BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

driven by quality

Tel: +44 1686 610169

Email: [email protected]
www.traxjh.com
 Approved by the automotive industry

Leading the way in

balance weight manufacture…

2
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Leaders in balance weight innovation and design,

Made in UK to Original Equipment Standards
From its origins in 1989, the TRAX brand is recognised as
one of the world’s leading balance weight manufacturers.
Supplying both Original Equipment and aftermarkets, the
company has continued to develop class-leading balance
weight designs and manufacturing in the UK.

The company invented the CAM-BACK™ weight, widely regarded as the best solution available for universal
fitment to steel wheels. Now, continuing to pioneer the use of lead-free materials, TRAX has invented the
TRAX-LOK® process, incorporating the CAM-BACK™ solution to enable the manufacture of steel clip-on weights.
Exporting to over 25 countries and with a subsidiary in the USA, TRAX is an international business.

Suppliers to Original Equipment

The company has a wide range of problem solving and consultancy skills in product design
and manufacture. TRAX wins and retains Original Equipment (OE) business on the strength of its product
design and quality. Lead-free balance weights were designed, manufactured and supplied to Bridgestone for
Formula 1 when they had the tyre contract for all F1 team supply.

TRAX brand - OE design and quality built in

The TRAX brand means you get OE levels of design expertise and quality. TRAX is widely recognised to
represent customer service, superior product design, and consistent quality.
This is even more relevant in today’s markets with low quality, low cost weights readily available. Designed to
be universal in application, TRAX weights are accepted as a brand leader in
many markets.

CAM-BACK™
TRAX Professional range adhesive weights

3
 Clip-on weights for cars & vans
Zinc clip-on weights for steel wheels
200X Universal CAM-BACK™ (uncoated)
Our most popular weight. The CAM-BACK™
CAM-BACK™ weights design, invented by TRAX, ensures the weight
fits the widest range of steel wheels and ensures
The benefits maximum retention. See ‘The benefits’ article to
the left for more information. Uncoated.

Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 5/30g 100pcs/box; 35/60g 50pcs/box
1
200C Universal CAM-BACK™ weight
(plastic coated)
200C with added plastic coating to OE
2 3 standards. Approved by Renault and Volvo.

Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 5/30g 100pcs/box; 35/60g 50pcs/box

1. SAFETY – The top cam increases the 207C Special weight for RENAULT steel
force required to remove the weight which
ensures it will not fall away from the rim. wheels (plastic coated)
2. RETENTION – The bottom cam forces Developed for RENAULT the series 207C to
the weight body away from the rim thereby fit steel rims 5 to 25g with improved fit and
opening the spring clip and significantly retention. The 5g is made of steel and Clip-only.
increasing retention. This increased
retention ensures no movement of the
The CAM-BACK™ design for maximum safety &
weight on thin section rims which can retention. Plastic coated to OE standards.
cause imbalance.
Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25g
3. SLIMLINE – The slimline shape allows
good wheel trim clearance. Box quantities: 25 weights per box

Heavy braking can make weights slide

around the rim causing imbalance and wheel
vibration. CAM-BACK™ weights eliminate
222C Special weight for thin section steel
this problem by giving the highest retention wheels (plastic coated)
and a universal fitment across heavy duty
and thin section rims. Developed with Ford, the series 222C gives high
levels of retention on thin section steel wheels.
The weight is designed to fit rim horns typically
without CAM-BACK™ down to 1.5mm thickness. The CAM-BACK™
design is incorporated for maximum safety &
retention. Plastic coated to OE standards.
with CAM-BACK™
Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 25 weights per box

Coated or uncoated weights?

840C Special weight for heavy duty steel
Uncoated zinc weights have been widely
wheels (plastic coated)
fitted on steel wheels across Europe
(including Scandinavia) since 2005. This weight is designed to fit heavy duty steel
Over 60% of weights sold for steel wheels
have been uncoated. wheels as found on light trucks up to 3.5 tonnes
(eg Ford Transit, MB Sprinter, Renault
Please see page 18 for more details Trafic, VW Transporter) Plastic coated to
OE standards.

Size range:
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90g
Box quantities: 25 weights per box

4
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Zinc clip-on weights for alloy wheels

326C Universal weight for alloy wheels
(plastic coated) Alloy wheel fitment guide
Designed to fit most European cars with rim Alloy wheel rim horns will vary significantly
horns 4.5/6.5mm thick. Approved by Volvo and in shape, height and depth. Each car
Renault. For thicker rims (as found on some manufacturer can have a different alloy rim
Japanese cars) the series 340C is recommended. shape depending on the rim manufacturer.
Wide tolerances are allowed within
Plastic coated to OE standards. ETRTO specifications.

Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g For guidance only.
Box quantities: 5/30g 100 pcs/box; 35/60g 50 pcs/box
Also available in 25 pcs/box
Rim Section
326X Universal weight for alloy wheels
(uncoated) 326C
Designed to fit most European cars with rim
horns 4.5/6.5mm thick.
340C a
Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 5/30g 100 pcs/box; 35/60g 50 pcs/box

340C Japanese and thick section alloy

Typical
wheels (plastic coated) dimension
of (a)
Designed to fit thicker section alloy rim horns
6.5/7.5mm, as found on many Japanese cars, 326C Universal Weight 4.5/6.5mm
Nissan, Honda and Toyota. Plastic coated
to OE standards. 340C Japanese/heavy 6.6/7.5mm
section
Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50g
Box quantities: 25 weights per box
Outside these ranges adhesive weights
are recommended.
324C High retention CAM-BACK weight ™

for alloy wheels (plastic coated)

Developed with Ford for high levels of retention
on alloy wheels. The CAM-BACK™ design opens
the clip for improved retention. Plastic coated to
OE standards.

Size range: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 25 weights per box

328C Weight for alloy wheels for RENAULT

30-60g (plastic coated)
Unique TRAX quality system -
Developed with RENAULT to fit alloy rims 30g product traceability
and over with improved fit and retention. For 25g
and below use 326C. Underneath each box is a yellow
sticker which identifies traceability
Size range: 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60g
Box quantities: 25 weights per box
• Date of manufacture
• Who packed the weights
• Weight series number
• Weight size

5
 Trax Steel Adhesive weights

trax professional trax

• Tape approved by Original Equipment • Oversized blue liner for easy removal
• Quality German made Lohmann premium tape • Good corrosion resistance
• High bonding strength – better for low surface energy • Fitment recommended minimum 16°C
• Oversized liner for easy removal • TRAX branding – superior design appearance
• Sub-zero fitment (-10°C) • Quality packaging “TRAX” brand
• High quality packaging with “Professional” branding • Boxes of 50 in cartons of 200
• Boxes of 50 in cartons of 200 • Available in electroplate, black or grey
plastic coating
• Available in black or grey plastic coating

important information about fitting adhesive weights

• General fitment guidelines - page 19
• Fitting adhesive weights to new or refurbished rims - page 23
• Why do adhesive weights fall off? - page 20

6
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Why use steel as a material for

adhesive balance weights?
TRAX pioneered the use of steel for adhesive weights and Why use TRAX
is a major supplier of a wide range of steel adhesive weight
solutions for both the aftermarket and Original Equipment.
adhesive weights?
The TRAX “PROFESSIONAL” range has been introduced due TRAX adhesive strips have superior
to demand for higher levels of bonding for general tyre shop & corrosion resistance. Low quality
Original Equipment use. weights can be rusty when opened in
the original boxes. Top picture shows
• Steel is a lower cost solution than zinc or a quality TRAX adhesive weight
composite materials after salt spray corrosion testing.
Bottom picture shows a low quality
• Steel offers better long term price stability than zinc alternative.
• Steel is 20% more dense than zinc (and 40% more dense
than composite materials) TRAX Low quality alternative

• Steel is the most environmental material and the easiest

to re-cycle
• Steel is used or approved as a balance weight material by
many OE companies including, Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, Land
Rover, Renault, Honda, Toyota, Nissan

unique carton packaging

Trax has unique adhesive weight packaging for the easy
handling of 12 Kg cartons.
With boxes of 50 or a carton of 200 you have pack size flexibility
& stronger packaging for these heavy weights

610E

7
 trax professional
Ideal for general tyre shop use offering a high level of bonding for all alloy
wheels and “all weather” fitment. The TRAX “PROFESSIONAL” range has
been introduced due to demand for higher levels of adhesion ensuring
that weights do not fall off.

• Tape approved for Original Equipment use

• High bond - sticks better to alloy rim surfaces
• Soft foam adhesive backing – sticks better to the
inside of alloy rim surfaces
• High bonding strength at elevated temperatures
• Can be fitted at low temperatures down to -10°C
• High quality tape made in Germany by Lohmann
• Plastic coated for superior
appearance and corrosion protection

615C

soft foam

Ideal for cold weather fitment.

normal blue liner tapes have
much reduced stickiness at
low temperatures and are
recommended to be fitted at a
minumum temperature of 16°C.
The PROFESSIONAL range can
be fitted on cold wheels down to
The soft foam Lohmann tape -10°C. Ideal for winter use.
sticks better on alloy rim surfaces
increasing the bond strength.
With hard foam (eg blue liner),
adhesive tapes moisture can ingress
SUB ZERO
AVAILABLE IN ALL WEATHER TAPE
underneath the adhesive reducing
the bond strength. black or grey colours sticks on cold wheels -10°C / 14°F

8
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Trax professional - strips

614C Universal PROFESSIONAL 60g

12x5g (plastic coated) GREY
A premium slimline steel 60g strip with grey
plastic coating. Oversized liner for easy
removal. 4.0mm high.
Also available in a 5Kg roll 616C SP
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

614B Universal PROFESSIONAL 60g 615C

12x5g (plastic coated) BLACK

The same as 614C except BLACK

Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

615C Universal PROFESSIONAL 60g

4x5g & 4x10g (plastic coated) GREY
A premium slimline steel 60g strip with grey
plastic coating. Oversized liner for easy
removal. 4.0mm high.
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

615B Universal PROFESSIONAL 60g 614B

4x5g & 4x10g (plastic coated) BLACK
The same as 615C except BLACK
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

TRAX PROFESSIONAL - ROLLS

616C SP Universal PROFESSIONAL 5Kg
(plastic coated) GREY
The same as 614C except in 5Kg rolls
Box quantities: 1 roll per box

9
 TRAX CAR - STRIPS
605E Universal 60g 12x5g
A slimline steel 60g strip with a high quality zinc
coating. Oversized liner for easy removal.
3.8mm high. Also available in a 5Kg roll 605E SP
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

605C Universal 60g 12x5g

(plastic coated) GREY

605E The same as 605E but with a quality grey plastic

coating. Also available in a 5Kg roll 605C SP
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

605B Universal 60g 12x5g

(plastic coated) BLACK
The same as 605E but with a quality black
plastic coating.
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

610E Universal 60g 4x5g & 4x10g

610E
Our most popular weight. A 60g universal steel
strip with a high quality zinc coating. Oversized
liner for easy removal. 3.8mm high.
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

610B Universal 60g 4x5g & 4x10g

(plastic coated) BLACK
The same as the 610E but with a high quality
black plastic coating
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

605C
620C Extra slimline 40g 2.8mm high 8x5g
(plastic coated) GREY
Recommended for use where brake calliper
clearance is a problem
Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

610B

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 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

400X Universal Lead 60g

Made from high quality lead – easy to bend and
cut. 3.8mm high x 20mm wide. Boxed 100 with
4 boxes per carton (24Kg).
Not to be used in markets where lead is banned Made from lead
as a material for balance weight use.
Box quantities: 100 strips. 4 boxes per carton

805C 4x4 Heavy duty 100g 4x25g – 805C

(plastic coated) GREY
Made from steel with a quality grey plastic
coating. 20mm wide x 7.8mm high.
Size range: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton (20Kg)

805C 4x4 Heavy duty 200g 4x50g –

(plastic coated) GREY
Made from steel with a quality grey plastic
coating. 25mm wide x 9.5mm high.
Box quantities: 30 strips. 4 boxes per carton (24Kg)

TRAX CAR - rolls

605E SP Universal 5Kg
The same as the 605E 60g strip but in a 5Kg
roll - 1000x5g

Size range: Box qty: 1 roll per box

605C SP Universal 5Kg

(plastic coated) GREY
The same as the 605E SP roll but with a quality
grey plastic coating

Box quantities: 1 roll per box

Roll holder
Designed to hold 5Kg rolls. Quality
Adhesive weights falling off? – construction, requires bolting to the floor.
see page 20

11
 BUDGET CAR STRIPS & ROLLS
A budget range of adhesive strips. Lower quality than the TRAX branded weights with
plain white boxes.

No TRAX branding / No oversized liner / Lower corrosion resistance / Lower weight

accuracy / White plain boxes & no cartons / Longer weight / Budget appearance

Budget line range car strips

601E 5g & 10g
A budget line weight. Lower corrosion performance, less accuracy and no
oversized liner for easy removal. Plain white box.
Box quantities: 100 strips per box

601C 5g & 10g - plastic coated grey

As 601E but with grey plastic coating.
Box quantities: 100 strips per box.

602E 5g x12
As 601E but 5g only strips.
Box quantities:100 strips per box

602C 5g x12 - plastic coated grey

As 602E but with grey plastic coating.
Box quantities: 100 strips per box

Budget line range car ROLLS

602E SP
The same as the 602E 60g strip but in a 5kg roll - 1000x5g,
Box quantities: 1 roll per box

602C SP
The same as the 602C 60g strip but in a 5kg roll - 1000x5g,
Box quantities: 1 roll per box

12
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Motorsport adhesive weights

Trax has a history of supplying balance weights to motorsport. As part of their
global environmental commitment Bridgestone fitted Trax lead-free weights
made from tin alloy during their period working in F1. The weights were soft
and easily deformed and, once used, returned for re-cycling.
Red Bull has used slimline weights made from lead to support special
balancing requirements.
Lead and lead-free (steel) weights are available.

615C Steel strip – professional series

With high bonding German made Lohmann tape –
suitable for elevated temperatures. Made from steel.
Available in grey or black plastic coating.
Height 4mm Width 20mm.

Box quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton.

790X Lead strip streamline

2.8mm high and made from soft lead, this weight can
be easily cut to size & formed to the rim. The soft
material enables balancing weights to be fitted in
difficult positions (see photo). Height 2.8mm.
Width 26mm.
Box quantities: 50 strips.

Tin alloy lead-free weight as

developed for Bridgestone F1

Lead can easily be deformed 790X

13
 Truck weights
810X Tubeless truck. LEAD
Fits tubeless truck wheels - a popular weight in
use for many years. Sizes 50g to 200g are slimline
in shape to ensure clearance with steering parts
which can be a problem on the inside of some
truck wheels.

Size Range: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400g
Box Quantities: 10 weights per box

840C Heavy duty steel wheels – vehicles up

810X to 3.5 tonnes. ZINC
This weight is designed to fit heavy duty steel rims
as found on light trucks up to 3.5 tonnes (eg Ford
Transit, MB Sprinter, Renault Trafic, VW
Transporter). Plastic coated to OE standards.
Size Range:
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90g
Box Quantities: 25 weights per box

805C Truck 100g 4x25g

(plastic coated) GREY
Made from steel with a quality grey plastic coating.
20mm wide x 7.8mm high.
Box Quantities: 50 strips. 4 boxes per carton 20kg.

805C 805C Truck 200g 4x50g

(plastic coated) GREY
Made from steel with a quality grey plastic coating.
25mm wide x 9.5mm high.
Box Quantities: 30 strips. 4 boxes per carton 24kg.

Motorcycle adhesive weights

630E & 630B (black) Universal
steel strip 60g
15mm wide as a universal fit for motorcycles
Box quantities: 50 strips per box – 4 boxes per carton

950X Lead adhesive strip 50g

An accurate 2.5g and 5g lead strip weight.
11mm wide.

Box quantities: 50 strips. No carton.

950X

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 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Assortment boxes
Please enquire regarding assortment boxes –
these are usually made to order

Trax branded box Description Size range box qty

200X-999-TX00 200X uncoated zinc for steel wheels 5-40g 100
200C-999-TX00 200C coated zinc for steel wheels 5-40g 100
326X-999-TX00 326X uncoated zinc for alloy wheels 5-40g 100
326C-999-TX00 326C coated zinc for alloy wheels 5-40g 100
340C-999-TX00 340C coated zinc for Japanese alloy wheels 5-40g 100

Raaco plastic box Description Size range box qty

200X-999-RA00 200X uncoated zinc for steel wheels 5-40g 270
200C-999-RA00 200C coated zinc for steel wheels 5-40g 270
326X-999-RA00 326X uncoated zinc for alloy wheels 5-40g 270
326C-999-RA00 326C coated zinc for alloy wheels 5-40g 270
340C-999-RA00 340C coated zinc for Japanese alloy wheels 5-40g 250
650C-999-RA00 650C coated OE steel adhesive for alloy wheels 60-100g 156
660C-999-RA00 660C coated OE steel adhesive for alloy wheels 5-30g 245
670C-999-RA00 670C coated OE steel adhesive for alloy wheels 5-50g 270

Quality RAACO plastic box Trax assortment boxes 5-40g 100 pieces

15
 packaging
Please see the TRAX website
www.traxjh.com to view the TRAX
balance weight packing details

Private labels available

16
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Innovation - steel clip-on weights

TRAX has developed an

advanced steel weight clip-on Steel clip-on weights for steel wheels
design that incorporates the
CAM-BACK™ design features as
found in the popular TRAX series
200 series zinc universal weight
for steel wheels.
There is global interest in using
steel as a material for balance
weights as some Original
Equipment companies prefer
steel over zinc for ecological and
recycling reasons. Incorporates the TRAX CAM-BACK™ solution
for maximum safety and retention
Japanese OE use only steel (or
iron) as a material for balance TRAX-LOK® is an advanced method of attaching a clip to a weight
weights and USA OE also body. Developed by TRAX, this solution enables a high speed automated
uses steel. assembly process ensuring consistent weight body and clip attachment.

Features
Special clip
CAM-BACK™ Accurate, precise,
Top cam - SAFETY. reliable
Prevents the weight from falling
Safety
away from the rim Top cam
Bottom cam – RETENTION.
Forces the weight body away
from the rim, opening the clip
gap & increasing retention
EASY TO FIT – the rounded
bottom edge allows the weight to
slide easily on fitting
Retention
ACCURACY - the clip gap is Bottom cam
more accurate than a die-cast
weight as it is a one-piece clip
construction

For easy fitting

Rounded clip
Community Registered Design No: 001260277-0001
European Patent granted: EP2271856B1
European Patent applied for: 1164281.5

17
 Uncoated zinc weights
Zinc balance weights and ‘white rust’ corrosion
Artificial tests do not represent what happens in real conditions on a wheel
Laboratory tests for the corrosion testing of zinc balance weights rely on spraying a salt water solution in a chamber to create a “fog” (mist)
around the weight for several hundred hours (eg ASTM B117, ISO 9227, DIN 50021 SS). Typically 240 hours in a laboratory test is claimed to
represent 5 years life on a car.

Balance weights put into a static salty wet environment for several hundred hours can display a heavy flocculent white deposit (zinc hydroxide)
and pictures of such weights have been shown around the balance weight market as below:

LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT REAL ENVIRONMENT

Example of a picture of Uncoated zinc weight after having been
weights shown in the market. fitted to a steel wheel running approximately
This shows uncoated zinc 16,000Km (10,000 miles) over 18 months (UK).
weights placed into an
artificial laboratory salt The surface has darkened with superficial
spray environment. corrosion which does not affect the weight
performance or the steel wheel. This weight
was fitted to a 3.5 tonne light truck with no
wheel trims for maximum exposure to the road.

Laboratory tests are useful for a comparison between the performance of different surfaces and materials but do not represent what happens
on wheel in real life conditions. In addition the aftermarket would not expect a weight to last for 5 years but the life of the tyre which would
typically be around half of this time or less with the seasonal change over from summer to winter tyres. Car companies use weights with
corrosion protection as the specification is for the part to last the life of the car or a minimum 5 years.

The primary reason given for the difference between laboratory test and real conditions is that when exposed to the weather the weights
develop a protective skin called a “patina”. This patina comprises of zinc carbonate and offers an inert corrosion protection layer for the zinc
metal. Detail of how the zinc carbonate “patina” will form are as below. This process is more commonly known as “weathering” with the effects
of exposure to rain water, free air circulation, and constant wetting and drying. In addition there is often a heavy deposit of black brake dust
and dirt building up on the weights which will give some additional protection. The continuous wetting and drying as seen in real life on a
wheel gives fast “weathering” and the build up of the protective “patina” zinc carbonate layer.

Patina information
The formation of the zinc patina begins with exposure of the zinc weight to atmospheric oxygen.
Initially a thin layer of zinc oxide develops on the surface as a result of the oxygen reacting with
the zinc. This oxide layer reacts with water to form a white gelatinous zinc hydroxide (“white rust”).

During a drying phase the zinc hydroxide reacts with the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere forming
a thin layer of zinc carbonate (patina). The rate of patina formation will depend on the environmental
conditions but the constant wetting and drying as found on a wheel represents good conditions for
this weathering process.

If the drying phase does not happen the zinc hydroxide (“white rust”) continues to form thereby
showing heavy “white rust” formation as shown by the above left hand photograph.

TRAX offers the market a choice of coated or uncoated clip-on weights. There is a market for both.
Distributors and tyre retailers are being advised it is essential to corrosion protect zinc balance weights
and are not given a choice encouraging them to use more expensive coated weights.

Uncoated weights are now being widely fitted across aftermarkets in Europe.
© TRAX JH Ltd May 2012

18
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Application guidelines for TRAX adhesive balance weights

1 2 3 4
Prepare Cut to Remove Apply
wheel correct weight protective liner weight
Good surface cleaning Once the wheel has Remove the protective Fit the adhesive weight to
is essential. Prepare been cleaned in the liner from the underside the identified imbalance
the wheel by removing required imbalance of the adhesive. Care zone and apply even
any excess dirt or break zone, cut the strip or roll must be taken not to pressure across the
dust using a clean cloth to the required weight. touch or contaminate balance weight to ensure
and an appropriate It is recommended to the exposed adhesive to that maximum adhesion is
cleaning agent (eg use scissors or a sharp dirt or grease prior gained. Balance weight
ispoproponol 90%). knife to avoid rupturing to application. adhesive tape is pressure
The wheel temperature or folding over the sensitive and the weight
ideally should be a adhesive. should be pushed hard
mininum 16°C as lower across the length for
rim temperatures will 2-3 seconds to ensure a
affect the ability of satisfactory initial bond. It
the adhesive to give a is recommended not to
satisfactory intitial bond. re-seat the weight to
ensure optimum adhesion.

FITTING ADHESIVE WEIGHTS TO NEW OR REFURBISHED ALLOY RIMS – weights may not stick

A new or refurbished alloy rim may look clean but the surface paint or lacquer can have fresh wax or chemicals which do not allow
a good adhesive bond. Please see page 20 for details of fitting adhesive weights to new or refurbished alloy rims.

TRAX “Professional” series adhesive weights with LOHMANN tape are recommended for new or refurbished alloy rims.
NOTE: Fitting adhesive weights in cold weather can be a problem as standard adhesive tapes (eg “blue liner”) can start
to lose their stickiness below 16°C leading to poor bonding strength and weights falling off. For fitment at temperatures
below 16°C we recommend using the TRAX Professional adhesive weight range which has been tested on cold wheel
fitment down to -10°C.

© TRAX JH Ltd May 2012

20 19
 Why do adhesive weights fall off?
A reliable solution - The PROFESSIONAL adhesive weight range with LOHMANN TAPE is recommended for a high
quality all round tyre shop adhesive weight fitment. Particularly recommended for new or refurbished alloy rims.
Approved for OE use.

Reasons why adhesive weights may not be sticking to alloy rims...

1. For “blue liner” tape (including the St Gobain/Norton as used by some OE - plus
most Chinese weights) it is recommended to only fit this tape to rims at temperatures
of 16°C or above. Below this temperature the adhesive is less sticky and may fall off.
The “blue liner” tape is designed to be fitted in car plants at factory temperatures.
This is one reason why TRAX developed the PROFESSIONAL adhesive tape solution
as this can be fitted down to minus 10°C. Tyre shops in cold weather can have
adhesive weight fitment problems due to the adhesive not being very “active” at colder
SUB ZERO
ALL WEATHER TAPE
temperatures. More retention problems are noticed in colder weather months. It is sticks on cold wheels -10°C / 14°F

recommended to store your adhesive weights at room temperature.

2. All adhesive tapes used on balance weights are pressure sensitive. It is necessary
to push on the length of the whole weight hard for 2/3 seconds. Failure to do so may
mean the adhesive will not chemically bond to the rim surface and may fall off. The
Trax PROFESSIONAL tape offers a better solution as the tape is softer allowing for a
more consistent and reliable fitting.

3. Grooves or a rough surface on the rim surface are also a problem. There is less
surface for the adhesive to stick to, plus moisture can ingress under the tape from the
ends. The Trax PROFESSIONAL tape is softer which allows a better fit to the inside
of alloy rim surfaces which can sometimes be seen with “as cast” finishes or “orange
peel” or machined grooves etc.

Typical blue liner tapes (eg most Chinese and St Gobain/Norton

tapes) have a hard surface which is OK to stick to a smooth surface
(eg a badge or bodyside moulding to a painted car surface) however
the inside of alloy rims are not always a smooth flat finish. The Trax
PROFESSIONAL tape is soft which means it will adhere better to a
rough or grooved surface and therefore will typically stick better to the
inside of alloy rims. The downside of using a soft tape (it is the carrier
for the adhesive) is that it will not peel cleanly from the rims. In our
experience fitters are more worried about making sure the weights will
not fall off than if they peel cleanly from the rims after use.

Tip - use a CARAMEL WHEEL in an electric drill to quickly remove tape residue on the alloy wheel

Tip - if the adhesive weight is not sticking to the rim then take another and stick to clean glass. If the
weight sticks well then it is not the tape adhesive causing the problem but the rim surface, poor cleaning,
a lack of pressure on application or cold temperature. Or a combination of all these working together.

4. We recommend cleaning rims using an ISOPROPONOL based cleaner. It evaporates quickly and is relatively
non-toxic, compared to alternative solvents. It is used widely as a solvent and as a cleaning fluid, especially for
dissolving oils. It will also remove condensation from the metal rims.

20
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

5. On new or refurbished rims the surface energy (see technical note below) of the paint or lacquer can be too
low to readily allow the adhesive to bond. Some paints and lacquers do not allow the adhesive to chemically
bond with the rim surface - or the rim may have been wiped with cloth containing a silicone polish. The rim looks
clean but in fact has a slippery surface not allowing the tape to stick.
The ability to stick may also vary around the inside of the alloy wheel if it has been sprayed with a lacquer or
paint with a low surface energy (ie a surface which is not easy to stick to). The surface energy may vary as the
paint or lacquer density changes depending on the spray consistency and how well it is sprayed behind the
wheel spokes. This also helps explain why there can be differences in the bonding ability of adhesive tapes on
different wheels.

This means you may get different sticking results depending where you fit the adhesive weight around the rim.

6. Sometimes on a new or refurbished rim the weight will apparently stick well but over a matter of days or a
week or so will fall off as the paint or lacquer surface is still curing which can “lift” the weight. It is like painting
in your house - although the paint is “dry” if you get close you can still smell the paint some days later as it can
take time for the paint surface to fully harden and cure.

Technical Note - Surface energy is measured in dynes - the higher the dynes the better the stick will be. We
recommend a minimum of 36 dynes as a surface energy level for alloy rim surfaces - although this is also
dependent on ensuring the weight is properly fitted and the rim clean. The ready bonding ability will also
depend on temperature. We are aware of alloy rim surfaces down to 28 dynes - for example a rubber tyre will
be around 30 dynes and you would not expect to stick adhesive weights to a tyre!

There are surface energy pens which will give an indication of a surface energy. They can only give an indication
but are the only easy way of measuring surface energy - the alternative is to use a laboratory. We can advise
sources of these “pens” if required but you can find them on the inter

7. When fitting adhesive weights to new or refurbished wheels it is necessary to always clean the rims in the area
where the adhesive weights are to be fitted using an ISOPROPONOL wet wipe. Not only does this help to clean
the rim but it also removes condensation. Wet wipes are preferred - using a chemical spray will not be consistent
and putting too much on to the rim is a problem as the weight may try to be fitted before the isoproponal has had
time to evaporate.

Tip for OE tyre fitting - if using ”blue liner” hard adhesive tape (eg St Gobain/Norton), it is recommended to
store alloy rims in a heated warehouse for a minimum of 24 hours and to ensure the rims are at a minimum
16°C when balanced. Fitting rims straight from a delivery truck in cold weather should be avoided. This is not
a requirement if using the Trax PROFESSIONAL range as the adhesive is still active at sub- zero temperatures
down to -10°C.

Trax professional range also available in black

614C 615C

© TRAX JH Ltd May 2014

21
 Trax Professional Range - available in grey or black

60g strips Coating colour

615C-060-TX50 5/10g boxed 50 with 4 cartons/box GREY
615B-060-TX50 5/10g boxed 50 with 4 cartons/box BLACK
614C-060-TX50 12 x 5g boxed 50 with 4 cartons/box GREY
614B-060-TX50 12 x 5g boxed 50 with 4 cartons/box BLACK

5kg Rolls Coating colour

616C-500-SP01 1000x 5kg roll GREY
150 rolls per pallet

Lohmann tape is made in

Germany and was developed
with TRAX for high specification
adhesive balance weight use.

With plastic coating for better

corrosion resistance.

22
 BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Fitting adhesive weights to new or

refurbished alloy wheels
Essential guidance
New or refurbished alloy rims may have coatings and lacquers applied to the alloy surface.
Also when the rim paint is being dried, waxes can come to the surface creating a low
surface energy (non-stick) and not allowing the adhesive weight to properly bond to the rim.
For this reason it is essential to clean the rims where the weight is to be applied to ensure
that there are no traces of chemicals on the surface (eg wax or silicon).
Failure to clean the rim can lead to adhesive weights falling off within days of fitment,
causing balancing failure.

Wet wipes are recommended for rim cleaning containing an appropriate cleaning
agent (eg isoproponol). On weight application, the wheel rim should be dry and be at
a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F). After removal of the backing liner, the weight
should be fitted immediately and a minimum 60N pressure applied for approximately
3 seconds as tape pressure is required to enable good bonding. Typically this can
be achieved by hand pressure but may not be reliable. The adhesive should not be
touched before fitment to the rim.

Even with good surface cleaning, problems have been found whereby over time (a
few days or up to 3 weeks) good initial adhesion can deteriorate to an extent where
the weight can fall off. This can be caused by the leaching of low surface energy
substances (eg wax) coming through the freshly painted rims over time. Should such
an event occur, it is necessary to investigate the paint or lacquer used to ensure
that at all times the surface energy where the adhesive weight is fitted is above a
recommended 36 dynes. Adhesives will only work if the surface energy (measure in
dynes) is sufficiently high to ensure a good chemical bond.

Initial bond is typically achieved approximately 15 minutes after fitment; maximum

bond strength may not be achieved until 24/72 hours after fitment. It is recommended
to store adhesive weights in a cool dry location away from direct sunlight and they
should be used within 1 year of purchase.

Depending on the wheel radius, there may be a small visible gap between the
adhesive and the rim, either on the centre or to the outer edges of the weight. This
is due to radii difference as the weight fitment meets a compromise on various rim
sizes. The balance weights have been tested to withstand a minimum shear force
to Original Equipment standards and, whilst desirable, it is not essential to have the
adhesive in contact across all of the surface to achieve specification.

© TRAX JH Ltd May 2012

23
BALANCE WEIGHT TECHNOLOGY
HEAD OFFICE GERMAN OFFICE USA OFFICE
TRAX JH Ltd Tel: +49 (0) 8092 854 871 [email protected]
66 Mochdre Enterprise Park Fax: +49 (0) 8092 854 869 www.TRAXjh-usa.com
Newtown . Powys
[email protected]
SY16 4LE . UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1686 610 169
Fax: +44 (0) 1686 628 959
[email protected]
www.TRAXjh.com

Specifications are liable to change without notice.

The pictures and graphics are to be used as a
guide only and are not guaranteed to represent
product shape or appearance.

TRAX® is a registered trade mark.

Patent applications and design registrations apply. © TRAX JH Ltd May 2014