Wheel imbalance — correct rectification method A road wheel that is out of balance should be corrected by which of the following actions?

Introduction / Context:
Wheel imbalance causes steering wheel shimmy and seat vibrations at certain speeds. Proper service requires restoring mass balance about the axis of rotation. Understanding the correct remedy avoids unnecessary parts replacement and ensures smooth driving.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Wheel and tyre assembly exhibits speed-dependent vibration on smooth roads.
• No bent rim, separated tread, or worn suspension joints.
• Standard passenger vehicle with typical tyres.

Concept / Approach:
An unbalanced wheel has a heavy spot that creates a centrifugal force proportional to mass * radius * speed^2. Adding weights at calculated positions cancels the couple or static imbalance. Static balancing addresses vertical hop; dynamic balancing addresses couple imbalance that causes wobble.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Mount the wheel on a balancer to measure imbalance vectors.Apply clip-on or adhesive weights at indicated locations and magnitudes.Re-spin and verify residual imbalance is within specification.

Verification / Alternative check:
Road-force balancers measure radial runout and uniformity. If weight correction eliminates vibration, the root cause was imbalance rather than structural issues.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tyre rotation may move vibrations but does not correct imbalance. Changing damper stiffness masks symptoms but does not remove the unbalanced mass. Adjusting tyre pressure alters compliance, not mass distribution.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring bent rims or shifted belts that balancing cannot fix; placing weights on dirty surfaces leading to weight loss; not using dynamic mode for wide rims.

Final Answer:
attach appropriate balance weights at specific rim locations (static or dynamic balancing)