Is Wheel Balancing Necessary After a Four-Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Performing a four-wheel alignment does not necessarily require wheel balancing. However, if tires are replaced or repaired, and the tire is removed from the rim, wheel balancing is mandatory. Below are specific scenarios where a four-wheel alignment is needed: 1. Vehicle Pulling: If the car drifts to one side while driving or the steering wheel does not return to center automatically, a four-wheel alignment is required. 2. Component Removal: If parts of the axle or suspension have been removed, a four-wheel alignment is necessary. 3. Damage: If the chassis or suspension is damaged due to an accident, a four-wheel alignment should be performed. 4. Abnormal Tire Wear: If tires show uneven wear patterns, particularly severe wear on one side of the front or rear tires, a four-wheel alignment is recommended.
Last time after I changed the suspension and got a wheel alignment, the mechanic said I didn't need wheel balancing - totally confused me. These two services don't conflict at all. Wheel alignment adjusts suspension parameters to fix pulling or uneven tire wear, while balancing simply prevents wheel vibration when rotating. Balancing is mandatory when changing tires, and absolutely necessary if the rim is deformed. But alignment is only needed when the steering is off, suspension's been impacted, or chassis components are replaced. My friend once had the steering wheel shaking violently at 110 km/h on the highway - rebalancing fixed it immediately, rock solid after. So don't fall for bundled service scams, judge based on actual symptoms!
