Subject:
Vibration harshness above 45 MPH (72KM/H) after tire balance.
Vehicle Involved:
Ford Truck 1997-2006 E-Series.
Condition:
E-Series vehicles equipped with 8-lug bolt, 16-inch single rear steel wheels may experience vibration at 45 MPH (72KM/H) or higher after the assembly has been balanced.
Repair Procedure:
When balancing E-Series steel wheels, both the rear lip of the wheel center opening and the curb side of the lug bolt holes must be used to correctly align the assembly on the balancing machine.
The balancing machine set up must replicate the on-vehicle wheel position where the lug bolts clamp the back of the wheel against the axle flange. Use of a balancer mounting cone on the curb side of the wheel will not permit correct wheel positioning on the balancer.
The wheel center is formed from the back, and the metal edge on the curb side of the center opening is not designed to accurately position the wheel.
Tech Tip courtesy of Raybestos Brake & Chassis.