An imbalance of a wheel occurs when the axis of rotation does not correspond to one of the mass centroid axes.
Poorly-balanced wheels can generate a critical condition on the vehicle:
- The steering vibrates
- More stress on wheel suspension and bearings
- More noticeable vibrations in the interior
- Physical strain on the body increases
- Increased brake wear can result
- Increased tire wear can result
- Extension of the braking distance may be the result
With the balancing weights of HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT the axes are brought back into balance.
At a speed of 100 km/h, the centrifugal force of a 10 g imbalance is equal to that of a sledge hammer.
Double this speed and the forces involved quadruple. Vehicles with poorly balanced wheels become dangerous:
- More stress on wheel suspension components and bearing points
- Noticeable vibrations on the steering wheel and in the interior
- Body subjected to greater physical stress
- Increased brake wear
- Increased heel and toe wear on tyres
- Braking distance increases
Dynamic imbalance is caused by an asymmetric mass distribution inside and/or outside of the rim. The asymmetric mass distribution is only visible during movement when the forces work in different directions and cause the wheel to hop or wobble. To determine a dynamic imbalance the tire/wheel assemblies can be checked on a balancing machine.
The dynamic imbalance can be compensated by applying wheel balance weights on the outer and inner side of the rim.
In addition to dynamic unbalance, there is also static unbalance.
A correctly balanced wheel can rotate freely around its horizontal axis and is able to stop in every position. If there is a static imbalance, the spot on the wheel with the greatest mass is acted upon by gravity to deflect the wheel downward.
Static imbalance always occurs in the center of the wheel and causes it to bounce while driving. The static imbalance can be compensated by applying wheel balance weights on the opposite side of the occurred imbalance:
In addition to static unbalance, there is also dynamic unbalance.
What exactly happens in a vehicle which moves with an imbalance and how can the driver detect an imbalance?
The results of endurance test conducted by HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT are clear after just 17,000 test kilometres. An imbalance has a significant effect on the vehicle. The effects are seen in three areas:
- comfort,
- safty and
- wear.
Strong vibrations at the steering wheel and inside the vehicle, along with constant humming noises are the first signs of an imbalance.
After 2,000 km of driving, significant uneven tyre wear is detected on all four wheels. Early repairs may be necessary due to increased wear at the suspension arms, shock absorbers and bearings. In the braking test conducted by HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT, the braking distance of the test Golf moving at a speed of 140 km/h increased by 6 mtr. This can be decisive in case of an emergency situation.
If uncoated balancing weights are mounted on a rim, it may come to contact corrosion. Contact corrosion occurs when metals with different nobility are in close contact. The more noble metal enhances the corrosion of the less noble metal. The condition for this process is a corrosive media between the two metals, like rain water or simple humidity.
Coated balancing weights preserve any rim from damage due to contact corrosion. The high quality OEM coating protects the weight optimally against environmental influences, even under extreme conditions. See comparison coated / uncoated weights in self-test on the right side. All weights are correspondingly subjected to OEM specifications 480 hours salt spray test according to DIN 9227 and ADTM B 117-73.
Prior to installation, select the appropriate weight from the HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT range on the basis of the rim shape. The choice is determined by the rim design. The rim flange thickness varies (steel rim/aluminium rim) and different rolling processes are used. Put the weight beside the rim flange before installation to check the shape.
Put the weight to the calculated place. Before knocking the weight on the rim, make sure that the clip is correctly touching the rim flange.
After positioning of the weight, apply it with an adequate tool (such as mounting pliers or hammer). To install the weights, no more than two forceful knocks should be used. A higher number of knocks can damage the coating of the weights.
After the installation, please ensure a thight fit of the weight.
The surface to attach the adhesive balance weight on the wheel rim must not exceed a maximum slope of 15 degrees of axial direction (hub direction).
The surface energy of the surface to be bonded to the wheel rim must be at least 32 mN/m. Measured with test ink, e.g. Arcotest.
The permissible processing temperature must not be less than 10°C [50°F]
The wheel rim surface must be free of grease, silicon and dust and be dry.
There must not be any adhesive residues or adhesive tape left on the adhesive surface of the wheel
Clean the rim thoroughly with a cleaning agent that is compatible with varnish (e.g.IPA 70 %).
Separate the correct gramage (as calculated) from the bar. Mould the shape of the weight to match the rim radius (with protective film).
PLEASE NOTE: You need to bend the weights gradually, otherwise they will break apart at the joins. You should bend the weight to a little more than the rim’s radius.
Attach the weight to the calculated point on the rim, making sure that the weight is distributed evenly either side and the weight is parallel with the edge of the rim.
PLEASE NOTE: Press down on the weight hard, working from the centre to the left and right. A minimum pressure of 10 N/cm² is required.
Dynamic imbalance is frequently also referred to as an imbalance in two lanes. The adhesive weight type 706 from the HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT range is ideal for compensating this kind of imbalance. These weights can be stuck onto the narrow rim shoulder (to the left and right-hand sides of the spokes) provided that the glued surfaces are within the permissible inclination angle of 15°. If the glued surfaces exceed an inclination angle of 15°, there is a risk of the adhesive weight losing its ability to adhere due to the centrifugal forces involved.
Use the tyre compression tool or a pneumatic tyre compression tool to squeeze the tyre off at the point where the weight is going to be installed just far enough in order for the rim flange to be exposed. Attach the clip at the required point. Remove the tyre compression tool. The clip will be pressed between the rim flange and tyre, where it will remain secure.
Use the clip fitting tool to lift the clip so that you can push the coated weight body underneath it. Push the weight in the right grammature under the clip. Gradually tilt the clip fitting tool back so that the clip is able to engage in the specially provided recess in the weight body.
In a running tire the balancing compound is dispersed along the tire walls due tothe centrifugal force. With increasing speed, imbalance of the wheel assembly (heavy spot) will cause vibrations like bouncing and wobbling. At the same time the higher speed will also cause the centrifugal force to disperse the material in the tire and automatically push the compound opposite to the heavy spot, compensating the vibrations. As the compound can fl ow freely in the tire, it will constantly adjust to shifts in forces caused by changed imbalances, speeds and road conditions, guaranteeing an always smooth ride.
FUSION TECHNOLOGY – THE INTELLIGENT BALANCING COMPOUND:
The secret of the innovative Fusion Technology is the different size of the balancing material. The larger red kernels concentrate in the center of the tire and dampen the static imbalance. The smaller blue kernels are moving to the outside of the tire and compensate wobbling which is caused by dynamic imbalance. The result is a smooth ride for the complete tire life.
QUICK AND EASY BALANCING
No balancer required, tear open and into the wheel. Pre-packed bags mean low labour costs, no extensive training or experience required.
INCREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY
Smoother ride and reduced rolling resistance mean longer tyre life, better tread and contact to road, making you more efficient.
PROLONGED TYRE LIFE
Longer lasting tread and even tyre wear through fewer vibrations keeping your tyres running smoother and cooler, ultimately lasting longer.
TPMS SAFE
Specially coated compound has no adverse effects on TPMS sensors or inner tyre liners, high quality metal valve cap and a special core in every bag, protecting your valve.
MORE DRIVING COMFORT
Vibration dampening increases comfort, causing less exhaustion for driver. Fewer vibrations for load and driver mean both arrive fresh.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Lead-free, cost effective solution to balance all your wheels and almost all rim types, with no rebalance necessary saving dozens of wheel weights over a tyre life.
FULL PRODUCT PROGRAM FROM THE MARKET LEADER
As the market leader in wheel balancing, we are proud to also offer a premium solution for vibration dampening through in-tyre compounds. We are the only manufacturer in Europe offering a full spectrum of heavy-duty knock-on and adhesive weights as well as an own line of vibration dampening products for in-tyre use.
A STRONG BRAND
Our premium product and packaging is paired with a strong brand. HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT is known as the most important supplier for wheel weights to vehicle manufacturers worldwide.
GARAGE OPTIMISED PACKAGING
The unique dispensing box, with its small footprint can easily be stored close to the balancer, no walking back to get product from the shelf. Bags can be dispensed from the front, while it opens from the top with a reclosable and removable lid.
SMALLER BOX QUANTITIES
With 8-16 bags per master box, a fourth of what competitors pack into master boxes, inventory can be managed more easily, binding less capital. The lower cost per box makes the product attractive even for shops without HD specialization.
ATTRACTIVE PRODUCT DESIGN
Premium product with its unique two colour design, paired with a high quality print and red and white HOFMANN POWERWEIGHT visual on boxes and bags maximise brand recognition and facilitate repeat business.
ALL-IN-ONE BAG
Each bag contains everything you need for your job, each has a filtered valve core and valve cap sealed into a separate compartment at the top.
EASY TO OPEN
Our perforated paper bags are easy to tear and incorporate a funnel-like opening to minimise spills. The single paper bag design reduces waste and is easy to recycle compared to competitors double plastic bag packaging.
INSTRUCTIONS ON EVERY BAG
Independent from language barriers, instructions on every bag in the form of pictograms show how the balancing compound is applied.
HIGH QUALITY COMPONENTS
Valve cap and filtered valve core provided in the bag are high quality components with red high temperature resistant seals. Each valve cap is marked with a clear logo, indicating the use of balancing compound in the tyre.
All HPW advantages at a glance in our flyer:
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The SPEEDCUT® is a workshop optimised system for storage and cutting of adhesive weights. The new multifunctional adhesive rolls guarantee easier storage because a roll provides always the suitable weight. Additionally, all rolls are equipped with the SPEEDLINER® tape. The engineers of HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT developed also the SPEEDCUT®, a rollholder for the professional use. The box of the roll and the SPEEDCUT® match perfectly each other for best work results.
- Easy
- Fast
- Safe
The adhesive rolls type 355 / 356 / 357 fit perfectly to the Speedcut System.
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN:
Simplified storage due to multifunctional castors - always the right weight.
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Each available in 2 colours - silver/black.
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No broken edges at separation points due to separate segments
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3 mm protruding protective film for easy removal
SPEEDLINER® TECHNOLOGY
For the first time SPEEDLINER® adhesive tape on rolls - Particularly gentle on rims with strong hold at the same time.
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Residue-free removal of the weight from the rim
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Higher initial adhesive force
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Easy removal of the liner
INTELLIGENT CARTON DESIGN:
Cardboard box and SPEEDCUT® are perfectly matched for best working results.
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"Anti-Roll-Back" function prevents the end of the roll from slipping back into the cardboard box
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Roll can be used immediately in the carton
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Trade-optimised packaging size
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Environmentally friendly packaging without plastic
In our video SPEEDCUT® assembly instructions, you will find a step-by-step explanation of how to assemble the SPEEDCUT®:
SPEEDCUT® assembly instructions video
All HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT car adhesive seals have a perforated adhesive tape with innovative SPEEDLINER® technology. Thanks to the perforation, the individual segments can be separated easily and without tools. The SPEEDLINER® adhesive tape is a great relief for the work in the workshop especially because of its residue-free removal during the subsequent disassembly of the weights.
More information is available in the SPEEDLINER® flyer.
RESIDUE-FREE REMOVAL OF WEIGHT FROM THE RIM
With the SPEEDLINER® adhesive tape, foam residues on the rim and thus time-consuming subsequent cleaning with scrapers or aggressive, toxic agents are a thing of the past. For the first time, the new adhesive tape has a 5-stage structure; a special, extremely tear-resistant intermediate film, a so-called reinforcement film, ensures extremely strong cohesion within the adhesive tape. This permanent bond created in this way makes work much easier when the adhesive weight strip is removed again. The foam residues adhere to the reinforcement film and residue-free removal of the adhesive weight is possible. A time and cost saving for every fitter. And to the delight of every vehicle owner, it is also gentle on the rims.
HIGHER INITIAL ADHESIVE STRENGTH
The adhesive, which has been specially optimised according to our specifications, has a higher initial tack and reaches the maximum final tack even faster. Even if the rims are not optimally pre-cleaned, the adhesive weight is held securely. Immediate correction of the balancing position is still possible thanks to the innovative composite structure. Time-consuming and cost-intensive reworking is no longer an issue. This leads to satisfied workshop customers and fewer complaints.
CLEAN SEPARATING EDGES
The optimised foam of the SPEEDLINER ® is even easier to tear off and leaves a clean separating edge when breaking off individual segments. Together with the grid technology used in HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT adhesive weights and the perforated liner, this makes work during assembly much easier. Rejects of adhesive weights are reduced even further, as damage to the liner is prevented when separating individual segments.
EASY REMOVAL OF THE LINER
The new protective film (the so-called liner) consists of a stronger film material. This makes the liner easier to grip, which makes it quicker and easier for the installer to remove.
Valves are heavily stressed during their service life and are subject to many external influences. This can lead to pressure loss in the tyre and thus poses a safety risk. Therefore, valves should be checked and replaced every time the wheels are changed.
CAUSES FOR AIR LOSS:
- Brittle rubber
- Corrosion on valve core
- External damage
CONSEQUENCES OF AIR LOSS:
- Unsafe handling up to loosing control
- Extended braking distance
- Higher fuel consumption
- Higher rolling resistance
- Increased tyre wear
EM-QUALITY
Only high-quality materials such as EPDM rubber are used to manufacture the valves. This has a high resistance to ozone, sunlight and chemicals and thus extends the service life of the valve.
BROAD PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT offers a wide range of valves for cars, vans, trucks, motorbikes, scooters, tractors and construction machinery.
BATCH IDENTIFICATION
By printing the batch number, the production date of the valve can be determined. This prevents old valves from being fitted and increases safety.
HIGH SERVICE
In day-to-day business, HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT is always there to help and advise its customers. In addition, information such as assembly instructions and data sheets are provided.
NICKEL-PLATED VALVE INSERT
To avoid contact corrosion, only a nickel-plated valve insert is used in all HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT valves.
Just as the rubber valve is renewed during tire service, individual components must be replaced with new ones for the tire pressure monitoring system sensor (TPMS sensor). Each time the tire is changed, the appropriate parts kit must be used to replace the wearing parts (nut, sealing ring, nickel-plated valve insert, dust cap). This is for safety, prevents failures and prevents larger and more costly consequential damage (e.g. complete replacement of sensor due to corroded valve insert). The TPMS service kits contain the necessary spare parts.
CAUSES OF FUNCTIONAL FAILURES
- Corrosion of metal parts
- Brittleness of the rubber seal
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF FUNCTIONAL FAILURES
- Damage and replacement of the complete sensor
- Loss of pressure in the tire
- Flat tire
- Loss of vehicle control
According to the specifications of the automobile manufacturers, the TPMS components must be checked and replaced every time the tires are changed.
100 % VEHICLE COVERAGE
HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT is the only supplier to offer 100 % coverage of all new European vehicles from 2014.
HIGHEST OE QUALITY
With spare parts in OE quality from HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT, the best working results are achieved.
In addition, quality seals guarantee maximum durability even under extreme conditions.
LATEST CORROSION PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY
The individual metal components are treated with the latest corrosion protection technology.
EFFICIENT WORKSHOP STOCKING
The TPMS Starter Set's need-based equipment ensures efficient stocking for the workshop.
- Valve nut
- Valve cap
- Valve core
- Seal
- Some Service Kits also include O-rings in 4 different colours*
*The position of the O-Ring is on the outside of the nut. Each colour describes the position of one wheel.
The combination of the position of the wheel and the colour of the O-rings as follow:
Green = Front left, Yellow = Front right, Red = Rear left, Black = Rear right
Just like tires, all TPMS service kits should be stored in the dark and as cool as possible to maintain their technical properties over a long period of time. Each component has been specified, manufactured and tested by HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT according to strict OE requirements for temperature, corrosion and aging resistance. Thus, the storage period recommended by HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT complies with OE specifications. This is usually 2 years and depends on the storage conditions.
No, individual components of the Universal Service Kit are not for sale.
Automotive manufacturers use a number of different so-called snap-in valves for TPMS sensors. These use a wide variety of fastening methods to the sensor and are therefore sensor-specific. For the maintenance of these sensors, HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT also offers individually compiled service kits for TPMS with snap-in valves.
You can download more information about TPMS and the allocation list here:
More information on the assembly of TPMS service kits can be found here:
Here you will find videos with installation instructions for the TPMS service kits:
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 405
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 409
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 410
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 411
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 412
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 421
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 423
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 425
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 429
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 431
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 432
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 435
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 436
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 437
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 441
Assembly instruction TPMS Service Kit 477
HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT distributes a universal TPMS service kit which is suitable for 97% of all metal valve stems of tyre pressure sensors on the market. More information can be found here in our video:
All technical product information on the TPMS service kits can be found here:
The manufacturer's warranty obligation still applies. In addition, you will receive the HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT warranty for the kits used.
The most important application examples and tips can be found in the how-to videos for the Universal Service Kit on this website. Questions can be put to our competent team via the contact form.
Any questions? Feel free to contact us via the contact form.