wheel weights flew off

[02 Graphite GTS]

The Track savvy guys probably already know this....but here's something I learned today.

When you have your tires/wheels balanced...make sure you have them put "race" tape over the lead weights (basically a foil tape). This will reflect some of the heat and keep the adhesive from breaking down. It will also keep the lead weights in place if the adhesive does fail.

After Viper Days in Feb., I pulled my track wheels off and put my street wheels back on. I noticed that the lead weights were missing off two of the wheels. I went to the place where I had them mounted/balanced to talk to them about it. The hard braking on the track creates more heat than the adhesive can withstand and had they known I was tracking these wheels, they would have put the race tape over them. I suppose they don't do it to street wheels for cosmetic reasons.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[viperbob]

Good idea. I had a wheel weight fly off at 140mph on a 911 Turbo - scared the crap out of me, and made me slow down...damn it.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Use the aluminum tape used on ventilation ducting.

 

[agentf1]

I had this happen to me on a Corvette and it actually put a star in the fender (C3). I had tires put on that day and they put a 4oz weight on. I asked them to do 2 2oz weights instead but they were out of them and rather than cutting 2 4oz'rs they said, it will be OK. I said you sure, you'll fix the car if it comes off right? And they said no problem, you have my word that it won't come off. Long story short they paid to paint the car. I should have stuck to my guns and made them put on smaller weights like I asked.

So yes, it is good advice to tape your weights, especially if tracking your car.