Best type of wheel weight

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Noahdoge, Jun 20, 2025 at 9:18 AM.

  1. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    I’m having slight vibrations around 73-78 mph. Are the stick on weights harder to balance a tire vs the clip on? I had the clip on with my last set but didn’t like how they scratched the rims when they took them off. I had them use the stick on weights this time but find after 5,000 miles they just aren’t perfectly balanced. I have an appointment to rotate and rebalance but wanted to see the opinions on switching back to the clip on weights. Some extra info, I have the 15 in wheels and took the covers off.
     
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Stick-ons work fine. Somebody just didn't use the right amount or put them in the wrong place. Or some fell off because they weren't stuck on properly.

    Some techs are better at balancing than others, and not every shop has a good tech on tire duty.

    Good luck!
     
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  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Are you static or mag balancing with the tapeweights your static or not mag balancing so the weights are on one side of the wheel . I've never had good luck with that personally . I've clamped on type albeit very nice think Porsche early type etc coated etc . But this was long ago . Maybe today they say it's all good . But my eheels are jj lipped made for weights soooooo.
     
  4. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    There’s clip on the back of the wheel and then stick on the inside outer part of the wheel. I’m assuming that’s a dynamic balance? The tires are such a good deal at Sams club but they can’t balance to save their life. I’ll probably have to take it to a real mechanic to have them properly balanced.
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Sam's has good machine here if buttons are pushed properly and width is measured correctly. I noticed awhile ago that some crap weights can move around the rim it's the clamp the jj wheels are funny about the clamp on weights . They're a special brand that I usually use I'll find the box they're coated things look like a piece of candy. I get em in anthricate I think I'll find the box and send name . I do know euro car dealers stock this brand.
     
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Usually a combination of weight types is a giveaway that the tech didn't do his job, and left some of the previous weights in place.

    Unless it is a special case, step 1 is always "remove all current weights" and then add the fewest needed to get the assembly back in balance.

    Dynamic means it was done on a machine that spun the wheel-and-tire assembly and "felt" for vibrations, and then gave the tech instructions on a display for how much weight to add at which position. That method is faster and gives great results if done correctly.
     
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  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Those rims are NOT supposed have the hammer on weights.
    Stick ons are the correct weights to use.
    If they balance them correctly, you won't have a problem. Unless your rotor is slightly warped.

    If you get the lifetime balance and rotation, you can go back as often as you want.
    It will only cost you time. You should have them balance every 5000 miles. Same with rotation,
    front to back to front.

     
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  8. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    I have the lifetime balance and rotate so you’re right, it only costs me time. I have an appointment for Monday so we shall see if they can get it right this time. I appreciate you letting me know the stick on is the correct style of weight.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Most every rim we've got has a combo of stick-on weights for the outside, and clip-on for the inside.
     
  10. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The people at walfart try to hammer on those weights, I yell at them and tell them they are wrong!
    Use the correct weight.
    I am looking for a used tire machine and balance machine so I can do it myself and get it right!

     
  11. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I just saw a hunter here on sale locally for like really cheap I'm going to go take a look at it this is one thing that I haven't fooled w yet and alignment rax but space it takes . I think now I can get a machine that doesn't require a table per se
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    One of our rears, a Costco install, outside adhesive weights and inside clamped-on weight both visible.

    IMG_1049.jpeg