Why is wheel balancing not required for rear wheels?
3 Answers
Rear wheels do not require wheel balancing because: the rear wheels have neither been replaced nor had tire repairs, meaning the mass distribution of the rear wheels remains unchanged. When rear wheels are replaced or repaired, their mass distribution gets altered, making wheel balancing necessary at that time. Reasons that may change a tire's mass distribution include: 1. Manufacturing tolerances during tire production, or inaccurate axle centering during wheel hub/brake drum machining; 2. Uneven mass distribution among wheel hub bolts; 3. Tire wear, out-of-round conditions, or deformation; 4. Mud accumulation on specific tire sections after off-road driving, increasing localized mass; 5. Tire repairs or replacement of tires/wheel hubs.
As a novice who just started driving, I was also confused about why rear wheels don't need wheel balancing. Actually, rear wheels do require balancing—it's not completely unnecessary. Wheel balancing ensures the wheels rotate evenly at high speeds to avoid vibrations. People think rear wheels don't need it mainly because, unlike front wheels, they don't directly cause severe steering wheel shaking, and rear wheel vibrations are less noticeable inside the cabin. However, this overlooks their long-term harm. For example, unbalanced rear wheels can quietly accelerate uneven tire wear, leading to premature replacements, increase suspension strain, and affect overall driving smoothness. During maintenance, my mechanic recommended a full-wheel balance every year or every 20,000 kilometers. This isn't a waste of money but rather a preventive measure. Adding lead weights to adjust weight distribution is equally important for both front and rear wheels. Neglecting rear wheels can slightly increase fuel consumption or worsen low-speed bumps, so don't slack off—develop a habit of regular checks for reliability.
Having driven for most of my life, I'm quite familiar with wheel balancing. Many people mistakenly believe rear wheels don't need balancing. The reason is simple: front wheel vibrations immediately feedback through the steering wheel, making them noticeable when you feel the shake; rear wheel imbalance transmits vibrations directly to the chassis, which is less perceptible and thus easily overlooked. But as a veteran, I've seen plenty of trouble caused by unbalanced rear wheels - irregular tire wear leading to reduced grip or significant body sway at high speeds. Every six months during maintenance, my mechanic always checks all wheels' balancing. This process uses counterweights to correct wheel weight distribution, ensuring even rotation. Neglecting rear wheel balancing might not show immediate effects, but over time it damages suspension or increases repair costs. That's why I insist on balancing both front and rear wheels - it's safer and more worry-free. With smooth driving, the ride experience naturally becomes more comfortable.
