Balance Masters ---Installed---

[prestinb]

All,



I have a 2008 3500 DRW Reg Cab with a 4. 5" lift and running 285/75/17 tires on stock steel wheels with a 2" wheel adapter in the rear. I have had to take the tires back two time in the last 1000 miles back to get them rebalanced. I personally watched the tech (friend of mine) balance the tires so I can verify that they were done correctly. The tires only need a couple ounce of weight so they seem to be very true. When I take them back, I have them throw them on the balancer without taking any weight off and sure enough... out of balance. I know this is a far fetch, but the only theory that we can come up with is the wheel is spinning in the tire???? Anyway, to alleviate this theory I ordered a set of dynamic wheel balancers from Balance Masters. I chose this company because they state that you must remove all static wheel weights prior to install. I apprehensively removed all static weights from the wheels and mounted the dynamic balancers. I am amazed to say the least. I have zero vibes in my truck now and my manual gear shift doesn't even shake around. Just wanted to share because I could not find any definitive information on the site.



Part# MHS 105 Front

Part# MHD 206 Rear



prestinb

 

[JBonpua]

Yep they work. I have Centramatics on mine and I love it.

 

[seafish]

I am planning on getting the Centramatics... however I am curious if anyone knows what the difference is between the 2 products. Do they us a different medium?? Or a differnt shell material??

I am also curious as to why one would need to remove ALL static weights... If the Balance Masters can eliminate vibrations from out of balance wheels, why can't they eliminate vibrations from wheels that are only slightly out of balance???

 

[JBonpua]

I believe Balance Masters use mercury while Centramatics use pellets with some kind of fluid damping material.

 

[Dieselnerd]

The dynamic balancers do make a difference for sure. I have Centramatics on my truck and fifth wheel. Both run very smooth. I recently put new tires on the truck and did have the wheels balanced. Makes less work for the Centramatics.

 

[seafish]

The dynamic balancers do make a difference for sure. I have Centramatics on my truck and fifth wheel. Both run very smooth. I recently put new tires on the truck and did have the wheels balanced. Makes less work for the Centramatics.

That's more like what I figure... I don't see anywhere that Centramatic says "don't bother balancing your tires" and I wonder why Balance Masters, according to the OP, insists on that.

 

[Barry]

I have been running Centramatics for years. Great product and great folks to do biz with. I love 'em. My Rickson wheels and tires weigh in at over 120#s each. I sure want them kept in balance. Fact is, I just wrote about them in the last issue of TDR.



Somewhere in the cob webs of my mind, I think there is the same kind of rivalry between the two balancing product companies like there is between the clutch companies.



And you know we don't want to go there... ... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[amsoilman]

I have run the "Balance Masters" for several years, and they are a GREAT product. My truck runs very smooth, and when i rotate the tires, there is never any problems.

 

[DaveHess]

Sweet truck there PrestinB!!!

 

[Regcabguy]

Anybody experienced dw with Centramatics installed? Maybe it's the Holy Grail of dw elimination.

 

[ILIANBG]

From reading and research I think I found out why Balance Masters recommend all the balancing weights from the wheel be removed, and Centramatics - don't.

Balance Masters uses mercury. Mercury tends to stay together, and does not separate much. It's a liquid, but a bit different and heavier.

On the other hand Centamatics uses round metal balls, much like bbs and ball bearings, with synthetic liquid/oil. Those are much more likely to separate and even separate themselves in few groups if necessary, in order to balance the total weight.

That's how I explain it to myself from all I fave found out about both products. I could be totally wrong.

They both seem to do what they are designed to. It gets done using two different methods.

Now, do one of the products create more friction? If so, does it mean shorter lifespan?

It really is very interesting to me.

Regcabguy- I do not think so, but you should try it, and maybe prove me wrong

I would like to hear owners of both products, though. It'll be very helpful. Thanks.

Ilian

 

[seafish]

ILIANBG, that sure is a thoughtful and likely explanation. Thanks for taking the time to post it... .
Though I am sure both companies manufacture a product that works well, I will probably stay away from the mercury and go with the Centramatics. Thanks again

 

[Regcabguy]

My 285-75-17 Toyo AT's are still vibration free with the exception of a lousy balance by Discount Tire here. After I brought it to their attention a rebalance by a tech with a work ethic took care of it. I think I'd try them if I ran giant tires. The moneyback guarantee is appealing though.

 

[Slow Six]

No they will not stop death wobble. I had to do the usual parts replacements and finally got a good steering fix when I did the Mopar upgrade. The centramatics are good. I am getting alot of miles on a set of tires with even wear and no cupping what so ever.

 

[wcjp]

Neither product works with 19. 5" Vision 81 wheels. Too bad.

 

[RWood]

I used balance beads on my 19. 5" Vision 81. Works good. I had centramatics on my stock tires and the ride is very similar with the 19. 5 and dyna beads.

 

[BHiggins]

I had Centramatics on my '92, they were noisy until around 15 mph (they sounded like sand/gravel in a rolling tin can). I always wished I had gotten the Balance Masters.

PS: I had 4" stacks w/muffler delete pipe and I could still hear the Centramatics if my windows were open... If I ever end up getting them for my 2008, I'm going with the Balance Masters.

 

[seafish]

I had Centramatics on my '92, they were noisy until around 15 mph (they sounded like sand/gravel in a rolling tin can). I always wished I had gotten the Balance Masters.

PS: I had 4" stacks w/muffler delete pipe and I could still hear the Centramatics if my windows were open... If I ever end up getting them for my 2008, I'm going with the Balance Masters.

Can anyone else speak to the issue of noise at low speeds with the Centramatics??

 

[JBonpua]

That's funny because mine are dead quiet. They must have done something different on the new ones because I could not hear mine.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I've had mine for 5 years, never noticed any noise.