The invention provides a drive assembly for tire service machines comprising a drive motor having a rotatable output drive shaft, and a wheel support. The inventive drive assembly further comprises a gear unit having at least one gearbox, wherein the at least gear box has at least a gear box input shaft and a gear box output shaft. The wheel support is in 5 direct torque transmitting connection with the gear box output shaft, and the output drive shaft of the drive motor is in a direct torque transmitting connection with the gear box input shaft of the gear box. Furthermore, the drive assembly is adapted to provide structural support.