Miata Mailing List: November 1999, Message #779

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Ok, after a second run up to Butler Tire in Austell, I
sat there and explained to the guy I have been dealing
with that this and it is the second time I have had to
come in for this unexcuseable problem.

I paid about $60 in a dynamic balance job on my car,
because I didn't want /any/ shimmy on my car (I hate
it with a passion).  And now I have found two sets of
wheel weights in my driveway (must be the
electro-magna-tomizer I installed last summer under
the driveway).  Each time, I hand him the small
weights over the counter as other patrons look on.

He came up with the standard "Gee, do you pressure
wash your wheels?"..."Are you racing this
thing?"..."Are you messin' with your wheels at all?" 
Give me a break.

Turns out that it really has to do with the shape of
the inner wheel that they were sticking them on to. 
It may be just the Panasports, but they are a bear to
get them to stick on the curved part of the inner rim.
 Even with cleaning.

Sure, they could have duct taped them or glued them,
but I just didn't want to mess with that...plus I
clean my wheels quite a bit and with the Castrol stuff
I am using on my wheels, I am sure the tape would just
come off with this chemical.  Glue is just not an
option for me.

Anyhoo, they decided to do the standard clamp weight
type on the inside of the wheel....you can't see it
and they are really small (in comparison to the three
1/4 oz. weights).

It is a good lesson to make sure you do an inventory
check when you have your wheels and tires mounted and
balanced.  Make a note of each wheel and where and
what weight wheel weight is stuck on your rims.

Check your driveway from time to time...also, any
large  BANGS or CLUNKS in the wheel well while
driving, you had better check your notes (thanks Cat).

I will tell you that with one wheel with no weights
really did give me a minor shimmy.  Now she rides like
glass at 65mph.

Hope this helps out and thanks for everyone's help on
the issue.  Let's get back to some other dribble.


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Peter Brusa/Ticketmaster/Peachtree Miata Club
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Mail - peter_son@yahoo.com    
Home - http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/garage/4991   
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"The Blue Potato", '95 Laguna Blue & Tan/Sebringized
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