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Missing wheel balancing weights: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing missing wheel balancing weights, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Improper Installation or Poor Surface Prepminor

If the wheel surface wasn't thoroughly cleaned before applying adhesive weights, or the wrong clip style was hammered onto the rim flange, the weights will quickly detach while driving.

Adhesive Degradation from Elementsminor

Over time, extreme temperatures, harsh wheel cleaning chemicals, brake dust, and high-pressure car washes can break down the adhesive backing on stick-on wheel weights.

Physical Impactminor

Hitting a deep pothole, scraping against a curb, or driving on rough off-road terrain can physically knock clip-on or adhesive weights off the rim.

Omitted During Recent Tire Serviceminor

A technician may have mounted new tires but simply forgot to balance the wheel assembly, leaving it without any weights from the start.

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