Hyundai TSB 20-SS-004H: Wheel/Tire Vibration Service Procedures & Radial Force Variation





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"description": "Official Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 20-SS-004H details diagnostic and repair procedures for wheel and tire vibration utilizing Radial Force Variation (RFV) and force-matching.",
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Hyundai TSB 20-SS-004H: Wheel/Tire Vibration – Balance and Radial Force Variation (RFV) Service Procedures

Description & Diagnostic Overview

This technical service bulletin (TSB) provides comprehensive tire vibration service procedures, outlining how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all OEM wheel and tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed—including imbalance and Radial Force Variation (RFV) data. The required Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.

Important Notes About Wheel/Tire Balance and RFV Measurements

• Documentation: For all claims regarding wheel/tire balance and RFV vibration, the Data Sheet must be completed and attached to the repair order documentation.
• Pre-Service Prep: Air pressure must be set to factory specifications (cold) according to the vehicle placard BEFORE performing any service procedures.
• Temperature Requirements: ALL RFV measurements MUST be taken with warm tires.
• Flat-Spot Prevention: If RFV measurements cannot be taken immediately after the warm-up drive, lift the vehicle on a hoist to remove weight from the tires. Raising the wheels prevents temporary flat spots from developing.
• Customer Concern Mapping: Accurately identify and record the customer's specific concern on the Data Sheet.
• Temporary Flat Spotting: If the vibration occurs during the first few minutes of driving but improves over time, temporary tire flat spotting is likely the cause. Advise the customer that all tires can develop temporary flat spotting after being parked for extended periods, and the effects diminish during normal driving.
• Equipment Calibration: Periodic calibration of wheel balancing equipment is mandatory for accurate measurements. Contact your local Hunter representative (if using a GSP9700 wheel balancer) for service.

Service Procedure 1: Wheel/Tire Assemblies Balance and RFV Measurement

1. Visual Inspection: Inspect the wheel and tire assemblies for physical damage, aftermarket equipment, bent OEM Hyundai Wheels & Rims, missing balance weights, irregular tire wear, or debris inside the wheels. Record all findings on the data sheet.
2. Pressure Log: Record "as-received" tire pressure, then adjust the cold tire pressure to match the vehicle placard.
3. Environmental Context: Record the exact conditions causing the vibration on the Data Sheet (e.g., speed range, ambient air temperature, road conditions, first 10 minutes of driving).

   Note: Environmental factors heavily impact tire pressure. Colder ambient air reduces tire pressure, while hotter air or high elevations increase it.

4. Warm-Up Test Drive: Drive the vehicle for at least 20 minutes at freeway speeds to properly warm the tires and eliminate temporary flat spotting. If the vibration complaint is confirmed, the assembly balance and RFV must be measured and recorded.
5. Initial Measurement: Immediately following the test drive, lift the vehicle on a hoist. Mark the tires with chalk on the inside face to record their initial positions (Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, Rear Right). Remove the assemblies to check balance and RFV. Log these initial values on the data sheet.
6. Imbalance Adjustment: If RFV values are within standard guidelines but assembly imbalance exists, rebalance using high-quality Wheel Balancing Weights as necessary, then test drive to confirm the repair.
7. Out-of-Spec RFV: If RFV measurements exceed guidelines, proceed to the Force-Matching and Tire Placement procedure below.
8. Final Placement: After force-matching, arrange and install the assemblies according to the force-matching placement guidelines.
9. Verification: Perform a final test drive to confirm the vehicle vibration is resolved.

Lug Nut Torque Specifications

When reinstalling assemblies, always replace damaged components with genuine OEM Hyundai Lug Nuts and torque to specification:

• 65.1–79.6 lb-ft
• 9.0–11.0 kgf.m
• 88.3–107.9 N.m

Radial Force Variation (RFV) Guidelines

These limits are intended as a reference guide to assist in reducing vibration; components may occasionally exceed these values without causing a noticeable ride issue.

Service Procedure 2: Force-Matching and Tire Placement

Force-matching involves aligning the high point (stiffest spot) of the tire with the low point of the wheel rim to minimize overall RFV values.

1. Stripping & Marking: Remove all old balance weights from the wheel. Mount the assembly on the balancer to begin the process. Mark the high point on the inside of the tire as indicated by the machine.
2. Rim Runout: Measure the rim runout according to the balancer's instructions. Mark the low point on the inside of the wheel.

   Note: For wheels without an outer lip face, rim runout must be measured on a bare rim with the tire removed.

3. Bead Realignment: Move the assembly to a tire changer machine to break the bead and align the tire's high-point mark with the wheel's low-point mark. Re-seat the bead and inflate to specification. Verify the reduced RFV value on the wheel balancer and record the final value.
4. Strategic Vehicle Placement: To minimize vibration felt in the cabin, arrange the wheel/tire assemblies based on their final RFV values:

Non-Staggered Tire Sizes (Standard Layout)

• Front Left (Driver Side): Lowest RFV
• Front Right (Passenger Side): 2nd lowest RFV
• Rear Left: 3rd lowest RFV
• Rear Right: Highest RFV

Staggered Tire Sizes (Performance Layout)

• Front Left: Lower RFV of the two front tires
• Front Right: Higher RFV of the two front tires
• Rear Left: Lower RFV of the two rear tires
• Rear Right: Higher RFV of the two rear tires

Technical Note: If the vibration complaint persists after force-matching, contact the Hyundai Technical Assistance line. It may be necessary to inspect other driveline components, such as Hyundai Wheel Hub & Bearing Assemblies or Hyundai CV Axles & Driveshafts.

Best Practices: Hunter GSP9700 Wheel Balancer

Centering Check

1. Cone Selection: Select the correct hub-bore cone size. For most Hyundai applications, utilize the 65–70mm wheel hub bore cone. Inspect the cone surface for nicks or wear; replace with fresh Wheel Balancer Adapter Components if damaged. Ensure the wheel hub sits near the middle of the cone's tapered surface, not at the extreme ends.
2. Software Validation: Select "Perform Centering Check" from the equipment menu and follow the prompts.
3. Status Target: A green screen confirms correct centering. A red screen indicates misalignment—balance and RFV results will be inaccurate. Re-center or adjust the mounting method before proceeding.

Calibration

All diagnostic balancers require routine calibration. If a calibration hasn't been performed within the last 6 months, contact your local Hunter service representative. The exact last calibration date must be noted on the Tire Balance Data Sheet.

Tire Balance Data Sheet Required Fields

This sheet must be completed, scanned, and submitted with any applicable Hyundai warranty claims. If no RFV measurements are captured, write "NO RFV, wheel balance only" in the Technician Notes.

• Administrative Data: Date, Dealer Code, Technician ID
• Vehicle Data: VIN, Year/Model, Production Date, Odometer Mileage
• Vibration Occurrence Mapping: In the morning / First few miles only / After driving a few miles / All the time / Other
• Environmental Log: MPH Range, Ambient Air Temp, Hours/Minutes vehicle sat before driving
• Hardware Specs: Tire Brand/Model, Tire Size (Front vs. Rear), Wheel Balancer Model, Equipment Calibration Date
• Initial Measurements (Per Position: FL, FR, RL, RR): Cold Tire Pressure (PSI), Hyundai TPMS Sensor ID, Full Tire DOT Number, Inner/Outer Weights Present (g), Warm Tire RFV (lbs)
• Final Measurements (Per Position): Final Tire Pressure (PSI), Updated TPMS ID (if rotated), Added Inner/Outer Weights (g), Final RFV (lbs)
• Technician Notes: Additional diagnostic observations.