Wheel balance question (probably dumb)

[jandersendo]

Probably a dumb question but can wheels be properly balanced without the beauty rings on? For instance if I take them off to go get new tires mounted and balanced and then put the beauty rings on after I get home, will that put the wheel out of balance at all?

 

[Kseelow]

I went back and forth on this myself. I didn’t want to risk the added weight putting the tire out of balance. Decided to have the shop mount the tire, install the ring and then balance.

 

[hardhat]

I went back and forth on this myself. I didn’t want to risk the added weight putting the tire out of balance. Decided to have the shop mount the tire, install the ring and then balance.

It shouldn't because ring weight should be evenly distributed............BUT I would do everything I could to rule out problems. Balancing issues can be a huge PITA. It took us almost a year fighting with toyota when we got new tires on my wifes land cruiser to get the tires right. We took it back 3 times...they finally replaced 2 tires. Still wasn't right. Took it to local place that did great balancing my jeep...some better, but still not right. Ended up going to another toyota dealer because we were almost to the point of getting rid of vehicle. Ended up the other dealer did some research and found that toyota did not actually replace the tires like said they did. They replaced these under warranty and car was good after that.

Balancing is very tech dependent. I would do everything I could to eliminate variables to avoid multiple trips to shop. I'd personally have the rings on while balancing. My local jeep dealer has done the best job balancing my jeep of any place I have found. They have good tech that has experience, takes his time and does it right. If you get an inexperienced tech or someone who doesn't care, they can drive you knutz!

There is not such thing as a dumb wheel balancing question.....because I can't stand vibrations.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Any tire 33” or greater tire should be road force balanced. Only use a shop that has a machine that does that, discount does NOT have them. If you road force the tires you will not need the trim rings, Unless the rings are significantly damaged.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I thought about this after having my tires installed on stock wheels as I had the rings at home in the garage. I felt smart when I did it then stupid when I realized the wheels should have had the rings installed for balancing. Like many others I thought if I kept the rings at home Discount tire can't possibly mess them up. Luckily in my case, all four tires roll incredibly smooth after I re-installed the rings..

 

[Jeepstin392]

I have balancing beads. Just be aware, they aren’t very effective after 75mph. At 70, you’ll start to get some vibration. At 80, it’s damn near intolerable. But they are specific in nature.