How important is wheel balancing and do racers do it?

[flymo]

Yeah, as Blue said earlier its all down to the bearings etc being free. Some wheels have a dust cover etc over the bearing and the friction from them is enough to hinder wheel balancing unless its greased up properly. Provided the wheel rotates nice and smooth you can go ahead and balance them that way.

I chose to use a wheel balance jig purely because I have to do it loads through the year, often with loose wheels that arent fitted.

For the odd one off tyre change I wouldnt bother with the hassle to be honest.

[northwind]

Yep, if I was doing loads I'd get a balancing stand too... But TBH I can't even justify the cost of the other tools They're just cool to have.

[flymo]

Originally Posted by northwind

Yep, if I was doing loads I'd get a balancing stand too... But TBH I can't even justify the cost of the other tools They're just cool to have.

I'm with you there fella Its actually quite satisfying to do this stuff by yourself I reckon.

Originally Posted by flymo_racer

I'm with you there fella Its actually quite satisfying to do this stuff by yourself I reckon.

And you don't have the hassle of getting a wheel to a fitter, leaving it with them (not many do it on the spot) and then pick it up later ... obviously if you live above a tyre fitter, this isn't too much of a problem!!!

Also if I put a big scrape on my wheel, I do so ... but to PAY some tyre fitter Neanderthal to put a scrape/ding in my wheel is unacceptable

I actually bought a kart bead breaker ~£23* and use that, but as I said, I used to use a spade

*like this

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

You cannot race properly without balancing your wheels.

I either do it here at work on the proper machine or get the paddock support guys to do it.

+1, Wot the racing burd says. I can't imagine going through a corner like Gerards with the front hammering away cos it's not balanced.

Originally Posted by northwind

Yep, if I was doing loads I'd get a balancing stand too... But TBH I can't even justify the cost of the other tools They're just cool to have.

I've been scouring ebay for a cheap proper air driven tyre machine. A mate of mine who's in Wales recently got one for 60 quid from a shop that was changing their workshop equipment.