Design Brief: To set-up and safely use the wheel balancer.

Context: Safety is first in the workshop. Read and understand all of the safety rules before using any tool or machine.

Possible Solutions: Have instructor demonstrate (mandatory) the tool first. Have another student demonstrate the tool. Read the manual that comes with the tool (mandatory). Ensure that you have been certified “competent” by the instructor before you use the tool (mandatory).

Detail Design: The following are the steps to safe usage of the wheel balancer:

1.       Ensure that the work area is clear of hazardous materials (i.e., oil, gas, rags, wood, plastic, etc.)

2.       Put on safety goggles.

3.       Put the wheel on the shaft.

4.       Choose the appropriate sized cone and place it on the shaft (use mounting method #3 ¾ front cone).

5.       Tighten the wheel firmly against the face plat using the hub nut.

6.       Plug in the machine.

7.       Select the balancing mode (normal).

8.       Set the rim diameter (from sidewall of the tire).

9.       Set the rim width using the caliper to find the width.

10.    Set the distance the rim is from the machine using the rim distance gauge arm.

11.    Turn handle clockwise.

12.    Release handle immediately upon hearing the beep.

13.    Allow the wheel to spin until the machine stops it.

14.    Attach weights in locations indicated on the LED readout.

15.    Repeat the spin cycle to ensure that it is balanced. Add small weights if compensation is necessary.

16.    Remove the handle and the threaded cone.

17.    Remove the tire.

18.    Unplug the machine

19.    Put goggles away.

Materials: wheel balancing machine, goggles, wheel-weight hammer, and wheel weights.

Commissioning: Were you successful in this project when you tried it out?

Evaluation: Did this project work as you expected it to?

Reflection: Did you enjoy this project? What were you most proud of? What would you do differently next time?