What is this thing on my wheel?

Can anyone tell me what this is? I have a 2020 Tacoma Double Cab SR5. There appears to be weights attached to the rotors? Is this normal? I’m not an expert on trucks but this is new and I’ve never noticed it before.

 

Balance weight on your rear brake drum. Pic pirated from a Toyota dealer’s parts listing

 

Whoa! I have never seen a balanced drum before!

 

Thank you!

 

Most aftermarket drums are fully machined to good-enough tolerances that balance weights aren't necessary. Toyota still kept weld-on balance weights on the drums. Interesting footnote in history as the last 3rd gen rolled off the line two weeks ago.

 

That is what real trucks look like. Which, 4rd gen is nothing like

 

They say the fellas took extra care balancing the drums on that one.

 

*hombres

 

I wonder where it's going and who is getting it?
Keep it mint, don't put more than 100 miles on it.

 

^It's a silver base model with steel wheels. Probably going to a rental fleet

 

Why add weight when you can grind weigh off
I'm serious too......

 

why not grind rubber off tires vs balancing?

 

As stated, a weight used to balance

That's not a rotor, it's a drum on the rear. Rotors are on the front.

 

Because tire are a more critical component. And there isn't anywhere to "grind".

No kidding, I was being serious. We been here and done this.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drum-brakes-w-cutout-on-one-side.789303/#post-28254376

 

Easier and cheaper to weld on a weight vs machine the drum

 

A good cast would be even easier.
A good consistent cast would get you close to "spec".
Grinding doesn't add anything, like a welded weight does.

I've seen the weights fail and come off.
This can cause a vibration, ultimately resulting in a customer paying for a new drum.
Few parts actually helps "a lot" in this situation.

 

Just replace with Wagner drums P/N BD126322E at the next brake service. These are fully E-coated and machined to achieve balance without weld-on weights.

 

Actually you can thread a bolt into there to remove the drum. The drum in post 2 that is. I think post 1 has a photo of a front brake rotor. So we have two different things we are talking about. Pretty normal stuff on here. Doesn't actually look like a. rotor. What is Post 1 a photo of?

 

Post 1 is a picture of a rear brake drum. Photo of mine for reference.

 

Id bet a lot of rust belt Tacomas don't have their weights any more. Ask me how I know.. Stupid calcium chloride

Careful application of a grinding wheel and JB weld resulted in perfectly re-balanced assembly, Im sure of it