GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

There are two methods by which tire and wheel assemblies are balanced:


    Object Number: 70074  Size: SH
  1. Static
  2. • Static balance is the equal distribution of weight (2) around the wheel.
    • Place the weights on the side of the wheel that is opposite the heavy spot (3).
    • Statically unbalanced assemblies cause a bouncing action called tramp.

    Object Number: 70079  Size: SH
  3. Dynamic
  4. Dynamic balance is the equal distribution of weight (2) on each side of the centerline. When the tire spins there is no tendency for the assembly to move from side to side.

  5. Place the weights on the side of the wheel that is opposite the heavy spot (3).
  6. Dynamically unbalanced assemblies may cause shimmy.

General Balance Precautions

  1. Clean deposits of foreign material from the inside of the wheel.
  2. Remove stones from the tread to avoid operator injury during spin balancing.
  3. Remove stones from the tread to obtain a good balance.
  4. Inspect the tire for damage.
  5. Balance the tire according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.

Off-Vehicle Balancing

Use a balancer which pilots the wheel by the center hole (not the wheel stud holes). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Some electronic off-vehicle balancers are more accurate than the on-vehicle spin balancers. Do not correct for rotor unbalance. If the vibration is not corrected by the off-vehicle balance, perform a on-vehicle balance.

On-Vehicle Balance

  1. Do not remove the wheel weights added from the electronic off-vehicle balance.
  2. Split the new on-vehicle weights equally between the inner and outer rim flanges of the wheel to avoid disturbing the dynamic balance from the electronic off-vehicle balancer.
  3. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Wheel Balance Weights


Object Number: 70083  Size: SH

Important: Install the coated weights (3) with care to prevent the polyester coating from cracking. Use a nylon or plastic tipped hammer during installation of the coated weights.

Use special polyester coated clip-on wheel balance weights (3) to balance aluminum wheels (4). The weights are designed to fit over the thicker inboard and outboard rim flanges (2) of the aluminum wheel. The following advantages are provided with the use of the special polyester coated clip-on wheel balance weights:

    • The weights provide a better appearance.
    • The weights will not discolor.
    • The weights will not corrode.
    • The weights will not damage the wheel.

Magnesium Wheel (Export Only)


Object Number: 173492  Size: SH

The magnesium wheel rim flange (1) is not designed for use with clip-on weights. The magnesium wheel requires the use of special adhesive backed balance weights (2). The color of the adhesive balance weight should be matched to the color of the wheel.

Use an off-car dynamic balancer to balance the wheel and tire assemblies. Place the wheel on the balancer so that the center pilot hole is located by a cone or hub through the backside of the wheel. Use a flange plate with fingers for each wheel stud hole to clamp the wheel to the machine. If a flange plate is not available, a pressure cap may be used. Be careful that the pressure cap does not mar the face of the wheel.


Object Number: 70076  Size: SH

The following must be performed before applying the adhesive balance weights:

  1. Clean the wheel surface with alcohol and dry.
  2. Select the correct color of the adhesive balance weight.
  3. Break off the required amount of weight (1).
  4. Remove the plastic tape from the adhesive backing (3) and apply the weight (2) to the wheel.

Should an adhesive balance weight need to be removed from the wheel, apply solvent at the contact point of weight and the wheel. After three minuets, peel the adhesive balance weight off of the wheel. Clean any remaining glue residue from the wheel.