Do I need the 4" donut wheel that was attached to the middle of the front drive axle? What was it for?

2004 KIA RIO
322,000 MILES
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SYMBOL MAN
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In doing an oil change I noticed that in the middle of the front drive axle, there was a small rubber wheel dangling from the middle of the axle, worn with age and it sheered off.
Jan 8, 2012 at 3:03 AM
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CARADIODOC
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That's to dampen driveline vibration. As the car ages, the springs and engine mounts will start to sag. That changes the angle of the half shafts / cv joints, and changes the characteristics that can set up those vibrations. If you remove that weight, there's a very good chance you will not notice any vibration.
Jan 8, 2012 at 3:11 AM
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