Something I picked up reading the web today....
2000 Campus Lane
East Norriton, PA 19403
800-895-1449
A Division of Treadways Corporation
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
DATE: March 19, 2003
SUBJECT: Balance Marks on Sidewall
In order to enhance the ride characteristics and uniformity of Sumitomo produced tires,
all categories of radial tires, produced in Japan by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, have
two Balance Marks on the sidewall. These ¾” circles of different colored paint will be on
the non-DOT serial sidewall.
By knowing the function of these colored circles, the tire installer can reduce the amount
of weight needed to bring the rim/tire assembly into uniformity and insure a smooth ride
at the respective speed for which the tire is rated.
The Balance Marks will be indicated as follows:
Yellow - Within 3 inches to either side of the YELLOW circle is the LIGHT spot of the
tire. Each tire is confirmed at the factory for radial balance, and marked at this point. For
most mounting practices, Sumitomo suggests mounting this YELLOW circle near the
valve stem, and use of industry recommended procedures for safe tire mounting.
Red – A RED circle denotes a measurement of high-speed run out (measurement
called HARMONIC). If the wheel/rim is an OE spec rim, it is marked at the factory with a
DIMPLE (in the rim/wheel heel). If this tire/rim assembly gives a vibration at high speed
with the YELLOW circle at the valve stem and the bead is checked for proper seating,
then the RED circle should be matched with the DIMPLE.
Vibration diagnosis note: If, after mounting the tire with the YELLOW circle near the
valve stem, there is a need for excess weight, please breakdown the beads from the
rim, rotate the tire 180 degrees, then re-inflate it to normal pressure (please follow
proper procedure). This short practice will reduce the amount of weights needed to
bring the rim/tire assembly into uniformity when the rim/wheel has no DIMPLE or is not
an OE spec wheel.
Any other colored circles are only inspection marks and do not need to be involved with
tire mounting.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Technical Services Department at
800-895-1449 x 8228.
2000 Campus Lane
East Norriton, PA 19403
800-895-1449
A Division of Treadways Corporation
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
DATE: March 19, 2003
SUBJECT: Balance Marks on Sidewall
In order to enhance the ride characteristics and uniformity of Sumitomo produced tires,
all categories of radial tires, produced in Japan by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, have
two Balance Marks on the sidewall. These ¾” circles of different colored paint will be on
the non-DOT serial sidewall.
By knowing the function of these colored circles, the tire installer can reduce the amount
of weight needed to bring the rim/tire assembly into uniformity and insure a smooth ride
at the respective speed for which the tire is rated.
The Balance Marks will be indicated as follows:
Yellow - Within 3 inches to either side of the YELLOW circle is the LIGHT spot of the
tire. Each tire is confirmed at the factory for radial balance, and marked at this point. For
most mounting practices, Sumitomo suggests mounting this YELLOW circle near the
valve stem, and use of industry recommended procedures for safe tire mounting.
Red – A RED circle denotes a measurement of high-speed run out (measurement
called HARMONIC). If the wheel/rim is an OE spec rim, it is marked at the factory with a
DIMPLE (in the rim/wheel heel). If this tire/rim assembly gives a vibration at high speed
with the YELLOW circle at the valve stem and the bead is checked for proper seating,
then the RED circle should be matched with the DIMPLE.
Vibration diagnosis note: If, after mounting the tire with the YELLOW circle near the
valve stem, there is a need for excess weight, please breakdown the beads from the
rim, rotate the tire 180 degrees, then re-inflate it to normal pressure (please follow
proper procedure). This short practice will reduce the amount of weights needed to
bring the rim/tire assembly into uniformity when the rim/wheel has no DIMPLE or is not
an OE spec wheel.
Any other colored circles are only inspection marks and do not need to be involved with
tire mounting.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Technical Services Department at
800-895-1449 x 8228.
