CAUTION Wheel Weights CAUTION
 

I just got back from having my Superformance Cobra dyno tuned one of the wheel weights came off and damn near went thru the rear fender. Now in addition of the tune I have a body shop repair bill to look forward to. Make sure you weights are on tight. That thing comming off is like a bullet so stay clear. Don't want to see anyone hurt their cars or worse get hurt themself.

Gene,

I would recommend the following. Use tape-on weights and thoroughly clean the surface of the inner wheel with solvent. Then take some strips of duct tape (GOOD sticky duct tape, not the cheap stuff) and tape over the tape-on weights. The centrifugal forces will not only keep the weights on the inner wheel, but the tape will give you insurance and keep them there.

Getting a good dynamic/static balance is a little more difficult with this method, as you can't place the weights on the wheel edges. But I've never thrown a wheel weight using this method.

Good luck,

-Dean #747

What type weights were they?? Sounds like rim weights, although I don't think you can fit them on an SPF rim. The tape weights are on the inner side of the rim and centrifugal force tends to hold them in place, that's what I have usually seen. It's good you were uninjured, but that sounds like a poor weight installation. Just .02

I have the chrome sticky weights if anyone out there needs them.

Bob

I was tuning the car when it happened. Not only were they the "hammer on" style weights (which didn't fit the lip correctly), but it was one of the really long ones, and it looked like they didn't need the entire weight. Instead of cutting a little off each side, they just cut the whole one side off. So all the weight was hanging off the one side.

You DEFINITELY want the stick on style weights, and then put some good duct tape over them. Make sure the rim is REALLY clean first too. And don't forget to check for clearance with the brakes!

The worst part of Gene's car, was that it hit the fender about a half inch PAST where the protective foam ended :( .

Sounds like I would go back to the Bozo who cut and put that weight on the wheel.Must be some recourse here??

I always cover my stick on wheel weights with duct tape, works great.

Clean surface and duct tape
 

Gene if the guy installed clip on weights there are about 4-6 different ones for the rims. If on correctly the clip should be tight against the rim and if there is a small lip on the rim, the weight should pressing against the edge of this. Any thing else is not installed correctly. If you can move the wieght with your fingers, an air gap between the rim and clip, or if the wieght is not coated on Alum rims where is going to be a problem. Truck weights fit on rims but do alot of damage to the lip from the high strenght clip. Glue on weights are the best for pin drives. There must be no wax, oil, tire dressing, or dirt on the rim surface inside and out. I use brakekleen if the rim is not clearcoated. Some brakekleen WILL breakdown the clearcoat and it will peel away from the rim. This will cause pitting and oxyidation of the Aluminium. Try and have the weights installed close to the edges. I use good duct tape with about a 3" over lay of the weight. Use 2 to 3 strips depending on the weight of the weight. Depanding on the balancing, you can go static and just mount one set of weights on the inside of the rim. This is ok for street driven cars and speeds under 70 mph. Dynamic or high speed balance is needed for racing or high speed driving. When having the tires and rims done have the guy check for out of round on the tire and rim. This a is a major cause of a high speed vibration. Rick L. You are paying for a high speed balance, make sure the guy is doing his job. %/ I have seen new tires wobble on a rim and need replacement.:eek:

Another thing you can do...If your watching the balancing and notice many weights being added, 4-8 oz, have the fella stop and turn the tire 180 degrees on the rim. You'll be surprised....

What was the HP/TQ output? and what was the details of the engine?

I can post the details if Gene says it's ok.

Gene, that sucks!! My SPF had a problem with wheel wobble. New Yoko's were defective. Tire rack replaced them. New one's balanced with stick-ons on the inside of the wheel. Clip ons on the outside look bad and are dangerous (IMHO). At least it was the rear fender so your body shop can paint the fender up to the stripe without worrying about blending. My car's black too. I feel your pain.

We used this high temp tape over the stick on weights on the race cars. There can be substantial radiant heat from the brakes which softens the tape adhesive. This helps keep the weight in the right place. Probably not a big deal unless you drive pretty hard or your car sees track duty.

http://www.adlinsulflex.com/heat-res...berflect-tape/

Black is the easiest color to spot in. A skilled shop will not even have to do the whole fender and it will be invisible.

Duct tape over tape weightsis SOP in auticross and open track.

Might I ask...who in the he!! hammered on the clipons?