Balancing tires/wheels

[SkySteve]

Has anyone balanced their tires/wheels? If so, could you tell a difference during taxi, takeoff and landing?

[GDN]

Why balancing wheels for 900 ft of grass at 40 mph ?

I'll prefer balancing my 582

[jtpitkin06]

Small diameter aviation tires are well made and usually not out of balance by large amounts. However, sometimes you will get a real “shaker”. Even operating at low speeds from grass runways, the vibrations can be quite annoying.

Typically, an out of balance tire is most noticeable on take off. Just as you lift off, the wheel shakes. A soft touch on the brakes can identify which main tire is out. If you hit both brakes and still have a tire shaking, then it’s the nose. (If installed).

Start with assembly. The manufacturer has already checked the balance. The yellow stripe on the tube (light side) should align with the red dot on the tire (heavy side). This usually gets the balance pretty close.

There are devices for both dynamic and static balancing of small wheels and tires. Many repair shops and corporate operators have them. They are a bit pricey for the individual owner to purchase for occasional use.

In a pinch you can jack up the aircraft, loosen the axle nut (no preload) and push back the brake pucks so the wheel and tire spin freely. Then spin the wheel gently. The heavy spot should come to rest at the bottom. It may take sever repetitions to get an accurate indication.

For balance weights use self stick tire patches. I tape a tire patch(es) on the outside of the tire while I get the balance correct. Then disassemble the wheel and tire and stick the tire patch on the inside of the tire where I marked the light spot. With the weight stuck on the inside of the tire there is no way it can fly off. You can get tire patches in various sizes (weights) and trim them with scissors as needed.

If you still have problems getting the balance correct, you may need a shop do a dynamic balance.



John Pitkin
Greenville, Texas

[SkySteve]

John,
Thanks for the clear explaination.

[Av8r3400]

In an out-of-balance aviation tire, the heavy side will rotate to the bottom and the next runway landing will scrub off material at touchdown, moving the heavy side somewhere else. Cycle starts over again...