2.  INTRODUCTION TO BALANCING 
2.1 Balance Forces 
Balancing Theory - Static Imbalance 
As the word static implies, the tire will be balanced when at rest. For example, if an 
unmoving assembly was centered on a cone and was balanced, it would be statically 
balanced. A “bubble balancer” is designed to statically balance a tire/wheel 
assembly.
IMBALANCE 
FORCE 
FRONT VIEW
STATIC IMBALANCE
CUPPING
Static imbalance is where there is one amount of weight located in the center of the 
tire/wheel assembly causing an imbalance. As the weight rotates, centrifugal forces 
are created causing the wheel to lift as the weight reaches top dead center. This 
lifting motion causes the tire/wheel assembly to move “up and down” creating a 
bounce to be felt. This static imbalance condition is evident by a “jiggle” or up-down 
movement of the steering wheel. These vibrations may also be apparent in the body, 
with or without steering wheel shake. 
A statically imbalanced tire driven for an extended period may cause “cupping” in the 
tire’s tread, create vibration, and adversely effect handling. 
Static balancing alone is a seldom-recommended procedure. For example, a single 
weight is commonly placed on the inner clip weight position for cosmetic purposes. 
This is not a recommended practice and usually insures the assembly is not properly 
dynamically balanced. The assembly may then experience side-to-side imbalance 
while in motion, causing a shimmy condition and objectionable vibration. 
NON RECOMMENDED FORM OF 
STATIC BALANCING 
BALANCE WEIGHT IS NOT IN 
CENTER OF WHEEL 
GSP9720JLR Wheel Balancer Operation Instructions  Introduction to Balancing 
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