Need advice on tire balance issues
 

Hey guys,
I just install today a new set of Style 214 replicas on brand new Toyo Proxes ST tires. (factory sizes 275/40/20 on front, and 315/35/20 on rear's)
The first time I drove the car on the highway I felt a strong vibration coming from the tires (not possible to know from which one), so I took the car back to the tire installer, he checked both front's, one gave us Zero reading and the second one gave us a reading that needed an extra 0.5oz of adhesive weights, so we did it.
Now that I drove back home, I still feel a vibration much softer but still vibrates, the wheels and tires are brand new.
QUESTION: do you think it will be better to check the balance of the rear tires too ? usually rear tires don't give any vibration to the car, or maybe the machine they are using is not well cailbrated ?
Any feedback will be appreciated !
Bernie

Hi Bernie,

Firstly, I would make sure that all 4 wheels/tires are perfectly balanced using a good/calibrated machine (road force if possible).

Secondly, do the wheels you bought need any hub centric rings?

Thirdly, in some very rare cases replica wheels are just not manufactured to the same standards as OEM and could cause a problem. But if the wheels balance I wouldn't worry too much about a manufacturing issue.

Thanks for your reply
Can you tell me more about hub centric rings, what are they and how do I know I need to use them ?
I have heard a lot about them but never put much attention
Thanks a lot
Bernie

No problem :)

HERE is an explanation of hub centric rings.

HERE is a thread on XBimmers where a member bought 214 replicas and needed hub centric rings.

According to that post:

Also, front tires out of balance will make the vibration come through the steering wheel typically. Feeling vibration in the floor or in the seat is usually from the rear tires.

FALSE ALARM not done yet....

Glad it worked out, Bernie! Get those pics up whenever you get a chance! :D

Here some pics taken today
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4167.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4169.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4166.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4165.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4164.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4163.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/DSCN4162.jpg

Have you seen the yellow dot that all new tires come with ?
I have heard that dot is kind of a mark intended to be located near wheel valve, and that helps in some way to get the best balance.
My installer did not put attention to that issue and the yellow dot is not align with the air valve of the wheel, do you think it will be worth it to align it ?
I still feel very very soft vibration at 60mph and dont know if that could help ?

Not sure all tires come with this - Didn't see it on the last set I purchased so don't know about placement with the valve stem. The one wheel that required extra weight (you didn't say how much total weight) might have an issue with the tire having a heavy or light spot that requires the extra weight. Swapping out that wheel and putting that same tire on and then balancing it again will determine if it is that specific wheel causing the issue. Good luck.