New wheels or tires causing vibration at higher speed.

[davethecota]

I just had new wheels installed and now when I'm above 50mph I feel like the car is bouncing or vibrating. Is this likely a balance problem? Or what should I ask for at the tire shop?





RESOLVED: Long story short. Needed hubcentric rings for the new wheels that were matched correctly to the hub and wheel.

 

[rdss]

I would start off by having the shop rebalance the wheels. If that doesn't solve the issue then have them turn the tire on the wheel a 1/4 to half turn and then rebalance.

 

[Natesriv]

I agree, you could also rotate them and see if that moves the vibration (a sign a tire is out of balance) and not in some drive shaft or something.

 

[davethecota]

I'm feeling it must be directly related to the wheels or tires because it rode fine before these were installed so I wouldn't think the other drive components would foul from the install.

 

[Natesriv]

most likely, just take it back and have them rebalance it... I'd not even pay a dime for them to do it either

 

[davethecota]

No I have lifetime balance so I can do it as much as I want lol.

 

[davethecota]

On a side note, when they installed the wheels they said they didn't use the hub ring kit because it sat flush without it. Not sure if that would have anything to do with it.

 

[davethecota]

As a follow up for this issue, they rebalanced my wheels and stated that whomever calibrated their balancing machine did so incorrectly as they have had multiple people now come back to rebalance. It did feel better on the trip home but I will be able to fully evaluate the ride once I drive to work tomorrow on the highway.

 

[littleturbo]

Side note. If you have the centering rings. I would strongly recommend using them. They take the loaded weight off the lug nuts/wheel studs. And disperse it across the hub. As well as keeping the wheels centered on the hub

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[davethecota]

Well while it's better it now starts to vibrate at 65 so I guess I have to go back again. Getting frustrated.

 

[rdss]

Try running the spare (if you have one) at each corner until the problem goes away. You could have a defective wheel that can not be balanced out.

 

[Natesriv]

I agree on the centering rims...

Good thought on the spare...

 

[davethecota]

I called the tire place and the "head" mechanic is going to look at it. He thinks the tire isn't seating right. So I'll be diving back there after work again. I do have a spare I can try if this doesn't work.

 

[Natesriv]

bought one of these...worth it
Sears.com

I have a star wrench, seems I was over tightening the lugnuts quite a bit. I use this now and it makes the tire rotation process much less a hassle.

Good luck amigo

 

[Prospector]

If they tell you the hubs are centered, try beads in the tire to get a balance. Its old school, but 90% of the time, it works 100% of the time.

 

[davethecota]

I'm there now waiting we will see what they come up with.

 

[davethecota]

Ok so the mechanic says that the balance is off .25 , whatever that is, and I need hub centric rings so they are ordering me some which will take a few days.

 

[littleturbo]

You won't feel .25. That 1\4 of an ounce. Any after market wheel needs center rings that way it fits the hub as snugly as the factory wheel....without them the wheel WILL NOT center on the car easily. I'm speaking from experience of installing aftermarket wheels on cars for customers.

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[$ub$onic]

You can center a aftermarket rim with no centering rings.
I do it all the time on both sets of aftermarket rims I have.

Start with 2 diagonal lugs and run whatever top lug in first, start the lower lug till you feel the rim and slightly loosen the top one, this will allow the rim to move slightly so the bottom lug will center but will not change the upper position. Run the lower one in tight and tighten the upper.
Finish installing the lugs and torque.


Not sure if it will work on all rims but it works great with the sets I have.

 

[littleturbo]

You can center a aftermarket rim with no centering rings.
I do it all the time on both sets of aftermarket rims I have.

Start with 2 diagonal lugs and run whatever top lug in first, start the lower lug till you feel the rim and slightly loosen the top one, this will allow the rim to move slightly so the bottom lug will center but will not change the upper position. Run the lower one in tight and tighten the upper.
Finish installing the lugs and torque.

Edited. I missed a word. But I agree with you $ub

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