Do Wheel Caps Disturb Wheel Balance

leadf00t · 29th November 2008, 11:44

I have been observing on quite a few vehicles while driving recently that the Wheel caps that are installed are normally off-center and vibrate when in motion.

When we do wheel Balacing very small weights ( 20 gms to 60 gms or so ) are added to the edge of the Wheel rim to ensure that it is correclty balanced. I believe with Wheelcaps installed which are off-center will disturb the whole wheel balance.

Another observation is that Caps that fit on the inside edge of the rim are less off-center as compared to caps that are fit on a center Nut.

Gurus your views please.

If the answer to my question is YES,shouldn't we be really skeptical about using Wheel caps on our cars.

amit_mechengg · 29th November 2008, 12:22

i too have observed this. all the wheel caps on my alto are off centred in vague manner. they wont disturb the wheel balance in actual, but when u drive at high speeds u feel the cyclic vibrations

Technocrat · 29th November 2008, 12:46

Quote:

but when u drive at high speeds u feel the cyclic vibrations

That is because they are probably loose & vibrate, another reason could be that at high speeds the flowing air would be pushing them out & if they are loose, you will get that feeling.

D.V.R · 29th November 2008, 14:10

Wheel caps dont disturb the wheel balance if they are properly fit and have their weight equally balanced.Only if they are loose or not properly fit they will give out cyclic vibration.Its highly reccomended to get the OEM wheel caps as they are best fit than after market ones.

greenhorn · 18th January 2009, 15:14

was curious. do wheel covers do ANY function? they are a pain to clean when washing the car, and trap dust and what not, and now look pretty scratched.

was thinking about losing them and putting just the plastic end caps in the center

Technocrat · 19th January 2009, 15:22

Apart from visual appeal(not in all cases), I dont think they have any use.

29th November 2008, 11:44	#1
leadf00t BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MH04 Posts: 439 Thanked: 15 Times View My Garage	Do Wheel Caps Disturb Wheel Balance I have been observing on quite a few vehicles while driving recently that the Wheel caps that are installed are normally off-center and vibrate when in motion. When we do wheel Balacing very small weights ( 20 gms to 60 gms or so ) are added to the edge of the Wheel rim to ensure that it is correclty balanced. I believe with Wheelcaps installed which are off-center will disturb the whole wheel balance. Another observation is that Caps that fit on the inside edge of the rim are less off-center as compared to caps that are fit on a center Nut. Gurus your views please. If the answer to my question is YES,shouldn't we be really skeptical about using Wheel caps on our cars.
	() Thanks

29th November 2008, 12:22	#2
amit_mechengg Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 2,487 Thanked: 2,251 Times View My Garage	i too have observed this. all the wheel caps on my alto are off centred in vague manner. they wont disturb the wheel balance in actual, but when u drive at high speeds u feel the cyclic vibrations
	() Thanks

29th November 2008, 14:10	#4
D.V.R BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney / Secunderabad Posts: 278 Thanked: 14 Times	Wheel caps dont disturb the wheel balance if they are properly fit and have their weight equally balanced.Only if they are loose or not properly fit they will give out cyclic vibration.Its highly reccomended to get the OEM wheel caps as they are best fit than after market ones.
	() Thanks

18th January 2009, 15:14	#5
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,397 Times View My Garage	was curious. do wheel covers do ANY function? they are a pain to clean when washing the car, and trap dust and what not, and now look pretty scratched. was thinking about losing them and putting just the plastic end caps in the center
	() Thanks

19th January 2009, 15:22	#6
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,813 Thanked: 2,700 Times	Apart from visual appeal(not in all cases), I dont think they have any use.
	() Thanks