Tire/wheel balancing for hacks

[Master Hack]

I've been chasing a vibration problem, that I have isolated to the rear tires/wheels. After finding out none of the local tire shops are willing to balance ATV tires I needed to come up with a hack solution, to reduce the vibration. So after a few hours of 2 am engineering I came up with a solution that actually works somewhat.
The first thing is to figure out a way to locate where the imbalance is on each offending wheel.
I made a flange to put the tire on and then located a point on which to balance the assembly.



While it may not appear so it is imperative that the point be straight, a level accomplished that task.

The tire/wheel was then placed on the point and...



So, then I gave the assembly several opportunities to find where it wanted to hang. When I was satisfied that I had the right spot,I set some weights opposite the heavy spot and...



So the whole process took only an hour or so, and while far from perfect, the bottom line is, the vibration is greatly reduced. and that is what I was after!

 

[Grizzlymi]

HaHa! I love it!

 

[BrownStainRacing]

@Master Hack , good job!!!!!

I balance my wheels and tires too. It's works.
You will notice less vibrations at higher speeds.

I use jackstands and a smooth round rod, or a mini bike axle. I find it quite easy. Enjoying a few cold adult beverages while watching a wheel/tire spin, can be entertaining. or jus a good excuse for drinking beer while balancing wheels and tires.

Jus changing bolts, nuts, sprockets, adding or deleted washers will change the balance.

 

[Snaker]

I was in the middle of a plumb bob version of that sort of thing but never got it completed.
I see what you have there and the equipment in the background and I go golly gee.

If you have time and interest, it would be cool to put a threaded hole in the point of that cone.
A eyelet of some sort would screw in and hold a heavy string or small rope
Set the wheel on top and suspend from the ceiling.

The pendulum setup can be very accurate and typically more sensitive than the cone base.

 

[Master Hack]

If you have time and interest, it would be cool to put a threaded hole in the point of that cone.
A eyelet of some sort would screw in and hold a heavy string or small rope
Set the wheel on top and suspend from the ceiling.

The pendulum setup can be very accurate and typically more sensitive than the cone base.

that's a great idea! this was a 5 minute solution. the point i used is actually a live center from the lathe, so no modifying that, i could make something tho.

I use jackstands and a smooth round rod, or a mini bike axle. I find it quite easy.

That didn't work for me. The 4 inch center hole in the wheel is a problem. I made the flange with exactly that in mind, but as with all projects around here it went in several directions before the compass needle stopped.

 

[Master Hack]

If you have time and interest, it would be cool to put a threaded hole in the point of that cone.
A eyelet of some sort would screw in and hold a heavy string or small rope
Set the wheel on top and suspend from the ceiling.

I'll be up half the night thinkin on this!
So if its hanging, why does it need the point? Wouldn't just an eyelet with fishing line tied to it work just as well?

 

[Snaker]

Yes, I think that would work.
I went in the direction of a plumb bob shape because of the cone shape to accurately place the rim and also the plumb bob has a centered threaded hole which would make a dandy string mount
Problem was that plumb bobs are about 1.5" diameter, not enough to catch the rim, and I couldn't come up with anything to adapt from a skinny plumb bob to a wider rim hole with any sort of accuracy.

 

[Master Hack]

Why not just make a plate with the wheel pattern and a hole in the center?

 

[Snaker]

I guess it might do it.
I've done others things with some similarities and really like the self-aligning characteristic of cone shapes.
My concern with the studs/holes is whether that tiny bit of slop could throw off the accuracy, doesn't take much.
I wonder if you made those studs oversized and then ground them down to cone shapes so the rim would self-align?

 

[Master Hack]

I wonder if you made those studs oversized and then ground them down to cone shapes so the rim would self-align?

You know, that's a damn good idea. I'll make that tomorrow. I don't take suggestions well (wife says) so that's a high compliment.

I can actually make that Purdy accurate, within a couple o thou....
stay tuned

 

[Master Hack]

If you have time and interest, it would be cool to put a threaded hole in the point of that cone.
A eyelet of some sort would screw in and hold a heavy string or small rope
Set the wheel on top and suspend from the ceiling.

This is such a great idea that l have taken it to the next level!

GET READY FOR LEVITATION BALANCE!

 

[Denny]

You made the tires fly?

 

[Master Hack]

I'm seriously disappointed that no one has taken interest in this amazing new break through. I worked a long time to get the anti-gravity machine working properly. All I get is a cold reception. I have a few anti gravity machines available for sale, at the amazingly low introductory price of $995.00. Get in on the ground floor of this investment opportunity. Buy a new anti-gravity machine and balance tires in your garage for fun and profit. If actual work is not to your liking, snowflake, watch this outlet for news of our upcoming IPO, in a few days! Either way this is a win/win opportunity!

 

[BaconBitRacing]

I'm seriously disappointed that no one has taken interest in this amazing new break through. I worked a long time to get the anti-gravity machine working properly. All I get is a cold reception. I have a few anti gravity machines available for sale, at the amazingly low introductory price of $995.00. Get in on the ground floor of this investment opportunity. Buy a new anti-gravity machine and balance tires in your garage for fun and profit. If actual work is not to your liking, snowflake, watch this outlet for news of our upcoming IPO, in a few days! Either way this is a win/win opportunity!

I'm more interested in a time machine... You have one? I really don't want one made out of a crappy 80's sports car, either.

 

[Master Hack]

I'm more interested in a time machine

I've tasked Egor with that project. Not much progress, however. I think he's playing me....

 

[BaconBitRacing]

I've tasked Egor with that project. Not much progress, however. I think he's playing me....

How about a transmogrifier?

 

[Master Hack]

How about a transmogrifier?

Seriously? Did that years ago. Wore it out and scrapped it.

 

[BrownStainRacing]

I'm seriously disappointed that no one has taken interest in this amazing new break through. I worked a long time to get the anti-gravity machine working properly. All I get is a cold reception. I have a few anti gravity machines available for sale, at the amazingly low introductory price of $995.00. Get in on the ground floor of this investment opportunity. Buy a new anti-gravity machine and balance tires in your garage for fun and profit. If actual work is not to your liking, snowflake, watch this outlet for news of our upcoming IPO, in a few days! Either way this is a win/win opportunity!

Is this "AS SEEN ON TV" product ???

Is it a "BOGO FREE" deal ???

How many do I have to purchase to get free shipping ????

And...........Do you take food stamps????

 

[Master Hack]

Yes, yes and yes. Just pay a seprate fee…



but wait theres more…..

 

[Bansil]

What tire is that?