Tire Balance Made Easy (DIY)

[motomech]

I use beads in my tires too 6oz each tire...37'' KM2.

Works like a charm, my tire guy gives you a choice of balancing the old way or adding beads.

 

[Carl2500]

Well I was going to create a new thread with my question, but seeing as this is about balancing beads, I guess this is a good place to ask.

Is anyone that is running commercial tires on a pickup, using balancing beads?

I picked up some 295/75/R22.5 Kelly Armorsteel KDA tires, and the plan was to use balancing beads.

Then I came across this article,
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/ProblemsWith19.5_22.5.pdf

It basically states that the commercial tires are too rigid on a light truck, to provide oscillation of the tire, which is what helps the beads go to where they need to go on in the tire.

With the diesel motor and loaded camper, being near GVWR of 8800lbs, I was wondering if you guys thought I should still stick with the conventional weights for my truck.

I'm looking at the beads for better balancing, and the fact they can't be ripped off.

Any help would be appreciated.

Carl

 

[michaelgroves]

The article raises what I think is an even more important issue than the balancing - namely the unsprung weight. If your wheels are heavy by comparison to your truck, then your steering and suspension will be affected badly.

As far as the bead balancing is concerned, basically, they seem to just be saying that any imbalance in the heavy wheels will push your suspension and steering around instead of shaking the wheels in the normal way, so the beads won't correct the problem. However, you have a heavy rig - around 4 tons, so their argument might not apply anyway?

 

[HiddenDuke]

Just thought I would chime it. More expensive, only a one time purchase, unlimited tire changes, no noise to speak of, nothing to clump up or rust, and VERY functional - It's what I have been using for 3 years now - with ZERO led weights on any rim, both on the Jeep and the Chaser......

Centramatic Balancers.

Only draw back - if you consider it one - is that they are visible through the rim.

Do you have any pics of the balancers installed?

 

[dust devil]

The article raises what I think is an even more important issue than the balancing - namely the unsprung weight. If your wheels are heavy by comparison to your truck, then your steering and suspension will be affected badly.

As far as the bead balancing is concerned, basically, they seem to just be saying that any imbalance in the heavy wheels will push your suspension and steering around instead of shaking the wheels in the normal way, so the beads won't correct the problem. However, you have a heavy rig - around 4 tons, so their argument might not apply anyway?

Heavy wheel/tire combos do certainly push suspension and steering components around. Any imbalance, whether rotational or alignment, will be exaggerated. That said, perhaps perfected wheel balance can, in fact, have an positive effect. Or put differently, with heavy wheels and tires, wheel balance, as well as steering alignment, is more important than with vehicles with lighter wheels and tires. For that reason, and assuming that balancing beads will work for you better than lead weights, why not try them?

 

[FishPOET]

Is anyone that is running commercial tires on a pickup, using balancing beads?

I'm running 19.5s on my F250. They were match mounted and balanced by Rickson and they use Equal (little beads)

http://www.ricksontruck.com/match_mounting.html

 

[Mmagus]

Someone mentioned using BB's. Are any of you using that method? Woulnt they rust eventually as they are brass/zink coated or are they stainless steel? I am guessing you would use the same overall weight recommended by Dyna beads per tire size.

Thanks.

 

[Carl2500]

I'm planning on using some copperhead bb's I've got laying around.

This chart recommends 10oz per tire for my size tires, but I'm planning to use 12oz, just to be safe. I've heard a little extra can't hurt.

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/chart.htm

 

[roninjiro]

i use centramatic balancers on my xterra.. best investment i have made yet in my opinion. i mount all my tires when i change them out. everytime, i get even treadwear and the ride is nice and smooth.:victory:

 

[xcmountain80]

a buddy of mine has succesfully used the airsoft pellets on his 86 bronco. he has 37" km2's with the pellets and they ride like glass. even at 70, still super smooth. startign with a quality tire i am sure helped, but i think the air softs did a good job, too.

also ont he air softs. they can be bought at wal-mart. maybe more readily avalible than the others.

This was not successful for me at all in a set of Cooper STT in the 33" flavor.

Aaron

 

[mrchips]

I use Equal, works great.

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18472&cat=277&page=1

 

[xcmountain80]

I use Equal, works great.

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18472&cat=277&page=1

This is what I have heard.

Aaron

 

[MuddyOval]

Equal worked somewhat ok in my truck for a short while. I'll never bother with it again though.

 

[smokymt]

Dynabeads

Just bought some Dynabeads for my 265/75/16 BFG AT's, which I have had a difficult time keeping balanced. I hope to install this weekend. I also just recently put on some Mickey Thompson Classic Locks and due to the cosmetic ring on the outside, the tire shop mounted the clip-on weights on the inside only. So I'm guessing they just attempted a static balance instead of a dynamic balance, but not really certain.

So i'm wondering if I should leave the clip-on weights on or not with the Dynabead install? Any thoughts?

Here are the wheels I have.

 

[xcmountain80]

i use centramatic balancers on my xterra.. best investment i have made yet in my opinion. i mount all my tires when i change them out. everytime, i get even treadwear and the ride is nice and smooth.:victory:

Got any pictures?