Lug vs Hub centric balancing

[Cbpcop]

Hey Brian,

This may seem painfully simple to some but I don't know the answer to this one: What is the difference between Hubcentric and Lugcentric wheel balancing machines, and do the techs at the local tire shops really know the difference either? Also, why is it so critical for our truck wheels as opposed for normal car wheels? I've searched this forums/topics and I can't find an answer to this one. Thanks for the education here - it's much appreciated!

[Brian R.]

Your truck mounts the wheels so that they are fixed to the lugs, as do most vehicles. The difference between lug-centered balancing and hub-centered balancing is the way the wheel is mounted on the balancing machine. A hub centered balancing tightens the wheel to the machine with a cone in the hole in the wheel meant for the hub. Lug-centered balancing uses a bolt pattern and the lug holes on your wheel to determine where the wheel is centered on the balancing machine. The lug-centered balancing is superior since it duplicates the way the wheel is centered on the vehicle better than using the hub hole to center the wheel on the balancing machine. The hub hole does not determine the center of the wheel on the vehicle. It is only approximately the center.

The difference between vehicles which may use hub centered balancing and those that need lug-centered balancing is the diameter of the wheel/tire, the weight of the tire, the type and tread pattern of the tire, and the tolerances for balance in the manufacturing of the tire. Hub-centered balancing works for less critical (for example smaller) types of tires, but lug-centered balancing is promoted by the OEM when they feel it is warranted by the vehicle.

A hub centered balancing job is faster and uses a cheaper machine. The lug-centered balancing job takes more time since you have to match the bolt pattern on the wheel to mount the wheel on the machine. The lug-centered machine is more expensive since there are a number of adapters that are needed to accomodate the various lug patterns.

[OzzyO]

Thanks for the info Brian, it's good to know.