i had my falken 512s replace on my 2k2... i had some vibrations between 40-50 and 70-75 roughly. once i got them rotated it went away. however today i noticed what looked to be small squares of magnets on 1 of the front wheels. are these wheels weights? and how do these small things make the vibration go away? what are they compensating for? i know its not that the rims are not perfect circles because on my previous tires they were perfect.

 

Yeah - those are weights added to even out the weight throughout rotation.

 

how do they know where to put them? and what causes the need for them? also is this like a bandaid for a long term problem or do many cars get this done?

 

Basically, the balancing machine determines where weight needs to be added to which "side" of the wheel and then they add the appropriate amount. Yeah, they have done this for years. Computer balancing is supposed to do away with the need for that I've read.

 

Having weights is perfectly normal, if that's your concern.

It is very rare to mount a tire on a wheel and not have to use any weights at all. They are attached by adhesive, not magnets.

 

the weights counter the heavy spots in the rim and or tire.... I would say 1 in 100 wheel and tire combos do not require weights to balance.... the only reason thay don't is luck.... the install happened to mount the heavy spot of the tire countering the heavy spot in the rim..... I can spin a bare rim on our shops balancer and it will require weights 99% of the time...... so don't worry about the wheel weights ... they don't indicate a problem .. just a normal condition