Abstract: An apparatus for determining alignment of a wheel mounted to a vehicle includes a plate, a housing and a light source. The plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer perimeter. The bottom surface is substantially planar and the outer perimeter includes an engagement portion. The plate is configured such that it may be positioned at least partially within a wheel rim, with the engagement portion and the bottom surface contacting interior circumferential and interior annular surfaces of the wheel rim, respectively, and with the bottom surface substantially perpendicular to the wheel rotational axis. The housing is attached to the top surface of the plate and defines a chamber. The light source is supported at least partially within the chamber and is configured to project light away from the housing. Methods are also provided for manufacturing a vehicle and for inspecting a wheel mounted upon a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for the relative positioning of an object to be measured with respect to a measuring device, first of all the object to be measured is detected by the measuring device and the position of the object to be measured with respect to the measuring device is ascertained. Then a return message signal is generated which indicates whether the object to be measured is located in a position that is suitable for taking the measurement or not.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic axle alignment system onboard a vehicle for determining the perpendicular position of axle (58), as compared to vehicle centerline (70), which may be measurably monitored by establishing a first point (38) located onboard the vehicle's body or frame (62) and a second point (58a) located on or in proximity to axle (58). These two points serve as control points. A quantitative measurable relationship exists between the control points when compared with axle (58) alignment to the vehicle's centerline (70). In other words, the measurable relationship of the control points is quantitatively altered when axle (58) changes position as compared to the vehicle's centerline (70). Thus the present invention is utilized for monitoring the alignment of axle (58) as compared to the vehicle's centerline (70) by monitoring the measurable relationship of point (38) and point (58a).

Abstract: A vehicle toe set adjustment device and method for adjusting a vehicle tie rod includes an adjustment head adapted to be received over a tie rod. The adjustment head includes a surface for engaging a tie rod fastener, a plurality of moveable collet keys mounted on the adjustment head, and a drive member engaging surface. An actuator on the adjustment head moves the collet keys to engage the tie rod after the tie rod is received in the adjustment head. A method is also provided for engaging moveable collet keys on an adjustment head to engage the tie rod for rotation of the tie rod to adjust the toe set of a vehicle wheel. The device and method are useful with a variety of tie rod assemblies on various vehicles having different sized tie rod assemblies.

Abstract: Method and device for the measuring of angles of axles at which on the axle or wheel in question that is to be measured are arranged two with a camera registrable markers (2, 4), which markers are arranged eccentrically in relation to the rotation axis of the axle and axially separated in the axle direction. The axle is rotated and the rotation paths of the markers or parts thereof are registered by the camera and used to calculate angle position or centre line of the axle. The device can be used to measure wheel angles of cars, at which no compensation for skew wheels is needed.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a sensor pod of a wheel alignment system, the sensor pod including a housing rotatably mounted on a spindle, and an image sensor in the housing having a viewing axis oriented in a direction substantially normal to an axis of rotation of the spindle for imaging a target affixed to an object such as a vehicle wheel. An example of the method includes mounting the pod on a fixture via the pod spindle such that the pod spindle is stationary, and positioning a target to allow imaging of the target with the pod image sensor. The pod is rotated such that its image sensor obtains images of the target in at least two rotational positions, and the images of the target at the at least two rotational positions are processed to determine the location of the axis of rotation of the spindle relative to the image sensor.

Abstract: A sensing head and system utilizes fault tolerant design and self-diagnosis. Alternative operation modes are provided when one or more functional modules or components fail. Unique designs provide redundant system resources. Self-diagnoses and tests are provided to isolate and identify sources of malfunctions.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment method and system is provided. A three-dimensional target is attached to a vehicle wheel known to be in alignment. The three-dimensional target has multiple target elements thereon, each of which has known geometric characteristics and 3D spatial relationship with one another.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with at least one cameras for acquiring images of the wheels of a vehicle, and an associated light projectors configured to project a pattern image onto the surfaces of vehicle components such as vehicle wheel assemblies. Images of the projected patterns acquired by the camera, are processed by the vehicle wheel alignment system to facilitate a determination of the relative orientation and position of the surfaces such as wheel assemblies in three dimensional space, from which vehicle parameters such as wheel alignment measurements can be subsequently determined.

Abstract: A sensor and method of determining the orientation of an object, such as the alignment characteristics of a tire and wheel assembly mounted on a vehicle, includes projecting a plurality of light planes from a first light projector onto a tire and wheel assembly to form a plurality of generally parallel illumination lines on a tire of the tire and wheel assembly, receiving a reflected image of at least some of the illumination lines with a photo electric device reflected from the tire at an angle relative to a projecting angle of the first light projector, and determining a plane defined by spatial coordinates from a selected point located on each illumination line imaged by the photo electric device, with the plane representing the orientation of the tire and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system optical target assembly incorporating an adaptor for attachment of an optical target to a vehicle wheel assembly. The adaptor includes at least three contact points for abutment against surfaces of a vehicle wheel assembly, and an attachment mechanism configured to grip surfaces of a tire mounted to the wheel rim to hold the optical target assembly in contact with the wheel assembly surface. The optical target is secured to the adaptor, and maintained in a fixed relationship to the wheel assembly thereby during a vehicle wheel alignment measurement procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically recalibrating an adaptive lighting system includes a control module configured to instruct a motor to rotate a lamp to a first hard stop when the lamp positioned at a first soft stop. The system recalibrates the control module using the first hard stop as a reference point.

Abstract: A method is provided for positioning a free-standing fixture relative to a vehicle, using a visual aligner system for imaging vehicle-mounted targets with reference image sensors and processing the resultant images. Embodiments include calculating locations of the vehicle-mounted targets, calculating a location of a reference point on the vehicle, and determining a longitudinal line along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A location of a center of the fixture and an axis of the fixture is then calculated based on an image of one of the targets obtained by a remote image sensor attached to the fixture. The fixture is positioned by adjusting the fixture relative to the vehicle to achieve a desired position or orientation of the fixture based on the performed comparison steps and angle calculations.

Abstract: A device for aligning with a king pin on a trailer comprising: a first bar having a first coupler at one end thereof; a bar having a second coupler at one end thereof; first and second couplers adapted for attachment to said king pin; each bar having a projection therefrom for aligning said rods on said trailer when said couplers are attached to said king pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for non-contact measurement of the alignment of the wheels of a motor vehicle. In practice, the method provides for the steps of: applying a plurality of markers to the wheels of the motor vehicle along a line approximately substantially coaxial with the wheel; positioning, at each wheel for which the characteristic angles must be acquired, two image acquisition devices, with different inclinations with respect to said wheel; acquiring for each of said wheels, through each of said two image acquisition devices, at least one image of said wheel with the relative markers; determining, through epipolar and triangulation geometrical calculations, the equation of an approximate plane in which said markers lie in space, with respect to a reference system; determining the camber and toe angles of said wheel on the basis of the equation of said plane and of the equation of the reference planes with respect to which the motor vehicle takes a known position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the wheel geometry and/or the axle geometry of motor vehicles in an inspection room, using an optical measuring apparatus having at least one image-taking device which records a marking device including at least one body feature and one reference feature system, and having an evaluating device, the position of the reference features in the inspection room being known in the evaluating device, and the recording of the marking device taking place during travel of the motor vehicle. The image-taking device is connected to a wheel to be measured, at its wheel rim in pivot joint fashion, and follows the rotating motion of the wheel, the optical axis of the image-taking device always being aligned essentially perpendicular to the roadway plane and the axis of rotation of the pivot joint being aligned in all wheel positions essentially parallel to the roadway plane.

Abstract: A target that is usable in a position determination system such as, for example, a wheel alignment system, is structurally stable over wide temperature ranges, protected from humidity and chemical contamination, and not subject to breakage. A layered target structure includes a substrate board, a retro-reflective layer formed on the substrate board, a transparent sheet overlaying the retro-reflective layer, and an opaque patterned layer between the a retro-reflective layer and the transparent sheet. The layered target structure may be secured a support assembly.

Abstract: A carriage moves back and forth under a vehicle and three cameras or laser fixed along one axis pivot in a common plane, utilizing two cameras at time to locate a target fixed to a reference point on the undercarriage of the vehicle. Triangulation calculations, combined with the location of the cameras provide the location of the reference point in space in a three-dimensional coordinate system and compare that location with a stored designed location of the reference point prior to the crash, allowing the vehicle structure to be returned to its designed shape by other equipment.

Abstract: An alignment tool for vehicular adaptive cruise control detection devices attaches with precision and repeatability to an adaptive cruise control sensor subassembly. Integral to this alignment tool is a low energy visible light laser that can be adjusted to point along the signal axis of the ACC sensor subassembly with stable and calibratable precision. The point at which a visible laser light beam strikes a reference surface can reveal the alignment of the ACC sensor subassembly with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method with a 3-dimensional measuring apparatus for determining vehicle suspension parameters, which include roll center, scrub radius, etc. The apparatus measures the upper and lower control arm pivot locations, which include coordinate planes X, Y, and Z, where X is longitudinal distance from front axle centerline, Y is height above ground, and Z is distance from vehicle centerline. Suspension measurements are provided by at least one lower support (23a), at least one vertical member (24a), at least one horizontal arm (26a), and at least one indicator support (22) located at a ground plane in proximity to a tire's tread. Indicator (BC?) on indicator support (22) indicates at least one lower steering pivot location determined by horizontal arm (26a). Wheel pivot locator (21) connected to indicator support (22) locates kingpin trail (C?) and provides a way for measuring the scrub radius between kingpin trail (C?) and tire centerline (E).

Abstract: A headlamp aiming apparatus for vehicles used for accurate measuring of light radiated from the headlamp of a vehicle. The headlamp aiming apparatus is capable of appropriately calibrating the moving quantity of an aiming unit, based on data measured by distance measuring units measuring the positions of respective wheels of a vehicle, during a headlamp aiming operation, thus accurately aligning the center of the headlamp with the center of the headlamp aiming apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital tram gauge assembly having an extendible elongate tram bar having a first height rod at a first end and a second height rod at a second end. A digital measuring device is positionable about the tram bar and is capable of digitally sensing, displaying and wirelessly transmitting measurement data from the digital tram gauge. The digital measuring device further includes a digital level sensor that functions as a digital level comparator to indicate whether the tram gauge assembly is oriented substantially parallel to a user-defined reference datum plane.

Abstract: A laser measurement system indicates the difference between an actual position of a vehicle frame reference point on a vehicle frame and a normal position employing a rotating laser scanner; an electro-optical detector and a host computer. A positioning arrangement is also provided for positioning the electro-optical detector at a known distance from the reference point. In operation, the host computer queries the scanner and detector via a communication link, calculates the actual position of the reference point, and displays the difference between the position of the vehicle reference point on the vehicle frame and the normal position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring and calculating wheel alignment angles. Light weight and mechanically robust accelerometers in measurement heads are attached to a vehicle's wheels during an alignment procedure. The output of the accelerometers may be compensated for effects of temperature or thermal hysteresis by memory lookup or a temperature based feedback control loop.

Abstract: A simple inspection device for wheel alignment is composed of a level inspecting rod and alignment inspecting racks, wherein a fixing member and a light emitter are located at two ends of the level inspecting rod, and the alignment inspecting rack includes an inspecting rod and a bracket. A scale meter is located at a proper position on the bracket, a lean-against member is located at a bottom of the bracket, and a tension member is located at a central part of the bracket. A bi-directional level and a light emitter are located at a top end of the inspecting rod, and a bi-directional level and an indication area corresponding to the light emitter are also located at the alignment inspecting rack at the other side. Accordingly, the device can be used to inspect a status of wheel alignment easily and conveniently.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions at least one image sensor of the aligner system. The stand is positioned in front of the vehicle and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to a desired line of the vehicle, for example, the thrust line. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carriage moves back and forth under a vehicle and three cameras or laser fixed along one axis pivot in a common plane, utilizing two cameras at time to locate a target fixed to a reference point on the undercarriage of the vehicle. Triangulation calculations, combined with the location of the cameras provide the location of the reference point in space in a three-dimensional coordinate system and compare that location with a stored designed location of the reference point prior to the crash, allowing the vehicle structure to be returned to its designed shape by other equipment.

Abstract: Retaining device for a wheel-alignment analyzer for attachment to a wheel of a motor vehicle. Retaining device has a retaining element having at least three retaining arms and a clamping mechanism which can be displaced along the retaining arms. The ends of the clamping mechanism are provided with an overlapping portion for overlapping the edge of the rim and the retaining element can be secured to the edge of the rim. The retaining device offers a stable engagement and centering solution, thus permitting a correct wheel-alignment analysis. The overlapping portion may be spring-loaded and biased in the direction of the wheel and/or the clamping mechanism, and a spacer and the overlapping portion may be provided on the spacer.

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A position determination system comprises a data processing system, a first measuring module, and a second measuring module. Both of the measuring modules are coupled to the data processing system. The first measuring module includes a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target. A calibration sensing device is rigidly linked to the first sensing device. The positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known. The system has a rotation mechanism for rotating the sensing device of the first sensing device. The second measuring module includes a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target. A calibration target is rigidly linked to the second sensing device, and is used with the calibration sensing device to obtain a positional relationship between the calibration target and the calibration sensing device. The positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration target is known.

Abstract: A method for use with a vehicle wheel alignment system to detect vehicle roll or elevation change during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure requires the steps of observing individual vehicle wheels, and detecting a substantially simultaneous changes in position or rotational movement associated with each observed wheel. Responsive to detected changes, vehicle rolling movement or a vehicle elevation change is identified, enabling the vehicle wheel alignment system and/or operator to respond accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wheel alignment of single track vehicles, particularly motorcycles and bicycles having front alignment unit (20) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle front wheel (1) to emit a rearward projecting laser beam (9); and a rear alignment unit (40) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle rear wheel (4) to emit a forward projecting laser beam (8). Alternately either the laser target (25) of the front alignment unit (20) or of the rear alignment unit (40) can be a reflective mirror surface, whereby the forward or rearward projecting laser beams (8,9) are reflected toward the target of the opposite alignment unit.

Abstract: A system for graphic display of point-to-point distance measurements in an object measuring system includes display of a graphic drawing representing the object and depictions of measured points representing their locations on the object and displays of lines between the points of selected pairs of displayed points to indicate where a distance measurement is taken. For each line there is displayed an indication that the measured distance is (a) within tolerance limits of a standard distance, (b) shorter than the standard distance by a difference greater than a lower tolerance limit or (c) greater than the standard distance by a difference exceeding an upper tolerance limit. There may simultaneously be displayed an alphanumeric table indicating the points, the measured and standard distances and the differences, which table may utilize the same tolerance indication scheme as the graphical representation.

Abstract: A vehicle service system having a vehicle service computer which is configured for communication with one or more on-board vehicle computers of a vehicle undergoing a vehicle service procedure, to retrieve or access information stored in a memory associated with the vehicle computer and/or to modify or store information in the vehicle computer associated memory.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A position determination system comprises a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus. The first measuring apparatus includes a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target, a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known. The system has a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device. The second measuring apparatus includes a second sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a second testing target, a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, and a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stand for manufacturing bicycle, of the type comprising in particular: a frame (1), handlebars (3), a fork (2), a handlebar extension (4), for fixing the handlebars (3) on the fork (2), mounted mobile on the frame (1), a crankset (7) provided with a shaft, a saddle (5), a seat tube (6) for mounting the saddle (5) on said frame (1). The invention is characterised in that the bench comprises a table (10) bearing first (16) and second (18) means for fixing the bicycle and a measuring device (20) for determining at least one characteristic dimension of the bicycle.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two optical adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions two optical targets of the aligner at transversely spaced apart locations. The stand is positioned between the vehicle and the aligner and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to the thrust line of the vehicle. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the thrust line.

Abstract: An adjustable fit laser-projecting tool used to project a light beam outward from the end of any cylindrical object for reference to the object's centerline axis or reference to points parallel to the centerline axis some distance away from the cylindrical object. The tool is comprised of a clamping means utilizing the outer surface of the cylindrical object as the contact surface. The tool contacts the outer surface of a cylindrical object as to orient the tool to the centerline of the cylindrical object. A laser diode module is mounted on a sliding centering scale, allowing the laser diode module to be moved to the centerline of the cylindrical object or another desired position parallel to the centerline axis of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: An alignment device (30) for mounting on a laser mapping machine in place of a tire. The alignment device (30) comprises alignment surfaces S1-S5 which, when mapped by the machine, will provide alignment parameters. Specifically, the mapping of the alignment surface S1 and the mapping of the alignment surface S2 reflect the perpendicularity of the machine's laser relative to the machine's rail in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mapping of the alignment surface S2 and the alignment surface S3 will reflect the parallelism of the rail to the machine's shaft in the first and second directions. The mapping of the alignment surface S4 and the alignment surface S5 will reflect radial and out-of-plane wobble.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment gauging system measures a linear dimension and generates an output signal corresponding to the measured linear dimension. A storage device stores reference data corresponding to standard reference dimensions for a selected vehicle, and a comparator compares the output signal with a selected reference dimension from the storage means and generates an error signal indicative of the variation therebetween. A visual indication of the magnitude of the variation is provided thereby to provide a quantitative indication of structural misalignment in use.

Abstract: A cordless vehicle wheel alignment sensor head with interchangeable batteries includes easy to replace rechargeable batteries, thus eliminating the need for a service call to replace the batteries and allows the operator to swap a nearly depleted battery set with a fully or partially charged battery set. The sensor head includes a battery compartment door which slides upwards without pivoting about or detaching from the sensor head, and allows the batteries to pop out and be replaced. The battery compartment door also includes at least one battery engaging protrusion which presses against the battery at a non-contacting end of the rechargeable battery when the battery compartment door is closed. Accordingly, with the battery compartment door closed, the battery is tightly held in place and pressed into a pair of retractable pins that result in electrically coupling the battery to the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: A distance sensor having a sensor for a motor vehicle in which an arrangement is provided by which gnment angles and trajectory curvatures can be compensated for during travel not only on a straight road but also along curves. In a sensor mounted displaced from the center line of the vehicle, an angle (alpha_sensor) is measured which cuts the projected center line of the motor vehicle at the target object, a vehicle driving ahead. By the additional use of a yaw rate sensor, curve curvatures of the road are also compensated for, so that angle and distance measurement can also be made along curves.

Abstract: A vehicle service system wherein a computer is configured for active wireless communication over a wireless micro-network with any of a variety of similarly configured external components and devices brought into proximity with the computer, including, but not limited to, sensors, input and output devices, mobile computers, onboard vehicle computers, and other vehicle service equipment.

Abstract: A method for measuring the displacement of a vehicle wheel relative to the frame thereof or relative to a fixed point of reference. The vehicle is located on a test stand in which the wheel is loaded, statically or dynamically. In a first step, a measuring system including cameras measures the position of at least three points of reference on the wheel, these three points of reference not being in a straight line. In a second step, the relative displacement of the wheel is calculated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of wheel-mounting spindles respectively mounted to a pair of vertically swingable wheel support arms for being steered about respective king pin axes. During assembly of the vehicle on an assembly line, right- and left-hand laser toe gauges are mounted to the spindle shafts in a defined orientation wherein target surfaces of the gauges lie along a respective king pin axis. Length-adjustable tie-rods are coupled to the spindles and adjustable in order that a laser beam emitted from one toe gauge impinges on the target of the other toe gauge when the toe-in is within a prescribed range for resulting in steering and tire wear characteristics. The toe gauges are constructed such that the laser beam direction may be adjusted to calibrate the toe gauge for the particular vehicle being assembled.

Abstract: An improved image sensor for computer systems that use images to calculate vehicle wheel alignments which includes an integrated circuit having a detector array for receiving an image containing vehicle wheel alignment information, an image sensor controller for operating the detector array and directing input/output for external communications outside the circuit, and an internal bus for communications within the integrated circuit. The sensor communicates wheel alignment information contained in the image with the computer system across an interface bus.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the radial runout of a tire and rim assembly (10) having the steps of measuring the runout of the tire and rim assembly (10), locating the position of maximum radial runout of the tire (1) and the minimum runout of the rim (J). The method minimizes first harmonic vibrations caused by the normal assembly of these components.