A vibration that is tire or wheel induced can be caused by 2 factors: imbalance or runout.

Low-speed vibrations, those less than 64 km/h (40 mph), are usually runout related. Highway speed vibrations, those above 96 km/h (60 mph), can be caused by either imbalance or runout.

Prior to performing any work, always road test vehicle and perform a careful visual inspection for:

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Balance is the easiest procedure to perform and should, therefore, be done first if the vibration occurs at highway speeds. An off-car, two-plane dynamic balance should first be performed. This will correct any imbalance in the tire and wheel assembly.

An on-car finish balance should then be performed to correct any brake drum, rotor, or wheel cover imbalance. Follow the balancing procedures of the balancing machine being used.

If balance does not correct the highway speed vibration, or if the vibration is at low speeds, runout is the probable cause. Runout can be caused by the tire, wheel, or the way the wheel attaches to vehicle. The following procedure should be used.

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1. If runout is suspected, the free runout of the tire and wheel assembly should first be measured on vehicle. A dial indicator with a roller wheel is preferable, but a dial indicator with button end may be used. Lateral runout, side-to-side, should be measured on the tire's sidewall as close to the tread shoulder as possible. Radial runout, up and down, should be measured on center tread rib. Some tread designs may require tightly wrapping a piece of tape around center tread circumference for better dial indicator contact; for measuring wheel runout follow the procedures in this section. Whether measuring radial or lateral runout, disregard any instantaneous indicator needle jumps due to sidewall depressions, tread blocks, etc. Record the total indicator reading, and location of the high point of runout. The total tire and wheel on-car runout should be less than 1.52 mm (0.060 in), if either measurement exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in), proceed to step B.
2. If on-car radial or lateral runout measured in Step A exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in), mount tire and wheel assembly on a dynamic balance machine and again measure amount of runout. Locate on the machine using the wheel's inside center pilot hole. Using the same procedure as in step A, record the amount of tire and wheel runout and its high point location. Next, measure wheel (refer to procedures in this section). If wheel exceeds specifications, replace wheel. If tire and wheel radial or lateral runout exceeds 1.27 mm (0.050 in.) at tire tread, proceed to step C.
3. If off-car tire and wheel radial or lateral runout measured in step B exceeds 1.27 mm (0.050 in), match mount high radial runout point of tire to low radial runout point of wheel. Inflate, mount on dynamic balance machine, and again measure and record radial and lateral runout and its location, as done in step B. In many cases, match mounting tire on wheel will bring the assembly's runout into the acceptable range of less than 1.27 mm (0.050 in).
4. If runout of tire and wheel assembly is within limits when measured off vehicle, yet exceeds limits when measured on vehicle, attachment of tire and wheel assembly to hub is probable cause. Mark wheel relation to wheel bolt hole. Remove wheel and tire assembly and rotate 90 degrees (1/4 turn) to next position and install. Check runout. Repeat this procedure to find best mounting location.
5. If on-car radial or lateral runout still exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in), check hub runout. Remove necessary rotor or drum. Make sure all hub surfaces are free of rust, dirt, or any debris that could distort readings. Measure radial runout at wheel pilot. Measure lateral runout at hub's mating surface with wheel. If radial runout exceeds 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) front or rear, replace hub. If lateral runout exceed 0.08 mm (0.003 in) on front, replace hub. If lateral runout exceeds 0.04 mm (0.0020 in) on rear, replace hub.

Whenever a tire is rotated on wheel, or whenever a tire or wheel is replaced, the assembly must be balanced.

The substitution method of vibration diagnosis can also be used. Install a known good set of tire and wheel assemblies. If these tires and wheel assemblies correct vibration, the original assemblies should be installed one at a time until vibration returns. This will pinpoint the bad tire/wheel assembly.