California Career and Technical Education Standards

• T.C.C2.2 Use tools, equipment, and machines to safely measure, test, diagnose, and analyz...
• T.C.C2.3 Select and use the appropriate measurement device(s) and use mathematical functi...
• T.C.C2.7 Comprehend the importance of calibration processes, systems, and techniques usin...
• T.C.C8.5 Understand tire and rim sizing to select appropriate wheels and tires for vehicles.

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical direction...2
• M.7.MR.2.8 Make precise calculations and check the validity of the results from the context...

• Tire balance Tire inflation - Demo / Modeling

  **Tire Balance Safety: Be sure and wear safety glasses while balancing the tire. Make sure loose clothing is secured and shirt tails tucked in. Make sure you have proper covering for your feet as well. No sandals or open toed shoes in the shop. Remove neckless and rings. Please wear eye safety as pressurized air is a hazzard!**

  With the tire removed from the car, begin by properly inflating the tire. Verify the proper tire pressure by looking at the side wall. 

   
• Remove old weights - Lab / Shop

  With a properly inflated tire, make sure all tire weights are removed. This tool is used to remove the tire weight ( the curved part).  Look at the weight and you will notice a small hole located in the center of the metal tab. Place the curved end of the pliers in the hole. Squeeze the handles so the tool will not slip. Downward pressure will remove the weight. Later in this lesson, weights will be installed on the rim. Use the round hammer side will install the weights at the proper location.

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• Cleaning the Tire and wheel - Lab / Shop

  After the wheel weights are removed, check the rim outside and inside for dirt or mud that may cause a false "out of balance" condition. Use a wire brush to clean any dirt or debris form the wheel.   If you use a power wire wheel, make sure you use a face mask and wear gloves.  Flying dirt can cause injury!
• Installing tire on balancer - Lab / Shop

  When the tire and rim are clean, it is time to install the tire on the balancing machine.
• Selecting the proper cone - Lab / Shop

  Start the balancing process by selecting the proper sized cone to fit on the machines mandrel. The cone should be larger than the center hole of the rim.

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• Securing the Wheel to the balancer - Lab / Shop

  Secure the tire onto the balancing machine mandrel by making sure the spring is placed on the mandrel before the cone. After the proper cone is placed on the mandrel, place the rim face out, on the cone and secure by tightening the large nut. This will force the wheel, centered on the cone, against the balancer. The hand tightened nut will ensure a tight fit.
• Setting up the Tire Balancer - Lab / Shop

  There are three criteria the balance machine must have to properly identify the proper placement of the balance weights.

  1. How far is the rim from the machine? My balancer has a rod that extends from the machine to determine this distance. When this distance is known, activate the selection button that says "Distance."

  2. What is the width of the rim? Using the plastic calipers, place one end just below the lip of the outside of the rim and the other below the lip on the inside of the rim. When the rim width is verified, activate the selection button "Width."

  3. What is the tire diameter? Verify the tire size and enter the wheel diameter by activating the button "Rim size." Some machines will let you select if the weight will be determined for the inside only. If so desired select it now. It is recommended that a more accurate balance is achieved when the weight is split inside and outside.

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• Spinning the tire - Lab / Shop

  After the balancer is set up with the proper information, press the "Start" button.  The machine will spin the tire slowly.  Do not touch the tire while it rotates.  

  Caution: Some balancers spin the tire at high rate of speed.  You must lower a protective cover before pressing the "start" button.
• Reading the results - Lab / Shop

  When the tire has stopped you will see the recommended size weight for the inside of the tire in the left window.  You will see the recommended weight for the outside of the tire in the right window. To determine the proper location of the tire weight, the window will display how much weight is necessary. Slowing turning the tire by hand will rotate the wheel until several flashing lights align. On the top of the spinning motor is a red dot. This will be at the 12 o'clock position. When the lights flash, place the recommended weight at the 12 o'clock position.

  Continue rotating the tire until the other window lights flash. Install the recommended weight at the 12 o'clock position on the other side. Left window= inside weight location right window= outside weight location.

  Note: In selecting the proper weight, make sure that the weight is correct.  For aluminum rims, larger metal attaching hook; for steel rims, a narrow attaching hook.

  Note: Make sure the weights are seated properly on the rim by hammering them until they are flush with the rim.  To the left of the balancer face there will be two windows: the left window will show the weight needed on the inside of the wheel, while the right window shows the weight necessary for the outside of the wheel.

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• Verifying the results - Assessment

  If the tire balance operation was successful, both left widow and right window will display "OO," indicating a properly balanced tire. Sometimes the process must be repeated before the tire is properly balanced. Sometimes it may be necessary to rebalance the tire for the "OO" s to appear.  If you find yourself "chasing" the weight (having to add more than three weights per side), remove all weights, recheck the balancer set up and rebalance the tire.  
• Installation of tire on car - Closure

  Remove the wheel from the balancer, store the tools and install wheel on the car.  Look up the specification torque value and tighten the wheel in a "star" pattern.  Over-tightening may cause rotors to warp.

  Have Instructor check your work before returning the car to the customer.

  Make sure the work area is cleaned and the tire balancer machine is wiped down.

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