Figured this was a general question, not really about tires/wheels, which is why I'm posting it in the general section.

Anyway, if your tires are out of balance and when you hit like 50+ mph, your steering wheel is going left/right/left/right a decent bit, is that bad for any components of your steering linkage or suspension...or is it just an annoyance?

I mean if it's just an annoyance, I'm ok with it, but then I get to thinking that if my steering wheel is moving, my ball joints are probably spinning a little bit each time and that can add up which might create heat and make them go bad faster, same with the tie-rod ends...what do you all think?

Thanks.

 

It's hard on the suspension -- particularly the tie rods. Are you sure it's tire balance doing that? Damaged radial belts can do that, and bad ball joints, etc.

 

When I had wheels like yours mine did the same thing.

 

x2

 

my 35's did that and after a 9 hour road trip i couldnt take it anymore......hence why i have tiny tires now......i think it was a combination of balance, water in the tires and busted belts in the tires......

 

take your truck to a tire dealer that does ROADFORCE tire balancing. i does wonders if the problem is just your tires.

 

Well, the problem is definately the tires/wheels.

When I had the 265/70/16 BFG AT's on my stock wheels for 2 days, the balance was perfect even at like 70+ mph. Then I got these black steel wheels and they were balanced with sticky weights on the inside of the wheel...and I know that's definately not as accurate.

I'm going to have to get them redone if it's definately going to wear out my tie-rods and all that. I mean it's so bad I can feel it at 45 ... by 55, it's a constant left/right on the wheel...probably like moving a good 1/8 inch back and forth.

 

Welcome to the ****ty world of steel wheels. there #1 never very round there oblong cant tell by the eye, another is the welded inner spokes are never perfect, they will wobble or shimmy even after balanced ... that is life... one of the MAJOR reasons i switched to alum... that and weight... my 265x75x16 BFG on 16x7 steelies was like 82lb my 32x11.5x15 on 15x7 Alcoa are 61lb... that is a huge freaking difference in rotating mass...

 

wow i didnt realize that the weight different was that huge, f steel wheels forever......

 

yea, the difference between a 15x8 classic 2, and a 15x8 rockcrawler, is very noticible. almost makes me want to get a set, them have them powdercoated black, of course!

 

speaking of offbalanced tires and what not. i know i need to get mine rebalnaced more than likely, and i know i need balljoints. anyone taken theres to a someplace to get them changed? like a quick lube or somethin?

 

I don't know...I had the same wheels in a 15x8 on my Jeep...with the Pro Comp M/T's, they balanced out fine (of course the weights were on the outside of the wheel, not on the inside with sticky weights)...then I put some super swampers on and they balanced fine as well with the weights on the outside of the wheel.

I'm certain it's just the method used -- that is, the sticky weights on the inside of the wheel. As far as the added weight, I'm not too worried about it. My 4.0 still hauls pretty good when I need it to...I can't tell a difference. I probably lose what, 1/10 second in the quarter mile??? I'm not too concerned. The wider stance would probably make up for it in the cornering department. Pontiac got one thing right...wider is better.

 

Alright, re-balanced them today...the left was out .50 on the inside...and I was like damn maybe this isn't the problem. Then the right was out 1.75 and .75...so obviously something went wrong with the balancing the first time.

We were able to get it to .00 an .00 on both tires and it rides like a dream at 65+