Wheel Weight Confusion!

[Ralph B.]

I just noticed the AIM states: "add weights to either side of the wheel" as opposed to the JM "all wheels to be balanced by adding weights to the inboard side" ???

I assume the reason for inboard weights only was for the benefit of the wheel covers which makes perfect sense.

Also; was splitting the weights only permitted for "out of balance" conditions between 3 & 5 ounces which I assume was a rare occurrence; otherwise, the weights used should only be: .5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 ounces as listed in the AIM?

Thank you!
Ralph

[Gene M.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Ralph,
I think you will find that weights were on the inside. Also is most common that the weights were 1.5 ounce and less. But I'm sure there had to be some with bigger weights since GM had them listed as usable parts. I was told years ago and I don't recall the source, that GM rebalanced (spin tire on rim) anything that required more that a 1.5 ounce weight in that area. I would like to hear from John Hinckley or Mike Hanson on this topic.

[Ralph B.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Ralph,
I think you will find that weights were on the inside. Also is most common that the weights were 1.5 ounce and less. But I'm sure there had to be some with bigger weights since GM had them listed as usable parts. I was told years ago and I don't recall the source, that GM rebalanced (spin tire on rim) anything that required more that a 1.5 ounce weight in that area. I would like to hear from John Hinckley or Mike Hanson on this topic.

Thank you Gene!
Ralph

[John C.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Ralph

Multiple weights were allowed if necessary to get a tire in balance. The attached picture is from my 1968 original spare.

John

[John H.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Ralph,
I think you will find that weights were on the inside. Also is most common that the weights were 1.5 ounce and less. But I'm sure there had to be some with bigger weights since GM had them listed as usable parts. I was told years ago and I don't recall the source, that GM rebalanced (spin tire on rim) anything that required more that a 1.5 ounce weight in that area. I would like to hear from John Hinckley or Mike Hanson on this topic.

Gene -

The weight location notation changed in '66 - prior to that, the weights were to be installed only on the inboard rim flange. As noted in the A.I.M., if a wheel required 5 oz. or more to balance, it was to be broken down, the tire re-oriented on the rim, inflated, and re-balanced. I never paid any attention to that process, as it was done at the main plant along with passenger car and truck wheels and tires.

[Ralph B.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Thank you !
Ralph

[Gene M.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Gene -

The weight location notation changed in '66 - prior to that, the weights were to be installed only on the inboard rim flange. As noted in the A.I.M., if a wheel required 5 oz. or more to balance, it was to be broken down, the tire re-oriented on the rim, inflated, and re-balanced. I never paid any attention to that process, as it was done at the main plant along with passenger car and truck wheels and tires.

Thanks John I was sure you would have the correct information on the wheel weights. Did they just move the weight if it got in the way of the trim ring clips on the outside?

[John H.]

Re: Wheel Weight Confusion!

Thanks John I was sure you would have the correct information on the wheel weights. Did they just move the weight if it got in the way of the trim ring clips on the outside?

Gene -

I'm sure they just let the dealer worry about that, as St. Louis never touched the trim rings except to toss the package in the rear storage area.