A wheel weight is a small piece of metal that has been molded to fit precisely onto the wheel, usually on the outer rim of the wheel. The weight provides balance and stability when the wheel is in motion. Mary Jackson, in her book "The Greaseless Guide to Car Care Confidence" writes, "An unbalanced wheel can eventually damage the wheel bearings."
Put on a pair of leather gloves and safety glasses.
Locate the wheel weight(s) on the wheel. According to Jose Nieto, ASE certified mechanic, and manager of Tuffy Auto Service Center, Sanford, Florida, the weight will be on the outer portion of the wheel, where the metal rim meets the rubber of the tire.
Position the weight for easy removal. You'll need a bit of leverage to remove the weight with the wheel weight tool. So depending upon your height and physical abilities, adjust the position of the weight accordingly to maximize safe leveraging. To change positions, start the vehicle. Engage the transmission and, while slowly releasing the brake pedal with your foot, allow the vehicle to roll. Stop after moving about 6 inches. Put the vehicle in park and re-examine the weight's position. Readjust if necessary.
Attach the wheel weight hammer's "claw" to the thickest portion of the weight and pry it off. The hammer's "claw" is the slightly curved portion of the tool, opposite the poly-head. Pry off the weight.
If you are using a wheel weight tool, which also has a rear-mounted claw, attach the claw in a "scissor motion" as they operate like pliers. Attach the claw to the weight, squeeze and pry it off.
