I'm just about to get a set of used BMW alloys (I've read the previous threads about checking condition etc.). I was wondering whether I should get them re-balanced before putting them on my car, or is this unneccessary if weights are already present? The wheels are exactly the same size as my existing ones.
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I take it the alloys have tyres fitted? If not, then you'll need to get them balanced once you've had the tyrss put on.
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Oh yes, they have tyres fitted. Otherwise, as you say this would be needed anyway. I just wanted to know whether it would be worth it for the small cost to have them re-balanced or whether there would be no point.
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Sorry, didn\'t mean to come across as patronising. It\'s just that some people have this misconception that it\'s the wheels that cause imbalance, not the tyres fitted to them.
2 ways of looking at this.
1. Fit them and see if ok - if not get them balanced.
2. Take them to be balanced and the garage charge you for letting you know they\'re ok and don\'t need balancing after all.
Personally I would fit them - if not balanced, drive down to nearest tyre garage and get them done.
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No offence taken Dave. Thanks for the advice which sounds sensible.
Cheers
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Why do they always balance rear wheels these days. Going back 10 or more years ago it was said only the front had to be done. I wonder if it's realy needed on the average car that does not do high speeds.
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Why do they always balance rear wheels these days. I wonder if it's realy needed on the average car that does not do high speeds.
All the cars I've owned - apart from an Allagro - have needed their rear tyres balancing, otherwise the car[1] vibrates at speeds greater than 50mph.
[1] Not the steering, but the car in general.
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Alan,
I can't remember ever *not* having my rear wheels balanced but I agree that out-of-balance front wheels were more noticeable than O-O-B rear wheels on older cars. I assume this was because these older cars usually had live (rigid) rear axles so there was a lot of weight to dampen the inertia of an O-O-B wheel.
Now that we have independent rear suspension, and unsprung weight is kept as low as possible, any O-O-B can be just as severe with the rear wheels as with the front. My own car suffered very bad vibration after I lost a balance weight from the rear, and this was at speeds of around 55-60 mph.
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Are the wheels you're buying still on the doner car?
If they are, it's a good idea to re-fit in same positions on your car.
This way, the tyres will have been 'run in' & continue to wear in the original, one direction, they have traveled.
They may be uni-directional, anyway, just look for the arrows on the sidewall,these will show which way to fit, if they are.
Otherwise, try running your hand around the tread edges & feel direction of any feathering.This will help tell you which way they were on the car, before.
If they're expensive tyres, to replace, well worth the few £££ balancing & tracking your steering, while you're at it.
Don't forget the required pressures may be different on the alloys too!
Mark
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Thanks for that. Unfortunately they aren't still on the donor car. All I know is that they are Michelins but not sure of the exact type, also I think they are 205/60/15s so not particularly cheap to replace!
On further thinking, I might get them re-balanced and at the same time get a friendly garage to stick them on at the same time!
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