9 replies to this topic

[croc7]

Is there a concern (gearbox/drive train) with doing a dynamic wheel balance with the wheels mounted on the car?

[Spider]

Nah, it'll be fine.

My only suggestion is if they jack the car up so the wheel is at full droop on the suspension, is to jack the bottom arm up about 1/2 - 1" will be well enough. At full droop, the drive shaft, particularly that on the RH Side rubs on the window in the subframe and will give a bum steer with the balancing.

[croc7]

Now that I think about it, it’s really no different than coasting down a steep hill in neutral at 70 mph. Thanks for the reply.
Jerry

[croc7]

Thanks to Moke Spider for the reply.  Let me give a little background information and see if I can be more specific with my concern and if you still agree that it would be fine for a mini.  While stationed in Germany, I took my GTI (front wheel drive) to a local tire shop for new tires and balancing.  They did the coolest thing.  The wheel/tire assemblies were balanced to the top speed rating for the tire but balanced dynamically, while installed on the car.  I'm having a little trouble getting the front tires on the mini balanced to the point where there is no vibration, even though the 'computer balancing' read out is fine.  A local tire shop tells me that they have the capability to do the same, i.e. balance the wheel/tire assembly up to freeway speed while mounted on the car.  So my question for all of the transmission /drivetrain experts; is it possible to do that to a mini with the  gearbox in neutral? Any concerns regarding the diff?  Both wheels off the ground at once?  One wheel off the ground?  Thanks.

Edited by croc7, 22 November 2019 - 04:43 AM.

[Rorf]

Small wheels under 13 inch diameter should have no problems being balanced on the wheel balancer machine (if the rims and tyres are in good condition). If you are still having a vibration whilst driving on the highway I would suggest you have a good look at all ball joints and your wheel bearings. Bent drive shafts can also cause this problem. Stick a GoPro camera outside there and see exactly what is going on with each wheel.

 

Also check your steering rack and shock absorbers out too. I wouldn't be bothered balancing on the car; most wheel alignment centres these days don't even have this facility - maybe your local Porche Centre has it

[croc7]

Thanks for the input. This problem started with installing new wheels/tires. Switching back to the old set=smooth as glass. Which tells me that the suspension/drive components are fine. Probably tire/wheel concentricity issues.

[Rorf]

Pray tell us what wheels and tyres the new ones are. Is the PCD 101.6 (4 inches) or 100mm. also critical on the wheels/rims are the type of wheel nut being used.

[croc7]

Revolution 10 x 6 with supplied lug nuts from Minispares with Yoko A008’s. Nice quality, not junk from who knows where.

Edited by croc7, 22 November 2019 - 08:30 AM.

[whistler]

That's the way most wheels were balanced in the UK in the 60's and 70's. The Ford Cortina had to have the wheels balanced on the car (think it was because it was McPherson strut suspension)

[croc7]

Problem solved. Switched front tires from left to right, tire pressure up to 30PSI from 28 on the Yoko 008’s; smooth. Probably offset the gravitational pull of the moon. ?