wheel balancing

[tryme]

hi

is wheel balancing/wheel alignment the same thing?

i believe wheel balancing is something to do with placing weights on the wheels? Wheel alignment is straightening up the wheels in line with the stearing wheel.

how much should i expect to pay to have this done? im hoping to reduce some of the vibrating especially on the motorway.

 

[pollyp]

no.
balancing is whether the wheel has equal weight around its hub axis. an unbalanced wheel will cause vibration as speed increases.
alignment is where the wheels are pointing. misalignment out of spec could cause uneven/unusual tyre wear or off-centre steering/crabbing or in extreme conditions, unusual handling.

 

[tryme]

ok how much should i expect to pay if i wanted both done?

 

[pollyp]

balancing is prob afew quid or free depending on the place

alignments like £20-30, national tyres has a £15 offer. never go for a 4 wheel alignment, costs £40 but garages don't really touch the rear ones, just the front two
i never trust garages to align my wheels and instead do it myself more accurately with the old fasioned string method

 

[skymera]

Kwik Fit charge £40 for alignment and £6 per wheel for balancing.

Other garages do alignment for £20 or so

 

[tryme]

ok will say i only want front aligned and all 4 balanced. cheers