I noticed yesterday that one of the static wheel weights have since started to come off the tire, and were on the finished surface of my 19" wheels. Damn there goes my morning. So I get dressed get in the car, and there is a bunch of moisture on the window's from morning dew. I go to turn my windshield wipers on.. THEY DON'T WORK... Now I got a wheel weight trying to come off and windshield wipers that don't work.

Long story short, of course dealership can't get to the car today, so I had to make an appointment for next week, and the stealership told me that they don't do Static balancing, so I told them they were crazy if they thought I was going to let them ruin my rim by beating a wheel weight onto it. And since there are no PONTIAC dealerships close to me, I was told by GM's customer service that I would have to travel out of county to get this fixed for free. Hmm... Gasoline $3.29 here.. Drive 80 miles round trip to get a $10 balancing.. Hmm??

And from the idiot I was talking to on the phone, apparently GM uses "Special" balancing machines. What I mean by "Special" is that our Pontiac wheels can't be balanced at a Chevrolet dealerships balancing machine.... :soapbox::banghead::rant::censored:

So after spending an entire 5 minutes going on a continuous rate to the guy about how much of an idiot he is if he actually believes that wheel balancing machines are brand specific he needs to get out of the car business I went next door to Discount Tire who, FOR FREE, rebalanced my wheel in 10 minutes.

Now I hope it doesn't rain between now and 4-16-08

gbcop, the wheel weights on mine are stick-on, and are placed in the middle of the rim inboard of the spokes, on the unfinished portion.

Why don't the wipers work - did you check the fuses?

I noticed yesterday that one of the static wheel weights have since started to come off the tire, and were on the finished surface of my 19" wheels. Damn there goes my morning. So I get dressed get in the car, and there is a bunch of moisture on the window's from morning dew. I go to turn my windshield wipers on.. THEY DON'T WORK... Now I got a wheel weight trying to come off and windshield wipers that don't work.

Long story short, of course dealership can't get to the car today, so I had to make an appointment for next week, and the stealership told me that they don't do Static balancing, so I told them they were crazy if they thought I was going to let them ruin my rim by beating a wheel weight onto it. And since there are no PONTIAC dealerships close to me, I was told by GM's customer service that I would have to travel out of county to get this fixed for free. Hmm... Gasoline $3.29 here.. Drive 80 miles round trip to get a $10 balancing.. Hmm??

And from the idiot I was talking to on the phone, apparently GM uses "Special" balancing machines. What I mean by "Special" is that our Pontiac wheels can't be balanced at a Chevrolet dealerships balancing machine.... :soapbox::banghead::rant::censored:

So after spending an entire 5 minutes going on a continuous rate to the guy about how much of an idiot he is if he actually believes that wheel balancing machines are brand specific he needs to get out of the car business I went next door to Discount Tire who, FOR FREE, rebalanced my wheel in 10 minutes.

Now I hope it doesn't rain between now and 4-16-08

How come if they can't get to it today you made an appointment for next week? Is it a scheduling thing because of your work? Discount tire is great for things like this.

How come if they can't get to it today you made an appointment for next week? Is it a scheduling thing because of your work? Discount tire is great for things like this.


Because Discount doesn't do warranty work on the windshield wipers :p

gbcop, the wheel weights on mine are stick-on, and are placed in the middle of the rim inboard of the spokes, on the unfinished portion.

Exactly, that's the static balancing I was referring to.. The weights had somehow shifted and were on the painted surface of my tires...

Why don't the wipers work - did you check the fuses?

Not my job while the car is under warranty and the odometer hasn't hit 1,000 miles... GM can pay a local stealership to fix the problem.

Because Discount doesn't do warranty work on the windshield wipers :p

I guess I worded the question incorrectly. I was saying discount is great helping with things like the problems you were having with the tire.

I understood why you need to go to the dealer for the wipers. Just wondering why you were mad they can't get you in today and then you scheduled an appointment for next week. I am guessing it's because of your work hours.

I guess I worded the question incorrectly. I was saying discount is great helping with things like the problems you were having with the tire.

I understood why you need to go to the dealer for the wipers. Just wondering why you were mad they can't get you in today and then you scheduled an appointment for next week. I am guessing it's because of your work hours.

Oh I'm sorry, I misunderstood you. And I was extremely pleased with discount. After I got the guy at discount to quit drooling all over my car, I explained my problem to him. Said not a problem, and they immediately took my car into the bay, pulled the tire, balanced it and had it back to me in 10 minutes. Mind you I was there at 8:30am... But I was extremely pleased they didn't charge me anything for this service.

But today is my only free day, tomorrow I've got a BUNCH of stuff to do around the house, and 3:30pm tomorrow I'm getting my Stolen Fox H-pipe installed so I need the car tomorrow. And I'm off this weekend, but my cousin and myself have plans and need my ride, and of course they no workie on weekend, and next off day from there is Wed....

Just hope it doesn't rain. Which reminds me.. I need to rainx the windshield now...

for the record that isn't static balancing your wheels. Static balancing is bad!

Oh I'm sorry, I misunderstood you. And I was extremely pleased with discount. After I got the guy at discount to quit drooling all over my car, I explained my problem to him. Said not a problem, and they immediately took my car into the bay, pulled the tire, balanced it and had it back to me in 10 minutes. Mind you I was there at 8:30am... But I was extremely pleased they didn't charge me anything for this service.

But today is my only free day, tomorrow I've got a BUNCH of stuff to do around the house, and 3:30pm tomorrow I'm getting my Stolen Fox H-pipe installed so I need the car tomorrow. And I'm off this weekend, but my cousin and myself have plans and need my ride, and of course they no workie on weekend, and next off day from there is Wed....

Just hope it doesn't rain. Which reminds me.. I need to rainx the windshield now...

Sorry to hear about the wipers. Even though they have to fix it and you shouldn't, I'd still check the connection at the wiper motor to see if its secure. I'd also check the fuse.....

The less time the dealer monkeys have with the car = less stuff for the to break while "fixing it"

S.F.

most small GM dealerships do not do tire work period. Why? I have no idea. They feel it is a waste of their time and doesnt garner enough cash. Ridiculous and old school thinking... plus most small dealers have the mentality that change is bad... mmkay.

for the record that isn't static balancing your wheels. Static balancing is bad!

Then what is it then???

Then what is it then???
Static balancing is what you use on motorcycle wheels - you just put the wheel on a jig and let gravity show you the heavy spot. A little trial and error with weights gets you balanced out.

You can get away with this with very light wheels and tires.

Spin, or dynamic, balancing is what you want on car tires.

I've always heard that static in inside the wheel only, then dual-plane is both. Every place I've been seems to understand those terms - I didn't know in some places it's not the same? I've even worked at a motorcycle dealer and used to mount and balance tires in college at an auto store...

Static balancing is what you use on motorcycle wheels - you just put the wheel on a jig and let gravity show you the heavy spot. A little trial and error with weights gets you balanced out.

You can get away with this with very light wheels and tires.

Spin, or dynamic, balancing is what you want on car tires.

Then what is it then???


You want them force balanced. Ed Martin GMC, Pontiac, Buick in Indianapolis has one. So ask around 1st. Also anytime I've had work done for tire related issues outside my dealer, they've always paid for gas. Try to maintain your cool. Use that relationship to your advantage.
I often get cost on items because I get to know the people who are serving me.

I've always heard that static in inside the wheel only, then dual-plane is both. Every place I've been seems to understand those terms - I didn't know in some places it's not the same? I've even worked at a motorcycle dealer and used to mount and balance tires in college at an auto store...

Static can also be called bubble balancing.

What...you don't make sure the wipers work before you buy the car? J/K, they should looked over your car then to check the connections and fuses. I had a problem (granted it's Cadillac) the service dept couldn't get to it, but the service writers (who are fully trained) were able to fix my 2 flat tires in about 30 min. The dumb porter got too close in the car wash and broke both stems, dumb@ss

You want them force balanced

also know as a road-force balance. it's computer balanced which reads your wheel and tire. it can point out bubbles and bent rims very quickly.

also know as a road-force balance. it's computer balanced which reads your wheel and tire. it can point out bubbles and bent rims very quickly.


...and removes all those pesky vibrations.

Satic balancing is performed on a low-tech bubble balancer, you can build one your self for less than $20. All it does is balance the tire in one plane, compared to ground level, as indicated by teh bubble - hence teh name. Static refers to not moving. Reality is that oem installed wheel/tire combos could be static balanced instead of dynamic - due to time and labor. Dynamically spinning the tire at simulated road speed and computer measuring the imbalances is today's necessity. Cast Al wheels are more out of balance than stamped steel wheels to start with. And belted radial tires can be more out of tune than bias-ply.

And there are machines for dynamically balancing cycle tires, which at 100hp in a 400# machine capable of 150 mph can be more dangerous than car tires.

From what I gather, there are about seven different names referring to one of two different ways to do the same thing.

Not my job while the car is under warranty and the odometer hasn't hit 1,000 miles... GM can pay a local stealership to fix the problem.

To each their own, but it seems you're taking this to the extreme. Why the heck wouldn't you just check the fuse yourself? I understand your point, but if it could possibly be something as simple as a fuse, why wouldn't you just replace it yourself rather than have to take the car back to your dealership and have them touch your car? Now if it's not a fuse...that's another story, but to not even want to look at the fuse panel...:nuts:

Now I hope it doesn't rain between now and 4-16-08

I personally hate having to take my car into the service department. Usually something is messed up or dirty when I get it back. If I can fix it, I do. If it's warranty, then of course take it to the dealership, but if it's only a fuse, wasting all that time, is well, a waist of time.

Never thought I'd have to check out all the functions of a brand new car to insure everything works properly, guess some of the problem is that the dealers are selling these cars faster than they can prep them.

09 MY cant come soon enough........

e.

Never thought I'd have to check out all the functions of a brand new car to insure everything works properly, guess some of the problem is that the dealers are selling these cars faster than they can prep them.

09 MY cant come soon enough........

Its funny. Im not saying all dealers are like this but the majority of the dealers I work with dont do crap at pre-delivery inspection. GM pays them $60-80 per vehicle and all they do is rip off the delivery tape. bastages. :sneaky:

To each their own, but it seems you're taking this to the extreme. Why the heck wouldn't you just check the fuse yourself? I understand your point, but if it could possibly be something as simple as a fuse, why wouldn't you just replace it yourself rather than have to take the car back to your dealership and have them touch your car? Now if it's not a fuse...that's another story, but to not even want to look at the fuse panel...:nuts:

So you do or you don't understand my point?? :confused:

also know as a road-force balance. it's computer balanced which reads your wheel and tire. it can point out bubbles and bent rims very quickly.

Road force is good but we have a shop in San Antonio, Southwest Brake and Alignment… that will true and high speed balance with tire/wheel on the car. Balances the wheel, tire, rotor and all…comes out with a ride like glass…

Had my Acura with Michelins road forced at Discount and were close but still vibration at certain speeds…went the truing/high speed on car…450 mile trip and tires like driving on glass at all speeds…and side benefit trued tires actually increase tire life… Hard to find such shops but check around with your performance shops and they may know of a place…been doing such for years, it works…

Road force is good but we have a shop in San Antonio, Southwest Brake and Alignment… that will true and high speed balance with tire/wheel on the car. Balances the wheel, tire, rotor and all…comes out with a ride like glass…

Had my Acura with Michelins road forced at Discount and were close but still vibration at certain speeds…went the truing/high speed on car…450 mile trip and tires like driving on glass at all speeds…and side benefit trued tires actually increase tire life… Hard to find such shops but check around with your performance shops and they may know of a place…been doing such for years, it works…

I'm in San Antonio too. Where is this shop and how much do they charge for that service?

Okay??? My windshield wipers decided they wanted to work this morning..... :sneaky::confused:


When I had bought my '03 GMC Sierra 1/2 4x4 truck with the electronic shift on the fly. I had gotten up and went for a drive, and noticed that when I started the truck all the indicated lights for the 4WD system didn't light up. I turned the truck off, and back on several times and it wouldn't come back on.. I called and made an appointment and after driving the truck for 10 miles, I shut it off. After 30 minutes I got back in and started it up to leave and it started working again and never gave me an additional problem for the remaining 30k miles I drove it....

Okay??? My windshield wipers decided they wanted to work this morning..... :sneaky::confused:
I've had similar problems on two other vehicles. One was a Pontiac - go figure!

My '88 Fiero had wipers that would come on intermittently, like every 7 minutes, even when the wipers were turned off. The cure was to find the wiper control module and re-seat it in its connector. The aluminum blade connectors on the control module were a little oxidized.

On a Chrysler rental car I started having intermittent random electrical problems - dash lights goin on and off, stuff like that. I pulled over, found the main fuse box in the engine compartment, and reseated every fuse and relay. The problem went away and didn't reoccur while I had it.

Sorry to see that the Dealer has not been more active.

sounds like a bunch of bs to me...

Not my job while the car is under warranty and the odometer hasn't hit 1,000 miles... GM can pay a local stealership to fix the problem.

I'm glad I just test drove YOUR car and didn't buy it. :p

I find some of these horror stories hard to believe, but things do happen rarely, so it's possible. Wipers should be checked as part of both the pre-delivery service and also a mandatory check for a state inspection sticker in my state. Fuse could have blown between service and 1,000 miles.

There are some older tire mounting machines that can cause scratches and damage to the outer rim surfaces. I had a Goodyear store scratch my GTO rims and I never bought another thing from them, even though the "free" rotate and balance was handy. Be very careful where you take tires to have them replaced or repaired and make sure they can handle the tire and rim combination.

Most balancers today are computerized spin balancers. The main problem is finding the right chuck to seat the wheel accurately on the balancing shaft. Your new car dealer is more likely to have the right stuff if they sell tires along with the service. I've bought 2 sets for my GTO from my Pontiac dealer and they have been great.

Just picked up my GT with 19" wheels a couple days ago and have about 115 miles on it now and noticed last night that my wheel weights are also coming loose. I need to have it balanced before any long term damage is done - so what was the final outcome here - did you take it back to the dealer or to a tire shop? Has there been a TSB issued on this yet?

BJ

Just picked up my GT with 19" wheels a couple days ago and have about 115 miles on it now and noticed last night that my wheel weights are also coming loose. I need to have it balanced before any long term damage is done - so what was the final outcome here - did you take it back to the dealer or to a tire shop? Has there been a TSB issued on this yet?

BJ

I didn't take it back to the dealership.. After getting one story they didn't balance tires with stick on weights, and after raising hell with the customer service # they came back and said, "Oh they do, and their machine will be back up after 3pm.."

Went to Discount Tire and explained to the guy about the idiots at GM and he fixed it free of charge for me in all of 10 minutes..
(Any guesses on who's taking care of my tires from now on??)

I didn't take it back to the dealership.. After getting one story they didn't balance tires with stick on weights, and after raising hell with the customer service # they came back and said, "Oh they do, and their machine will be back up after 3pm.."

Went to Discount Tire and explained to the guy about the idiots at GM and he fixed it free of charge for me in all of 10 minutes..
(Any guesses on who's taking care of my tires from now on??)

Glad you got it fixed. That's exactly why discount does things like that. They hope that you will come back to spend your money with them when the time comes for tires or wheels next time.

Okay??? My windshield wipers decided they wanted to work this morning.....

Needed a rest perhaps? No, wait. I'm in Seattle, if that was it, mine would be dead from exhaustion by now.

On the same subject, I can't believe no one has bitched about the Wipers being 2 different sizes yet. Ok, I'll do it!

WHAT? I have to buy 2 sets of wiper blades? WTF was Pontiac thinking? For me, this would have been a deal breaker!!!!! :p :p :p

Anyway bro, glad they started again.

On the same subject, I can't believe no one has bitched about the Wipers being 2 different sizes yet. Ok, I'll do it!

WHAT? I have to buy 2 sets of wiper blades? WTF was Pontiac thinking? For me, this would have been a deal breaker!!!!! :p :p :p


I don't own a G8 (yet), but for my car, the left and right windshield wiper replacements are sold separately. So why does it matter if they are different sizes? :confused:

I don't own a G8 (yet), but for my car, the left and right windshield wiper replacements are sold separately. So why does it matter if they are different sizes? :confused:
My point exactly. I was just amazed that one of our professional fault finders had missed this.

My point exactly. I was just amazed that one of our professional fault finders had missed this.

My mother-in-laws Acura is the same way. I'm just glad their the "new style" wiper blades. Bad thing is they cost twice as much to replace...

My mother-in-laws Acura is the same way. I'm just glad their the "new style" wiper blades. Bad thing is they cost twice as much to replace...
MIL? Swipe hers! :p

The Dealer will sell the blades individually. I have not been able to find an aftermarket supply yet. Some like Trico & the others claim to have replacements, but don't believe them.

On the same subject, I can't believe no one has bitched about the Wipers being 2 different sizes yet. Ok, I'll do it!

WHAT? I have to buy 2 sets of wiper blades? WTF was Pontiac thinking? For me, this would have been a deal breaker!!!!! :p :p :p



Buy two sets of two, then you will have a spare for each. I say great "planning" by Pontiac...:)

The Dealer will sell the blades individually. I have not been able to find an aftermarket supply yet. Some like Trico & the others claim to have replacements, but don't believe them.

What's wrong with the replacements at wal-mart??

What's wrong with the replacements at wal-mart??
Point taken. :p The only negative I can think of is that you actually have to go inta a Walmart store. Around here, if you go into a Wallymart with more than 2 teeth, they make fun of you. :p

Point taken. :p The only negative I can think of is that you actually have to go inta a Walmart store. Around here, if you go into a Wallymart with more than 2 teeth, they make fun of you. :p

LOL. I still miss that Wal-Mart commercial with the elderly lady going on about her day would be shot if she didn't go to tha wAAlmart and have her cup of coffee

But I really like the larger wiper blade on the driver side. To me, it helps having a cleaner windshield and not having that infamous missed line of water that neither wiper is reaching that's close to your line of sight. And I've found, the little I've used them that they are superior than regular blades.. Again.. Another opportunity to be a millionaire, gone...

LOL. I still miss that Wal-Mart commercial with the elderly lady going on about her day would be shot if she didn't go to tha wAAlmart and have her cup of coffee

But I really like the larger wiper blade on the driver side. To me, it helps having a cleaner windshield and not having that infamous missed line of water that neither wiper is reaching that's close to your line of sight. And I've found, the little I've used them that they are superior than regular blades.. Again.. Another opportunity to be a millionaire, gone...
I think it's a great design and here at the home of the 12 month Seattle Rain Festival, so far not a streak or a squeak!

I've got the amazing sliding wheel weights on my car now. Luckily Quebedeaux has a balancing machine for them...and they actually know they have one.:p

I've got them doing the wheel weights and TCM flash tomorrow.:gears: Hopefully this'll get rid of the annoying shimmy at 40-55mph.:banghead:

On the same subject, I can't believe no one has bitched about the Wipers being 2 different sizes yet. Ok, I'll do it!

WHAT? I have to buy 2 sets of wiper blades? WTF was Pontiac thinking? For me, this would have been a deal breaker!!!!! :p :p :p



What??? I didn't notice a difference. What sizes are they?

Most wiper blade inserts come in singles, lots of cars are like this, as a few people mentioned above.

we sell wiper blades and they all come in singles... Tridon All Season.. i would love to sell the Bosch Icon blades, but the poor customers i have can't afford them, lol

For the record, I use the Bosch Icon blades and love them. They are expensive, though.

I have a G8 GT coming with the 19" wheels. What's the solution to this "sliding wheel weight" problem? I'd like to have it nailed down before I take it home.

For the record, I use the Bosch Icon blades and love them. They are expensive, though.

I have a G8 GT coming with the 19" wheels. What's the solution to this "sliding wheel weight" problem? I'd like to have it nailed down before I take it home.

Well knock on wood. It was only my right rear. And discount fixed it for me free of charge.

The dealer found both of my fronts out of balance. The driver's side was the only one with weights that had slid out of position. According to the service manager they had brought up the possibility to a GM rep before and were told that due to wheel design they had to use glue on weights.

It's a fine balance between getting the weights to hold on in a high heat area and still be able to remove them to rebalance the wheel after a tire change without tearing up the wheel.

For the record, I use the Bosch Icon blades and love them. They are expensive, though.

I have a G8 GT coming with the 19" wheels. What's the solution to this "sliding wheel weight" problem? I'd like to have it nailed down before I take it home.not all people are having problems with weights fyi

And there are machines for dynamically balancing cycle tires, which at 100hp in a 400# machine capable of 150 mph can be more dangerous than car tires.

I buy all my tires at the race track and all of them are statically balanced. I've never had a problem with them. They also put duct tape over the weights to make sure they don't move.

New 1000's are < 400 lbs and put out about 150-160 HP to the wheel. :) Hell, the 600's are now putting about 115HP to the wheel in 365 lb machines... :hail:

I regularly saw speeds in excess of 165 MPH (3 times a lap at Road America) with statically balanced tires and had no problems.

not all people are having problems with weights fyi

Just for information you might want to periodically check. When my weight was coming loose, I could not tell driving down the road. There was no vibration, no shimmy no nothing. :dunno:

Road force is good but we have a shop in San Antonio, Southwest Brake and Alignment… that will true and high speed balance with tire/wheel on the car. Balances the wheel, tire, rotor and all…comes out with a ride like glass…

What is that type of alignment called. A on car high speed road force balance or something:err:?

Just for information you might want to periodically check. When my weight was coming loose, I could not tell driving down the road. There was no vibration, no shimmy no nothing. :dunno:A few cars with this problem are more likely an operator not applying enough pressure to the wheel weight when applying or some grease or poor glue bond, these are the same wheels/tires used in Oz and there was no report of this as a wide spread issue. I agree it is good to look, I washed mine today and they look fine.

Are you guys that are having problems using a high pressure washer to clean the wheels, maybe that is the issue?

A few cars with this problem are more likely an operator not applying enough pressure to the wheel weight when applying or some grease or poor glue bond, these are the same wheels/tires used in Oz and there was no report of this as a wide spread issue. I agree it is good to look, I washed mine today and they look fine.

Are you guys that are having problems using a high pressure washer to clean the wheels, maybe that is the issue?

My car from bumper to bumper is cleaned by hand. No pressure washing on my ride.

A few cars with this problem are more likely an operator not applying enough pressure to the wheel weight when applying or some grease or poor glue bond, these are the same wheels/tires used in Oz and there was no report of this as a wide spread issue. I agree it is good to look, I washed mine today and they look fine.

Are you guys that are having problems using a high pressure washer to clean the wheels, maybe that is the issue?

No pressure washing here. I have a feeling it's a combination of the heat and the wheel not being properly balanced in the first place. My car has had a vibration between ~45 and 60mph from day one. They found both front wheels unbalanced.

My car from bumper to bumper is cleaned by hand. No pressure washing on my ride.

No pressure washing here.
Same here - a bucket of soapy water, a cellulose sponge, and a water hose. No water-and-grit-blasting for me.

Wiper blade dilemma ??? What's wrong with buying two sets and having a spare?
Not like they cost an arm and a leg...

RRM

Wheel Weights: Took it to the dealer today and had it re-balanced and original weights attached with better adhesive and marked so we can track if they move. Much better ride now - all wheels were out of balance after only 360 miles!

BJ