET
ARM
SPINDLE SHAFT
INNER DATA SET
ARM
FOOT PEDAL
INFLATIO N
STATIO N
BULLSEYE™
CENTERING
SYSTEM
COLLET STORAGE
WEIGHT TRAY
TOUCH SCREEN
DISPLA Y
Figure 10.

8 GETTING STARTED
1.4 Main Screen Components
13
4
3
5
6
7
8
9
2
Figure 11.
1. Tire Stack / Vehicle Plan View Tab 6. Wheel Assembly Display
2. Wheel Dimensions Tab 7. Start / Stop Button
3. Clip Weight Plane 8. SmartWeight® Menu Button
4. Tape Weight Plane 9. Imbalance and Couple Force Display
5. Context Sensitive Menu 10. SmartWeight Savings Total
10

GETTING STARTED 9
1.5 Operating the Balancer
Main Balance Screen
Pull-out tabs are on the left for Tire Stack/Vehicle
Information (upper tab) and Wheel Dimensions (lower
tab). Buttons along the right side allow navigation to other
screens and activities. Buttons in the lower left and right
portions of the screen allow navigation to SmartWeight®
and SmartWeight® procedures and options.
Figure 12.
Main Balance Screen - Error Pop-ups
If the operator attempts to perform an illegal operation
in the main balance screen, an error pop-up with
appropriate information will be displayed. For example,
the above screen is displayed if operator attempts to start
a spin without first lowering the hood.
Figure 13.
Main Balance Screen - Prompt Text
When the operator needs more info in a non-error
condition, prompting text will appear in the lower portion
of the screen.
Figure 14.
Main Balance Screen – Performing a Spin
During a balance spin, several things occur on the
screen. First, the green Start button is replaced with a red
Stop button and the tire assembly spins in 3D space.
Figure 15.
After the spin is complete, and if dimensions have been
entered, the 3D scene will show all information necessary
to balance the assembly including; Weight Amounts,
Weight Type, and Weight Position.
Figure 16.

10 GETTING STARTED
Main Balance Screen – Servoing To Position
If servoing is enabled in Setup, the balancer will
servo either the inner or outer place weight position
to top-dead-center. To servo to the next position, the
operator can either touch the “Start” button or touch the
corresponding weight amount.
Figure 17.
Main Balance Screen – SmartWeight® Buttons
Touching the SmartWeight® button expands a set
of button options. SmartWeight® can be disabled or
enabled, Performance Mode can be disabled or enabled
and Weight savings can be viewed.
Figure 18.

INTRODUCTION TO BALANCING 11
2.1 Balance Forces
Balancing Theory - Static Imbalance
As the word static implies, the tire will be balanced
when at rest. For example, if an unmoving assembly
was centered on a cone and was balanced, it would be
statically balanced. A “bubble balancer” is designed to
statically balance a tire/wheel assembly.
STATIC
FORCE
LIMIT
STATIC FORCE
GRAPH DISPLAY
STATIC
FORCE
Figure 19.
CUPPING
Figure 20.
Static imbalance is a condition where one amount of
weight located in the center of the tire/wheel assembly
causing an imbalance. As the weight rotates, centrifugal
forces are created causing the wheel to lift as the weight
reaches top dead center. This lifting motion causes the
tire/wheel assembly to move “up and down” creating a
bounce that can be felt. This static imbalance condition is
evident by a “jiggle” or up-down movement of the steering
wheel. These vibrations may also be apparent in the
body, with or without steering wheel shake.
2. Introduction to
Balancing

12 INTRODUCTION TO BALANCING
felt in the steering wheel. Excessive dynamic imbalance
of this type creates a shimmy that transfers through the
suspension components to the occupants of the vehicle,
especially at higher speeds.
COUPLE
FORCE
LIMIT
COUPLE FORCE
GRAPH DISPLAY
COUPLE
FORCE
Figure 23.
FRONT VIEW
ZERO STATIC IMBALANCE
WITH LARGE COUPLE IMBALANCE
IMBALANCE
WOBBLE
(LA
TERAL TWIST
OR TORQUE)
Figure 24.
Modern “dynamic” balancers spin the wheel in order to
measure both the up and down static imbalance force
and couple wobble or shimmy related imbalance (side-to-
side).
A statically imbalanced tire driven for an extended period
may cause “cupping” in the tire’s tread, create vibration,
and adversely effect handling.
STATIC IMBALANCE
FRONT VIEW
IMBALANCE
FORCE
Figure 21.
Static balancing alone is a seldom-recommended
procedure. For example, a single weight is commonly
placed on the inner clip weight position for cosmetic
purposes. This is not a recommended practice and
usually insures the assembly is not properly dynamically
balanced. The assembly may then experience side-
to-side imbalance while in motion, causing a shimmy
condition and objectionable vibration.
BALANCE WEIGHT IS NOT IN
CENTER OF WHEEL
NON-RECOMMENDED FORM OF
STATIC BALANCING
Figure 22.
Balancing Theory - Couple Imbalance
Dynamic imbalance is defined as a condition where one
or more locations of the tire/wheel assembly are heavier
causing an imbalance force and/or an imbalance shake
and wobble. Shown below is a tire/wheel assembly
with two heavy spots of equal weight which are located
180 degrees from each other on opposite sides. As
this assembly rotates, centrifugal forces cause a large
imbalance wobble to be created, but the imbalance force
(as well as the static imbalance) will be zero. A wheel
with this condition will cause a wobble or shimmy to be