wheel balancers

[ptmoore]

just wondering, has anyone tried those active wheel balancers . ? balancemasters or centramatics?

 

[dpuckett]

I have some Dynabeads that work well. I still have a slight vibration that comes and goes, but I think I have other issues to fix.



DP

 

[DonTX]

I had a set of Centramatics on my Kenworth, when I sold it I kept them and put them on my GMC Bus. They were the best money I spent on that truck, always tires in balance, for a million miles.

I have been looking for a set for my Dodge, hard to find a bargain on them.

 

[sdstriper]

I would like to know if anyone has tried these out yet, they make them for our sized trucks.



TAABS Automatic Wheel Balance Systems, Tire Rotation, Tire Balance, Tire Balancing

 

[drury]

I went with the BalanceMasters. The Centramatics can be noisy at low speed in parking lots, which is an issue for some and not for others. I've also read of a couple of cases on this forum where the beads in the Centramatics froze up after a couple of years and had to be replaced. The BalanceMasters do their thing with liquid mercury, and don't make any noise, and can't freeze up (at least at normal temperatures). My tires are wearing suprisingly well considering how much rubber I leave behind.

 

[LDechaine]

I have had the Centramatics on my truck for about 10,000 miles now. I have been VERY pleased. They were they only way I could keep my 35" BFG Mud Terrains balanced.

 

[Kiohio]

I had balance masters on my 1200 Sporty.

Seemed to work real good at keeping the engine smoother.

Still shook some but no where near as bad as stock.



KO

 

[RWWinslow]

I have used Centramatics for 5 years on our medium duty truck and a very heavy 5th wheel. They lowered trailer tire temperatures by 15F. We replaced the drive tires at 105,000 miles on the MDT. They provide exceptional tire life. The mercury used as a balance weight in some balancers can be an issue if they break and spill - could result in a Hazmat cleanup charge at a wreck in some states. However, both systems work very well. I balance large turbo machiner and large high speed rotating equipment for a living - the theory and practical application behind these systems is very sound.

 

[ptmoore]

I went with the centramatics w/new 285/75-17. Must have other prob somewhere because i get vibration that comes and goes above 60mph. The vibretion is sometimes very severe for a short while then gets better? Driveshaft harmonics maybe? one more ? on the balancers, are you guys using computer balance also or just the balancers?

 

[drury]

According to the people at BalanceMasters, the EPA likes that they use mercury because they are one of the largest users of recycled mercury in the country. They give used mercury a new home instead of having to send it to a dump. Apparently the EPA doesn't see the potential breakage during a wreck as a serious problem. So save the environment and get BalanceMasters!

 

[RWWinslow]

Computer balance plus the centramatics on the big truck and trailer. if you are getting a vibration at a specific speed you have some type of speed induced resonance - call if you need some help.

 

[R C Cola]

balance

Centramatics here for 200k and happy very smooth and good tire life. Also saves the headache of going in for rebalance every week or so.

 

[Rebel Ram]

I got some of these (Tire Balancing Products) for my dually as a last resort because I could not get the tire shop to ballance off of the bolt pattern and not the center hole. Worked like a charm. I was sceptical as well but figured WTH?

 

[ptmoore]

thanks for the offer RWWinslow, I found the culprip. It's the rear part of the rear driveshaft, I can see that it is running out of round. I tried the hose clamp method and could not make any significant improvement w/the rear on jackstands. I think next week i'm going to take the shaft to the driveshaft shop and let them do their thing to it.

 

[DonTX]

I read the whole web site with a negative approach, trying to convince myself it was a bad idea. After reading, I think I want to do that to my truck as well as my RV! Has anybody got anything negative to offer on this system? Far far cheaper, and I can see no negative aspects of it.

I got some of these (Tire Balancing Products) for my dually as a last resort because I could not get the tire shop to ballance off of the bolt pattern and not the center hole. Worked like a charm. I was sceptical as well but figured WTH?

 

[dpuckett]

Don/TX- they have been balancing semi tires that way for 50+ years that I am aware of. Of course, not everyone has used ceramic beads; some have used golf balls, tennis balls, stainless steel shot (small, as in #6), there are a number of balancing powders available, but they all work on the same principle.



DP

 

[JFaughn]

I set up a group purchase here 2 winters ago , I got almost as good a deal as you can get [ a better deal would be if they paid me to use them ]
If and when I have a need for them agian , I would not think twice at paying the full price .
They pay for them selfs many times over , never balance again , tires last longer , if you get snow or mud stuck on the rim they adjust [ up to a point ], then clean & go .