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What types of imbalances are there?

There are 2 types of imbalances, which may occur on a wheel. The static imbalance and the dynamic imbalance. In case of a static imbalance the wheel tends to jump, in the event of a dynamic imbalance the wheel wobbles. Both types can be balanced using HOFMANN balance weights.

Imbalance – the hidden danger

At a speed of 100 km/h the centrifugal force of a 30 g imbalance creates the same effect as a sledge hammer. As speed doubles these forces actually increase fourfold!

At today's speeds, vehicles with unbalanced wheels become a hazard. The steering vibrates, braking becomes hazardous, tyre wear increases and the wheel bearings, suspensions and axles are exposed to additional stress and vibration. Vehicle and driver are under stress.

Correction of imbalance on tyre and rim

1. Balancing
Tyre and rim imbalances are determined by the balancing machine and compensated for using balance weights.

2. Matching
With this workshop technique the tyre is rotated on the rim until the tyre imbalance opposes the rim imbalance. The residual imbalance is corrected using HOFMANN balance weights.

3. Opto-ride technique
A rim shape defect can be compensated for with an irregular deflection of the tyre! With the opto-ride technique the unflexible heavy point of the tyre is opposed to the highest spot on the rim. The residual imbalance is corrected using HOFMANN balance weights.

4. Finish-balancing on the vehicle
Both off-vehicle balancing and the opto-ride technique are only able to optimise ride as related to the wheel assembly. The finish balancer, however, handles the wheel assembly and vehicle as one component.