Tire Balance problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 23, 2008 | 12:51 PM
  #1  
cclouis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Tire Balance problem

I've not read anything in here about problems with the balance on the TL, but mines is going to shake itself apart soon.

I replaced the tires about 3 months ago with the same tires that were on it, General Exclaim UHP's. I bought them at Kauffman tire which is a pretty good shop in the GA, FL, and AL market. Ever since they were on, I have a bad vibration in the steering wheel over 70 MPH. I've taken it back to have it re-balanced and one shop said I need a high speed balance (to match the tire high spots to the rim high spots). Not sure if they did it or not, I just assumed they would. They also said something about a rough spot on the fron left hub that is causing the wheel to not sit flush. What the hell????

I'm taking it to another Kauffman tire to get looked at again. As I said, there hasn't been a balance prob since I had these tires replaced. Anyone have any insight?
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2008 | 01:34 PM
  #2  
Turbonut's Avatar
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,900
Likes: 834
From: NJ
I puchased a set of Yokohama Advan S.4 245/45-17 from a fellow I've been dealing with for 20 years. Had them mounted on chromed Acura wheels and had them balance using the cone 3 different times, then had them balanced using the "fingers" in the lug holes to be certain wheel perfectly centered. Still a slight vibration over 70, front and rear.
Annoyed, so I pulled the tires/wheels and took them to a local guy that has a Hunter Road Force machine. Best $50 I've ever spent. No more vibration.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2008 | 04:13 PM
  #3  
Trew's Avatar
Drifting
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 10
From: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by cclouis
They also said something about a rough spot on the fron left hub that is causing the wheel to not sit flush. What the hell????

I'm taking it to another Kauffman tire to get looked at again. As I said, there hasn't been a balance prob since I had these tires replaced. Anyone have any insight?
That is a crock of shit. There's no rough spot on anything. And if that were the case, it would have shook before, too. They need to fix the problem. If there's a "rough spot" then tell them to make it smooth or do what ever they need to do to get your front wheels balanced properly.

Do the wheels spin true on the balance machine? Do you see any wobble or high spots?

If you decide to take the car to another location and pay to have it done again, be sure to let the manager know this before hand and let him know that once it's fixed, you're coming back for a refund on the balancing or credit on a future purchase.

<rant>
I hate it when shops try to wash their hands of anything that strays from routine without making a single effort to ensure the customer is happy. That really grinds my gears!

</rant>
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2008 | 04:37 PM
  #4  
firstacuratl's Avatar
邵樂百
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 609
Likes: 6
From: Eastern WA
Originally Posted by Trew
That is a crock of shit. There's no rough spot on anything. And if that were the case, it would have shook before, too. They need to fix the problem. If there's a "rough spot" then tell them to make it smooth or do what ever they need to do to get your front wheels balanced properly.

<rant>
I hate it when shops try to wash their hands of anything that strays from routine without making a single effort to ensure the customer is happy. That really grinds my gears!
</rant>
Totally agree with Trew...load of crap. Simply taking a wire brush to the hub face before mounting the wheel should cure any mating face irregularities. They need to make sure the tire doesn't have an "out of round" defect as well...I worked in the tire industry for a couple of years and saw this condition many times. I am assuming that the new tires are mounted on stock wheels, so there shouldn't be any eccentric problems with the center bore. Definitely do not let them get away with this...and a Road Force balance is well worth the extra money just for piece of mind
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2008 | 11:37 PM
  #5  
BukvaMan's Avatar
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 53
From: North Bergen, NJ
had the same problem until i took my car and had my tires roadforce balanced on a hunter machine and also did the alignment with a hunter aswell, I dont remember my car driving this smooth ever. maybe when i just bought it i doest even shake a little at 100mph
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2008 | 01:41 PM
  #6  
cclouis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Update!! I had the balance redone at another Kauffman tire. It was noticably out. It runs much better now, although there is still a tiny vibe at higher speeds. Sounds to me like the other shops machine is out of calibration.

Where can I get this roadforce balance? Anyone know of a place around Atlanta?
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2008 | 05:57 PM
  #7  
Adobeman's Avatar
The DVD-A Script Guy
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 186
From: CT
Originally Posted by cclouis
Update!! I had the balance redone at another Kauffman tire. It was noticably out. It runs much better now, although there is still a tiny vibe at higher speeds. Sounds to me like the other shops machine is out of calibration.

Where can I get this roadforce balance? Anyone know of a place around Atlanta?
Try here. http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm That's the page hunter has for you to find one of the machines near you. Lots in the Atlanta area. A few Acura dealers as well. Be prepared to pay a bit there can be lots to do if they do the whole procedure.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yumcha
Automotive News
9
Feb 25, 2020 09:57 AM
jblessing
3G TL Problems & Fixes
15
Aug 8, 2018 09:43 PM
1fatcrxnem1
3G TL Tires, Wheels & Suspension
22
Jun 1, 2018 01:23 AM
PeterPort
Car Parts for Sale
5
Oct 14, 2015 06:19 AM
Joshoats
3G TL Problems & Fixes
0
Sep 7, 2015 09:00 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:49 PM.