Balance a bent wheel?

[RiverDog]

Is it possible to have a bent wheel balanced? I have a 98 Windstar that has all the wheels balanced but still has a vibration starting around 55mph. Took it to a Ford dealer who sait it was a left wheel bearing even though I told them it wore out the right tire. They wanted $321 to replace the bearing, I did it myself for $45. so much for professionals. I can feel the vibration in the steering wheel and now in the van itself. If I shift into nutral there is no change so I think that would eliminate the drivetrain. There seems to be a thumping/roaring sound from the right front area as well. Any thoughts?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

You can balence a bent wheel, but it'll still be bent and should be repaired/replaced.

 

[RiverDog]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
You can balence a bent wheel, but it'll still be bent and should be repaired/replaced.

Is there a easy way to tell if it's bent? looking at it, I don't see anything wrong. Standard steel wheel.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: RiverDog
If I shift into nutral there is no change so I think that would eliminate the drivetrain. There seems to be a thumping/roaring sound from the right front area as well. Any thoughts?

No, it won't eliminate the drivetrain at all. It just disconnects the transmission input shaft from the engine, everything in the drivetrain is still spinning, just not from engine power.

A thumping/roaring sound is probably not a bent wheel. Sounds like you possibly have a problem with your bearings, CV joints, or the halfshaft on the right front. Could also be wear at any of the suspension joints on that side.

Best bet at this point is to take it to a specialized suspension shop and have them check it out for you. I really, really doubt this is a bent wheel.

ZV

 

[jtvang125]

Depends on how badly it's bent. If it's just slightly bent it can probably be balanced out with additional weights. It will be hard to tell if there's only a slight bent in the wheel just by looking at it. You can take it to a tire shop and have them remove the tire and put the wheel on the balancing machine and spin it. If it's bent you will see a wobble and if you place a finger or two on the outer rim edge while it's spinning you can feel where the bend is.

 

[Gneisenau]

Actually its very difficult to balance a bent wheel. You can balance it on it's rotational axis, but it will be out of balance on an axis almost perpindicular to the rotation axis. The bent wheel is cause a shifting lateral torque to be placed on the wheel.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I should have thought of this before: Easy and free way to test it.

- Take off the wheel you think is bent.
- Put the spare tire on instead.
- Drive the car for a bit.
- If the car still shakes, it's not that wheel.
- Repeat until you've done this for every wheel.

If that fixes the issue, it's a wheel/tire problem. If that doesn't fix the issue, it's a suspension/drivetrain problem.

ZV

 

[nwfsnake]

Your wheel is fine, its your CV joint that is going... 😉

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: nwfsnake
Your wheel is fine, its your CV joint that is going... 😉

That's my thought too, but I still think that he should swap the spare and do a quick check.

ZV

 

[RiverDog]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: nwfsnake
Your wheel is fine, its your CV joint that is going... 😉

That's my thought too, but I still think that he should swap the spare and do a quick check.

ZV

I only have one of those useless donuts but that would eliminate the wheel question. Got an air wrench and a 3 ton jack so that would be quick and easy
(Reminder: kick own ass for not thinking to try this myself)

I'm not sure about the CV joint, the boot is good and there doesn't seem to be any play but again that won't take long to pull apart and check.

 

[shocksyde]

I'm gonna go ahead and guess your passenger side half-shaft is spent.

Are either of your cv boots on that side torn (an easy way to tell is to look for grease caked all over everything)? Hear clicking when you turn?

EDIT: Dammit, I should read. You're already considering the CV joints. If you've got the right side of the car jacked up and tug on the wheel, you don't feel any play up, down, left or right?

 

[RiverDog]

Originally posted by: shocksyde
I'm gonna go ahead and guess your passenger side half-shaft is spent.

Are either of your cv boots on that side torn (an easy way to tell is to look for grease caked all over everything)? Hear clicking when you turn?

EDIT: Dammit, I should read. You're already considering the CV joints. If you've got the right side of the car jacked up and tug on the wheel, you don't feel any play up, down, left or right?

I checked both boots and they are clean and dry. There is no clicking on turns, even at full wheel lock. There is a clunk when the spring rotates but I think that could be a seperate issue. I'm leaning towards a wheel bearing but hate to do all that work if it isn't the problem.