Glossary
Wheel runout
The deviation from perfect roundness in a mounted tire and wheel assembly. Lateral runout causes the wheel to wobble from side to side; radial runout causes it to hop up and down. Either type causes vibration at highway speed. Runout can originate from the tire (out-of-round), the wheel (bent or warped), or the mounting (off-center seating).
Real-World Use
A steer tire that causes steering-wheel vibration is balanced twice without improvement — a runout measurement shows the wheel itself has radial runout from a prior impact.
What to Pair It With
Read this term with the full tire sidewall, vehicle rating information, manufacturer documentation, and the actual condition of the tire.
This site is for general information only. It does not replace professional tire service, DOT compliance advice, tire manufacturer instructions, vehicle manufacturer recommendations, or fleet policy.