Wheel imbalance symptoms during vehicle operation An out-of-balance wheel typically causes the wheel–tyre assembly to:

Introduction / Context:
Wheel balance affects ride quality and tyre wear. Understanding the typical motion from imbalance helps diagnose whether static or dynamic balancing is needed.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Passenger car with pneumatic tyres.
• Highway speeds where imbalance effects are noticeable.
• Suspension components otherwise healthy.

Concept / Approach:
Static imbalance causes up-and-down (vertical) hop, while dynamic imbalance (couple imbalance) causes a side-to-side wobble when viewed from front/rear. Both present as vibrations at certain speeds (shimmy) and can be corrected by adding weights at appropriate positions on the rim.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Relate imbalance to centrifugal forces acting off the rotation axis.Identify motions: vertical bounce (static) or lateral wobble (dynamic).Choose the option that describes these real-world motions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Balance machines display correction planes for static and dynamic components; road tests show speed-specific vibrations that disappear after proper balancing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Heavy point hits the road surface' is not how tyres behave; longitudinal deflection is not the typical symptom; standing waves relate more to high-speed carcass flex at extreme speeds, not ordinary imbalance.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing imbalance with out-of-round tyres or bent rims; overlooking worn suspension bushings that exacerbate symptoms.

Final Answer:
bounce vertically or deflect from side to side (as seen from front or rear)