SAXO VTR ALLOYS (balancing needed)

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 15 Feb 2005, 17:27

Got some 14" Saxo VTR alloys with Michellin tyres last week, there is sometimes a fair bit of vibration which comes through the brake pedal and steering wheel and passengers feel the vibrations too. So rang a local garage for 'wheel alignment' and 'balancing' on all wheels, and was quoted £35 for job lot.
So took the car in Saturday morning and came back an hour later and the alignment was done but he explained how the balancing will need to be done next week as he has lent his 'special' tool out and that it will cost £50 for the balacing itself (alignment cost £17.50 which was paid). He explained how these alloys are the type that require three bolts being used and it takes about 15mins for each wheel to do (hence the special tool).
Just wondering if this sounds correct or is he pretending that these alloys are different and require a special tool and trying to get a little more money out of my ever draining pocket.
Advice appreciated...?
Thanks in advanced!

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 15 Feb 2005, 17:41

Alloy wheels that don't have a central hole in them (or a piece of trim that knocks out of the centre to make a hole) need a special adapter to be balanced on a machine. The special adapter has holes for the wheel nuts / bolts, instead of relying on the central spigot. There would be extra labour involved in fitting the adapter to the machine and fitting the wheels to it, but not 15 minutes worth.
I got two Xantia wheels balanced for £2 the pair at the weekend...

tonespeed1999 · Unread post by **tonespeed1999** » 15 Feb 2005, 17:44

sounds like a load of c**p!!. there only standard 4 stud wheels.
i would take it to a reputable tyre specialist.weve had many saxo vtr/s, through our garage,and had no problems!

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 15 Feb 2005, 17:58

Yes it certainly did sound a lot to me but i dont tend to question since im not an expert....do all 4 wheels get balanced or is it just two of them???

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 15 Feb 2005, 18:00

If you've got them fitted to a ZX, they're most certainly 4 stud wheels.
Do they have the central hole for the balancing machine or not?

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 15 Feb 2005, 18:04

Well from what I can remember I wouldnt say they have the hole, but if it did then it would be obviously noticeable at the front of the alloy (as in a cap covering it) but its just the 4 nuts and thats it

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 15 Feb 2005, 18:47

Popped into Citroen specalist garage and there gonna charge £27.50 +VAT, and thats without looking at the alloys so I'll be annoyed if its more!