FAQ - Expert's Advice

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.

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

To the SPEEDCUT® Video

Download flyer SPEEDCUT®

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.

• Each available in 2 colours - silver/black.

• No broken edges at separation points due to separate segments

• 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.

• Residue-free removal of the weight from the rim

• Higher initial adhesive force

• Easy removal of the liner

INTELLIGENT CARTON DESIGN:

Cardboard box and SPEEDCUT® are perfectly matched for best working results.

• "Anti-Roll-Back" function prevents the end of the roll from slipping back into the cardboard box

• Roll can be used immediately in the carton

• Trade-optimised packaging size

• 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.

download

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.