Centramatic

[ZR600]

www.centramatic.com Has anyone tried these out? I called on a price and it is over $400 for a set for my dually 4x4. Sounds like a great product but that is a lot of money. Let me know what you think. Thanks... ... ... ..... Brian

 

[y-knot]

I run them front and rear on my dually, never really had a "balance" problem, but I to thought they sounded like a good ideal. They do seem to smooth out the highway ride, and there is no shake or vibration in the wheel. I guess i'd buy them again, they would really be worth it if you used your truck alot, and drove many highway miles. The funny thing about them is the sound they make when taking off from a stop. The balls(#7 shot), are suspended in a silicon liquid, and they make a little noise when you first start moving. You can not hear it if the windows are up, but those outside sure can. It make quiet a few turn around and look.

 

[fishjack1]

I have had them on my 2500 for about 15,000 miles and have been more than satisfied. A lot of guys use the balancing beads you put inside the tire (cheaper investment) but I figure I plan on keeping the truck for quite some time so I would make the investment and use the centramatics from here on out. I do all my own maintenance so when I rotate my tires I don't have to worry about balancing. A buddy of mine put a set on his travel trailer and his Powerjoke . He has been very satisfied as well.

 

[illflem]

Check out these balance beads instead http://wheelweights.ca/balancing-beads.htm



Work excellent and a lot cheaper than even conventional balancing.

 

[JHerrlich]

They work pretty good. The only problem I had, was that I had to smooth out the casting flash on my front calipers.

 

[stick]

I'm with Bill, the beads "work".



Stick

 

[JTBMC]

Whats the total price of the Centramatics all the way around on a 3500 4X4 compaired to the Beads Bill posted about.

I was told that the beads would plug up the valve stems and prevent checking air presure, is this the case.

Thanks TJ

 

[y-knot]

The centramatics will cost you about 350

 

[JHerrlich]

Actually, the centramatics will run you about $200.



Edit: I should probably qualify that statement... That's for a 2500. I don't have a clue as to how much they run for a 3500.

 

[esommer2500]

We put a set similar to the Centramatics on my girlfriend's Dad's semi a couple of weekends ago. Instead of using bearings or balls, these use mercury. The directions said to remove all wheel weights, which we did. After talking to others with similar setups and some shops, most leave the wheel weights on for slower speed balancing before the mercury and wheels really get 'spinning'. FWIW.



Eric

 

[y-knot]

I also left mine on, I couldn't help but to think that was a bad ideal. Seems if the weights have the wheel/tire combo close the that should help?

 

[JHerrlich]

Yeah, I did the same thing. I couldn't see why taking them off would be a problem.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by tjlaffite

Whats the total price of the Centramatics all the way around on a 3500 4X4 compaired to the Beads Bill posted about.

I was told that the beads would plug up the valve stems and prevent checking air presure, is this the case.

Thanks TJ

The beads run about $6 per tire plus 75¢ each for filtered valve stems that don't clog.

 

[ZR600]

Price over the phone for Centramatics for a 3500 dually. $179 for the front axle and $189 for the rear axle. I called about a week ago... ... ... ... ... . Brian

 

[stick]

I'm still with Bill on this one!



Stick

 

[y-knot]

That is the same prices they quoted me when I called to order. I like the centramatics, It is a one time investment. I run a set of "winter" tires and wheels, and a set of "summer" ones. The balancers can be easily moved with each set, and I don't have to worry about anything. They definitely help the on highway ride, there is almost no wiggle or vibration in the steering now, and feels and sounds quieter. The front ones also cuts down in the brake dust, by blocking it.

 

[Junior]

y-knot

How are the centramatics a slower speed, say between 35- 45. do you notice any vibration at this speed.



Philip

Junior

 

[y-knot]

No, you never get a vibration, or any odd feelings in the wheel. After 20-25 mph I think they are pretty much were they are going to stay. Only thing you, and everyone around you will notice, is at take-off and right before stopping, they make a whooshing sound. I have been told it sounds like someone opened a air vavle on a high pressure air tank?? I am not sure about all that, hell if I was standing on a side walk and I herad what I thought was A high pressure air leak, I'm be on the groud seeking cover! Any way, I do notice people look.

 

[lkuykendall]

We have 3 dually's and all have centrmatic balancers on front and rear. We really like them and along with routine tire rotation, we are having great luck with tire wear and a smooth ride. Somebody has already mentioned this but, you can hear the "swishing" sound of the beads when you are going below 20 mph (at least I can, dad has spent too many years on a cat dozer without ear protection). There was a group of us that decided to buy the balancers so one person signed up as a dealer. If he is still a dealer he will get the balancers for you at his cost, he doesn't do this for money, just to save money.



Len

 

[Junior]

lkuykendall

hey i will let you know when i decide if i want to give them a try. Have to save some money, might be buying a ute bumper.