Originally Posted By: eljefino
.....Is this something someone can detect with a regular dial runout gauge?
Yes, but you have to take the tire off the wheel, you have to measure both bead seats, and you have to measure both in the radial direction and the lateral direction - and even then interpretation is a problem. Allow me to explain.
When you measure the runout, you get a maximum value and a minimum value. We call that peak-to-peak or composite. However, the vehicle reacts strongly to the 1st harmonic - that is, the best fit sine wave. While the peak-to-peak value is an indicator of the 1st harmonic, it is quite easy to get fooled. Plus, there might be a phase angle difference between the 2 bead seats and the side to side motion is larger than is indicated when using a dial indicator.
On the other hand, if a dial indicator is the only tool you have available ......
Which is why I recommend finding someone with a Hunter GSP9700. Not only does this machine do these measurements quickly and easily, the results are presented in 1st harmonic form, making it easy to diagnose issues. The only 2 problems I have with the Hunter GSP9700 is that it takes a trained operator and the built in specs are too high for the wheel.