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Topic: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes (Read 1406 times) previous topic - next topic

Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

I'm installing new tires and was thinking of going with centramatics but they only list one 6-lug / 22.5 wheel option.  Since it looks like drums on all four wheels, I'm not sure how that would work between the rear dually tires.  Videos show the balancer between other dually wheels being flat yet the balancer for drum brakes is concave to wrap over the drum. The only part number for a 6x8 7/8 bolt pattern is 400-404.  Is anyone with the same coach running these?  I'll give them a call Monday but curios if anyone here has them.  Thanks

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #1 –
Jaye,

Our coach came with Centramatics already installed on all 4 corners, courtesy of the prior owners.  In 13 years, we have never detected any imbalance in our tires.

FWIW, when we had a new set of tires installed, they did spin balance the wheels/tires before installation (balancing was included in the package price).

I can't answer your question about drum brake fitment, but a casual online search turned up the chart below.

It appears to me that with your drum brake setup, you will use different part number balancer rings on the front steer wheels, and on the rear duals.

A call tomorrow to the Centramatic company will provide the definitive answer.

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #3 –
The rear Centramatics have a larger volume ring to make up the difference for 2 tires vs 1 tire.

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #4 –
I called Centramatics today and was told there is no such thing as a 22.5 aluminum wheel with six lugs.  :o  What am I missing? The sales person even asked me to text her photos of the wheel and the vin plate so I did. She said the only six lug balancer they make is for a trailer. Is the U225 the only six lug Foretravel?  :help:

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #5 –
Certanly the U240 has the 6 lugs (6.75X22.5 Alcoa rim).

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #6 –
Quote from: MrLan1 –
I called Centramatics today and was told there is no such thing as a 22.5 aluminum wheel with six lugs.  :o  What am I missing? The sales person even asked me to text her photos of the wheel and the vin plate so I did. She said the only six lug balancer they make is for a trailer. Is the U225 the only six lug Foretravel?  :help:
Could they sell you the balancers without the lug stud holes drilled?  It would seem a cinch for a local metal shop to drill the holes to your specification.

Our current coach (FT) came to us with new Michelins, and I have never had any problems with balance.  I THINK the tires have the balance beads in them.

Our previous coach had a front-end wiggle at around 25-30 MPH that I could not get rid of.  I installed Centramatic balancers.  Then I could feel a little imbalance at walking speed, I could hear the shot in the Centramatic slide and then find its proper place, and then no issues.

In suppose it makes sense to have the coach tires balanced with weights or beads.  If there are issues after than, and the tire beads are properly seated, and there are no worn parts, Centramatics make sense.

I would use them again if I had the need.

Has anyone used Centramatics as the only balancing method on RV tires?

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #7 –
Centramatics are the only balancing on my coach.

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #9 –
I just heard back from Centramatics and their final answer is it's a no-go for 6 lug wheels.  I could ask about buying a set without the lug holes drilled but I'm sure they would be concerned about liability if the shop I hired did it wrong.  Sadly, everyone seems to be worried about getting sued these days.  May have to go with the beads.

Does anyone know what size drums are on the U225/U240?

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #10 –
16 oz of plastic bb per tire werx .
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Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #11 –
Dyna Beads has the ceramic beads that don't wear out, reusable in the large size for truck tires. 6 years on mine and smooth as silk. Make sure their not the knock off's. Jim.

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #12 –
I run balance beads in the 37" tires on my Jeep and when I start rolling from a stop it does shimmy quite a bit until I get up to a certain speed and then they smooth out.
 

Re: Centramatic Balancers on U225/U240 Drum Brakes

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Geodmann –
I run balance beads in the 37" tires on my Jeep and when I start rolling from a stop it does shimmy quite a bit until I get up to a certain speed and then they smooth out.
Dyna Beads does not recommend them for large off road tires or very low profile. It's covered on their website but great for semi tires. Jim.