i just bought an 08 XLE and noticed that it has a whole bunch of wheel weights on one of the back wheels. is this normal for a brand new car? it shocked me a bit.

 

All tires/rims require balancing and additional weight. If these are aluminum rims the weights are still needed but typically glued to the back. If too much weight is needed the tire could have a defect or is not be seated property. Not sure how much weight is too much; 1-2 ounces may be typical.

 

thanks toyomoho.

i went out and counted the wheelweights. there are 21 of them lined up around the wheel. each one says 5 Fe which i assume is a weight and identifier that they are made of iron. they are the shape of a little rectangles.

 

That is completely unsatisfactory. There is either something wrong with the rim (maybe bent) or a bad tire. If the dealer won't do something about it, then you should trade that wheel out for the spare, presuming that your current spare matches your other three wheels (rim AND tire).

 

Each one is 5 grams x 21 = a total of 3.7 ounces. More then typically but not excessive. If you complain the dealer will most likely say this is just fine and not offer any assistance.