wheel weights, really?

I've had dozens of balancings done,and not once has a weight needed to be put on the olutside. With proper equipment,it is not necessary. I have never understood why car makers do this with nice alloy wheels,especially painted wheels.

 

My 308 had the weights on the outside when I bought it. Drive from the dealer to a shop and had them re-balanced with weights moved to the inside. No idea why anyone would out them outside an it did leave marks on the paint.

 

Had the same issue. Goof Off works well removing the adhesive

 

Its simple.

Wheel width is a factor. Yes you can balance a wide wheel with inside placed weights only - but to place weights on the outer portions of the wheel is much more effective & with less weight (I.E. rotating mass - which is why the factory does so).

Today's balance machines can do a myriad of special things, including (but not limited to) hiding the balancing weights behind each spoke - and yet still getting the wheel to balance. Is that optimal? No. Is placing your weight all on the inside optimal either? No. But those with limited needs for performance or engineered accuracy need not worry, as it will do for them.

As for me, its a wide wheel. The factory & I will place the weights where they can benefit me the most. Aesthetics will be second.

 

Not sure what car you're referring to but on say the new 458 the front wheel weights have to go on the outside because the calipers are in the way and would knock them off as the wheel spins.

 

I understand that the proper way to balance mag/alum wheels is to place the weights along the center line of the wheels. All of my wheels have been done this way by 2 different tire shops. After they clean and stick them on the use a racing/duct tape over them. My cars with steel wheels are balanced on the inside lip using the old hammer on lead weights.

 

Great point.

Dynamic balance becomes more acute as the wheel/tire assy. becomes wider and rotational speed increases. Moving the weights for cosmetic purposes may not produce dire consequences, and the difference may (or may not) be imperceptible - However, it's still there. Your two tire shops have followed a version of balancing that is accepted by customers but if the wheel has any real width to speak of then calling it proper is a bit of an exaggeration. If it were indeed proper then you would find manufactures following their lead.

Nevertheless the OP can certainly gleam what information he needs from all of these helpful posts.

 

I noticed on my wheels (aftermarket Ray's Engineering) the wheels weights are in the inside lip of the wheel as well as inside the barrel.