Do You Know the Difference Between Wheel Balancing and Four-Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Wheel balancing is performed on individual wheels, while four-wheel alignment involves all four wheels. First, the manifestation of wheel balancing issues is the up-and-down shaking of the wheel, causing varying degrees of vibration in the steering wheel and the interior of the car. This occurs because the weight distribution around the circumference of the wheel is uneven, and this imbalance is amplified at high speeds, leading to circumferential vibrations. The purpose of wheel balancing is to add lead weights to the inner side of the rim to ensure uniform weight distribution around the circumference. This eliminates the symptoms of vibration. Second, the symptoms of four-wheel alignment issues mainly include the vehicle pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. This is due to aging or misalignment of suspension connections over time, or severe impacts on the suspension, which cause the wheel alignment parameters to deviate from the factory settings. This leads to the aforementioned consequences. In such cases, performing a four-wheel alignment adjustment at a 4S shop or repair shop usually restores the vehicle to normal operation. Do you now understand the difference between wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment?
Wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment may seem like they both deal with wheels, but they're actually completely different things. Wheel balancing solves the issue of tire vibration during rotation, especially the steering wheel shaking at high speeds. Every time I get a new tire or a flat repaired, the shop uses that balancing machine to stick small lead weights on the wheel rim to ensure even weight distribution. Four-wheel alignment, on the other hand, addresses problems like pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. Last time my car hit a curb and the steering wheel was misaligned, they put it on a lift and used laser equipment to adjust suspension angle parameters, including toe-in and camber. Remember: Do wheel balancing if the steering wheel shakes, but alignment is only needed for pulling or uneven tire wear.
