GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks.

EJ wrote:
> Ok, I have to admit I'm automotively retarded. My car started shaking
> so I went in for a balance, but just got worse. Turns out the rims
> are uneven and I was told I need to get new ones from two different
> mechanics.
>
> I have the original factory rims on right now... I think 15 x 5.5 or
> 15 x 6 - but I could be wrong. Where can I buy them and have them
> installed for cheap?
>
> Please email me directly to jester0422@yahoo.com with the subject
> headers "Rims". Thanks!
>
> EJ

EJ
Don t' be too quick to replace the wheels. Factory spec for run-out is:
Steel wheel:
Radial 0.6 mm (0.028 in.) : (Average of LH & RH)
Axial 1.0 mm (0.039 in.)

Two of mine were out around .040 - .045 in radially. But, the problem
was really the RFV of the original tires. I changed the rims to a nice
custom set from Discount Tire but the problem was exactly the same. All
balancing was done on a Hunter GSP 9700. I replaced the tires with a
set of Michelin Destiny tires from Discount Tire and had them match
balanced. If you can't get assembly RFV to 18 lbs or less you will
never get rid of your vibration. Go to hunter's Website and get checked
out - http://128.242.141.111/

I'm not saying that wheel run-out isn't part of the equation. However,
in my experience with two 02 Elantras (we own two)is that the biggest
culprit is the tire - assuming wheel torque and other specs are fairly
close.

Problems:
You biggest problem will be in finding a tire dealer that has a tech
(assuming they have a GSP9700) that actually knows how to use this tool!

The tech also has to be willing to take the time to get the best balance
possible. You results may vary.

You must get agreement from the manager that the new tires he sells you
will be able to show an end result of the assembly RFV being 18 lbs or
less. In other words if any of the new tires are not able to be brought
**under** 18 lbs, they need to put that tire aside and get another off
the rack until they get you all "good ones"!

A decent tire store manager will work with you on this if he is
approached by a knowledgeable customer. In my area, Kingman, AZ we have
several tires dealers. At least two of them possess GSP9700 machines.
I need to drive 45 minutes to the Discount Tire Warehouse in Lake Havasu
to get the job done right. And I continue to go there for my rotations.
They are 110% professional and you don't necessarily need to speak
with the manager to accomplish the above.

Bottom line:
If you don't take the time to educate yourself in this area, don't
expect to get the end result you are looking for!

Some resources for you:
http://128.242.141.111/
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/default.asp (general site)
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...862#_394881862
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...176#_394895176
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...031#_394879031
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...497#_394878497
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...862#_394875862
http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/ii...963#_394881963

You need to remember that the front end components on a Hyundai are not
necessarily held to the same specs as a BMW. My Elantra has own
vibration between 65 - 75 without wheels when run on a contact lift.
However, I am able to get the wheel tire assemble well within RFV spec
(mine are all around 9 lbs) and have a suburb ride. My wife's Elantra
still has the original factory steel wheels Three of the are well out of
factory spec for radial run-out. With a decent set of tires that will
match balance within the proper RFV the car is almost perfect.

Another option for replacing the wheels is to get a set of factory
reconditioned alloy wheels specifically for your car. Do a web search
to find these companies. The factory alloys have a much tighter spec
regarding radial run-out that the factory steel wheels. Between both of
our Elantras I spent about $2100.00 to finally get a grasp of how to get
this done correctly. "get'er done!"

Good luck.

Paul