Hunter Highlights Vol. 116

Hunter has introduced the SmartWeight™ balancing feature, a revolutionary, patented wheel balancing method that minimizes correction weight use and maximizes productivity, saving shops money on both material and labor costs. The SmartWeight balancing feature is now available on Hunter GSP9700 and GSP9600 wheel balancers.

This new method of wheel balancing computes correction weights by measuring and evaluating the “absolute” or pure static (shake) and couple (shimmy) forces that cause vibration. Unlike traditional balancing, which judges balance condition based on correction weight values, SmartWeight balancing uses the actual static and couple forces to directly address the source of vibration problems, resulting in the best possible balance.

Customers entering VW/Audi dealer service departments may soon find their cars automatically inspected for misalignment conditions before they even get out of the vehicle. VW/Audi recently approved the Hunter SS100 Sideslip Meter for its dealership Special Tools & Equipment Program. The SS100 provides an automatic drive-through test for excessive front- or rear-wheel sideslip caused by misalignment or worn or damaged components. The complete test takes less than 30 seconds. Results can be printed and waiting for the customer in the time it takes for him or her to be greeted by write-up staff.

Dealerships often cite a 50- to 100-percent jump in alignment revenue after an SS100 installation. The most successful applications place the SS100 slip plates in the service write-up lanes, ensuring that every vehicle entering the service area is tested.