Dynamic Balance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Dynamic Balance Pattern

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Dynamic balance is the equal distribution of weight on each side of the tire and wheel assembly centerline. The wheel balance weights (2) are positioned on the wheel in order to offset the effects of a heavy spot (3). Wheels that have dynamic imbalance have a tendency to move from side to side and can cause an action called shimmy. Most off-vehicle balancers are capable of checking both types of balance simultaneously.

As a general rule, most vehicles are more sensitive to static imbalance than to dynamic imbalance; however, vehicles equipped with low profile, wide tread path, high performance tires and wheels are susceptible to small amounts of dynamic imbalance. As little as 14-21 g (1/2-3/4 oz) imbalance is capable of inducing a vibration in some vehicle models.