Wheel Balancing vs Wheel Alignment
Balancing fixes vibration by correcting weight distribution. Alignment fixes pulling and edge wear by adjusting suspension angles. They are different services.
Mass distribution
Small lead, zinc or steel weights are clipped or stuck to the wheel rim so the assembly spins true at speed. Done on a spinning machine, both inner and outer planes corrected.
- Cost: £5 - £15 per wheel
- Time: 10 - 20 minutes for four
- Frequency: Every tyre change or 5k - 8k miles
- Required tools: Spin balancer (Hofmann, Beissbarth, Hunter)
Suspension geometry
Camber, caster and toe angles measured against manufacturer spec on a four-poster rack with laser or camera sensors. Adjustable bolts on the suspension are turned until each angle is in spec.
- Cost: £40 - £150
- Time: 30 - 60 minutes
- Frequency: Annually or after pothole / suspension work
- Required tools: Four-poster alignment rack
Symptom check, side by side
Match what your car is doing against this table to see which service is likely.
| Symptom | Balancing? | Alignment? |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration at motorway speed | Yes - classic symptom | No |
| Steering pulls left or right | No | Yes - classic symptom |
| Steering wheel off-centre | No | Yes |
| Cupped or scalloped tyre wear | Yes | Sometimes |
| Inner or outer edge wear | No | Yes |
| Tyre squeal during turns | No | Sometimes |
| Vibration through seat | Yes - rear wheel | No |
| After hitting a pothole | Often needed | Often needed |
Quick diagnostic flowchart
Does the car shake or vibrate at motorway speed (50 - 70 mph)?
Does the car pull left or right when driving straight on a flat road?
Is the steering wheel off-centre when driving straight?
Are the tyres worn unevenly across the width?
Did you recently hit a pothole or kerb hard?
UK pricing comparison
| Service | Per wheel | All four |
|---|---|---|
| Standard balance | £5 - £15 | £20 - £60 |
| Road force balance | £15 - £30 | £60 - £120 |
| 2-wheel alignment (front only) | - | £40 - £80 |
| 4-wheel alignment | - | £60 - £150 |
| Combined balance + alignment | - | £70 - £180 |