Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to balance automotive wheels and tyres. It involves identifying and confirming work requirements; preparing for the work; inspecting, balancing and refitting wheel and tyre assemblies; and completing workplace processes and documentation.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The wheels and tyres include those of agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or trailers.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare to balance wheels and tyres | 1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions 1.2 Wheel balancing information is sourced and interpreted 1.3 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed 1.4 Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked for serviceability |
2. Conduct wheel and tyre pre-balance inspection | 2.1 Wheel and tyre pre-balance inspection is carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements 2.2 Inspection findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repair or replacement |
3. Carry out balancing procedures | 3.1 Wheel balancing machine is inspected and operated according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements 3.2 Wheel is balanced according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to wheel or tyre |
4. Complete work processes | 4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle or wheels are presented ready for use 4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected 4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored according to workplace procedures 4.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
balance at least four different wheels and tyres, in which work must involve:
selecting appropriate methods and techniques to balance wheels and tyres
conducting wheel and tyre pre-balance inspection for damage and excessive run-out.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to balancing wheels and tyres, including procedures for:
lifting and supporting vehicles and wheels
working with balancing machines, including rotating components and flying objects
procedures for pre-balance inspection of wheels and tyres
application, purpose, function and operation of wheel balancing machinery, including:
off vehicle balancers
on vehicle balancers
operating principles of wheel balancing, including:
tyre and wheel run-out
static and dynamic balance
out of balance effects on wheels, including:
wheel hop or tramp
wheel shimmy
vibration
tread wear
types and applications of wheel weights.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the vehicles or wheels and tyres that they have balanced, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer wheel balancing specifications
four different wheels and tyres for balancing
wheel balancing machinery
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for balancing wheels and tyres.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret information from manufacturer specifications and workshop literature relating to wheel balance procedures and specifications. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting inspection findings, making recommendations, and recording parts and material used. |
Numeracy skills to: | measure wheel balancing weights and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate distances, tolerances and deviations from manufacturer specifications calculate balance weights in metric and imperial units of measurement set and calibrate wheel balancing machine. |
Technology skills to: | operate wheel balance machines. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Safety requirements must | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for: lifting and supporting vehicles and wheels working with balancing machines, including rotating components and flying objects. |
Sectors
Technical – Wheels and Tyres
Competency Field
Mechanical Miscellaneous