Wheel Balance

[Clive-Cardiff]

I am in the process of changing one of my alloy wheels on the van and I noticed that neither of the aloy wheels or the steel spare have been balanced. They are as supplied on the new van.

My instinct tells me that i should get all the wheels balanced, but is this correct.

If the wheels need to be balanced why were they not done before being supplied with the new van?

 

[Damian]

Clive, I agree withyou, the wheels SHOULD be balanced to save unnecessary wear and "bouncing".

Why are they not done before being sold,,,,idleness on behalf of the maker and dealer,oh and the cost of course!!

 

[Tony A.]

Clive,

It has always been my understanding that wheels on a fixed axle, IE rear wheels on a car or caravan wheels didnt need balancing, as they can`t move. I am not a mechanic its just what i have always thought was the case.

waiting to be shot down in flames

Tony A.

 

[SteveW77]

Although out of balance wheels on a fixed axle do not transmit as much vibration as those on an independent axle, the vibration still exists.On a car this may or may not be felt, on a trailer that pivots about a fulcrum ( tow ball )it could induce wandering and possibly severe snaking. As balancing is relatively inexpensive, why take the risk.

Steve W

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

I can't remember any of our new caravans being fitted with balanced wheels, but when the tyres were changed - they were balanced by the fitter.

It must be a good thing to balance the wheel / tyre combination - Did I notice any difference? - not a jot.

Robert

 

[Damian]

In response to some of the points raised, the need for balancing wheels becomes more aparrent when you consider that an imbalanced wheel will not turn smoothly on its bearing, and try to "bounce".

If you then consider that it is trying to bounce the whole caravan as well, then maybe you can appreciate that it will cause premature bearing failure, by having a constant equivalent to someone banging a hammer on the rim of the bearing, mile after mile.

Another point to consider is that the wheel out of balance will, over time, create flat spots on the tyres, making the whole situation worse.

Finally, if the wheel is rotating unevenly, then at certain points, the tyre is not in contact with the road surface, even if it is only for a brief time, but the time it is off the road is the time when anything can happen, and disaster is waiting to happen.

 

[dazicki]

hello used to be a tyre fitter for a well known company and my advice is balance everything weather it be caravan wheels or electric mobility scooters

not drumming for buissiness cos i dont work their now but seen the damage wheels can do if neglected you should treat your caravan as you would your car