I just called to set up my new tire install.
I asked the installer if they used beads for balancing. He said they use powder.
Any thoughts on going with the powder? He said they use it regularly.
They have a new balancing machine.
Thank you.
I have no experience with powder or beads but I'm very pleased with the Centramatics balancers and Toyo M170 tires.
Have you considered Centramatics?
I would at least have the Steer tires spin balanced and throw in a bag of Tire life in each new tire. I would not recommend the powder.
TIRE LIFE® Product Overview - Safety, Cost Reduction, Extend Tire Life (https://www.fullerbros.com/tire-life-product-overview/)
Hello Doug.
Do you use TPMS with your tires. I just spoke with Tire Life and they said they could not speak to the comparability with their product.
Thanks.
Have a trusted tire guru of 40 plus years in Chicago area swears by the beads.
Thanks Doug.. I appreciate your help.
I got a PM from one of the regulars who really likes the Centramatics. I think I am going to give them a try.
I have located some fairly close by. I am going to make sure my installer is willing to install them.
Thanks again.
If they will not install Centramatics, seek a better shop. What brand of tires are you installing?
Hey Rudy.
I am putting on the Michelin.
Got them through D.W. Super easy deal.
Thanks for your help.
-FT
My Michelin installer likes Centramatics. No problem down here
Here's another +1 from a satisfied Centramatic user.
Me also. Here's another +1 from a satisfied Centramatic user. :thumbsup:
I've worn out my opinion but I can't stop from asking why not just keep the snake oil powder and beads and use the " NEW BALANCE MACHINE"???
The only thing I can think of is a blown tire on the road and service trucks don't have balancers. I know you can go later and have it balanced but sometimes that isn't convenient on a long trip.
Beads, powder, add in a cigar, whiskey and a statue of Papa Legba and you'll never have tire troubles again.
Truck tires usually don't need to be balanced because they don't spin all that fast.
IF your tires need to be balanced you can get away with doing only the front pair.
I'm amazed that otherwise rational people believe throwing magic powder and beads inside a tire causes that tire to "self Balance."
Once upon a time I purchased and installed a "self balancer." at managements insistence" on the grinding wheel of a centerless grinder. Damn if it didn't work exactly as advertised. It drove balance weights around its outer diameter until the vibration was within acceptable levels. Of course the wheel hub came with built in sliding weights and I had to remove those to give the automatic balancer something with which to work.
But at the end of the day, beads and powders do no harm and it's your money. If it pleases you to believe, then God Bless You.
Art
Beads and centramatics work the same way some how. My Dad worked at Alison Jet engines and the jetts had some sort of metal balls balance system , just like the Centramatics.
You can also balance them by lifting a front and spinning it by hand. If its really off, the heavy spot will find the bottom and you can add weights.
I use p16oz. of plastic BBs that wont plug up the valves stems or TPMS. Works for me .
BUTT , If I had a spin balancer that would fit my rims, I would use that first.
Always looking for experts in my area, can you provide me with contact info?
I've had very good results with ceramic tire beads. Dyna beads, the truck tire beads are larger than the light truck, car and motorcycle beads. You need to follow the amount recommendations. Silky smooth, reusable, wont fall off, are at outer circumference to me more effective, as tires wear they change balance so weights need to be redone. IMHO. Jim.
Two new steer tires were installed yesterday.
I did decide on using the Centramatics.
Thank you for all of the opinions and help.
-FT
I'm late to this party but I use BBs. Buy them at the hardware store. Haven't had any problems in the last 15 years.
TOM