Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 02-15-2018, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGundy

The bags that hold the beads are designed to break up inside the tire cavity and become loose.

The beads that I'm familiar with are poured out into the tires. They don't stay in bags!

Tony Lee · 02-15-2018, 04:59 PM

Quote:

With the Centramatics, the balancing weights (beads) can only be located out as far the inside edge of the wheel/rim.

I don't see that as a problem because the normal lead weights that have been doing a perfect job forever are fitted in the same place.

What I do see as a problem, especially with deeply dished rims as most RVs are, is the centramatics can only act in a single plane whereas weights can be added to both sides of the rim to perfectly counteract side to side variations. Maybe beads do the same thing.

CountryB · 02-15-2018, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

If you're using the ceramic beads then I see no reason why they can't be transferred from one tire to another!

You can reuse the beads if the tire guy doesn't spill or lose any.

I'm not sure how much balancing "capability" you would lose if you lost some beads. Say the guy dismounting the tire (to put new tire on wheel) lost/spilled half the beads (and doesn't say anything). What would that do to the ability of the beads to do their job?

MSHappyCampers · 02-17-2018, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

You can reuse the beads if the tire guy doesn't spill or lose any.

I'm not sure how much balancing "capability" you would lose if you lost some beads. Say the guy dismounting the tire (to put new tire on wheel) lost/spilled half the beads (and doesn't say anything). What would that do to the ability of the beads to do their job?

I would think that would limit their ability to do the job, since the bead manufacturers specify how many ounces of beads are needed for each size tire.

I would insist on being present when the tech breaks down the tire so I would be sure to remove all the beads! JMHO

Mjmoniz · 02-19-2018, 07:26 AM

Quick question. Steering wheel vibrates at 60 MPH. Will the Centramatics help or stop the vibration? Thanks!

Sue46 · 02-19-2018, 07:32 AM

Under the assumption that the vibration is due to balancing I would think yes.

We have the Centramatics and like them very much. Also, no way for a weight to flip off or a tech put the weight in the wrong spot..................

JohnH12 · 02-19-2018, 07:40 AM

I believe a check with most tire manufacturers out there will show that not one endorses putting beads or similar things in the tires. I can speak first hand regarding Michelin.
I've run Centramatics on our previous Bounder and now on the Discovery. I believe that any tire is in balance for only a short time after balancing but rocks or other debris in the tread changes things. The Centramatics compensate for all such weight changes anytime above 35 MPH and cause no damage to the inside cords of the tires.
The Centramatics also compensated for minor deviations in the hubs.
There are several negatives to the beads and none to the Centramatics. It's a one time expense and very worthwhile IMO.
BTW: The factory in Alvarado will install them at no charge. They also have a guarantee for fleet users and they say there has NEVER been a claim. That speaks a lot for the effectiveness of the system.

TonyMac · 02-19-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

You can reuse the beads if the tire guy doesn't spill or lose any.

I'm not sure how much balancing "capability" you would lose if you lost some beads. Say the guy dismounting the tire (to put new tire on wheel) lost/spilled half the beads (and doesn't say anything). What would that do to the ability of the beads to do their job?

THe guy who installed mine said, 1) you're gonna love these, and I do, and 2) technically you could resuse the beads, but they are in the bag for a reason. The bag keeps the balance beads from getting in the tire bead before the tire bead is sealed. Obviously, if a balance bead got into the tire bead, it would probably leak. You could gather up all the old balance beads outta your old tire, and put them in your new tire, maybe miss a few, but that all takes time and exacerbates the risk of leaks, neither of which the installer wants to absorb. Six bags of beads for an RV cost $15.50 from Dyna Bead -- do that.
Products

TonyMac · 02-19-2018, 08:03 AM

Next time you are walking past a semi, look for balance weights on his wheels. You will likely find none. Both Centramatics and beads balance the tire dynamically, while the vehicle is moving, and continually rebalance as the tire balance changes over its life. Both also balance the whole rotating assembly, from the hub bearings to the hubcap, none of which are in the balance equation when spin balancing. Centramatics style balancers are eminently reusable, balance beads are cheaper and not readily reusable.

TeJay · 02-19-2018, 08:24 AM

Most semi's use 22.5" tires. That's a fact that I didn't know. So why don't all semi's have centramatic's?? Most semi't are owned by companies and maybe they don't want to deal with the initial costs but then again since some truck stops sell them maybe they do.

I first tried the balancing sand. The first time I checked the pressure the sand blocked the valve open and it leaked. Yes, all you have to do when checking the tire is make sure the valve is close to the top of the tire and first add air to blow ant sand away. Then check your pressure. Yea whose going to do all of that. One time the air leaks out and your tire is ruined.

Didn't want to try the balancing beads because of my bad experience with the sand. Went straight to the Centramatics. They work and can be reused. The average price it $400 - $450 fronts and rear. That's about the cost of one replacement tire.

JohnH12 · 02-19-2018, 08:36 AM

As I stated before, the owner said they have never had a claim against this program. A 25% increase in tire life for a trucking company is a huge deal!

Centramatic Balance Fleet Guarantee

TonyMac · 02-19-2018, 08:39 AM

The balance beads I use are too big to fit in the valve stem, tho the smaller beads are still on the market.

FAQ

CountryB · 02-19-2018, 10:13 AM

What You Should Know About Tire and Wheel Balancing - Articles - Drivers - Articles - TruckingInfo.com

States that modern tires are so well made, most don't need balancing.

TonyMac · 02-19-2018, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

What You Should Know About Tire and Wheel Balancing - Articles - Drivers - Articles - TruckingInfo.com

States that modern tires are so well made, most don't need balancing.

1) I balance the tires on my motorcycle trailer, I'm that messed up.
2) Tires don't stay in balance. Rubber wears off differently, they pick up rocks, chip off tread, skid around corners, grind away when you turn the steers stop to stop while stopped, etc. Dynamic balancing, beads or discs, make up for these changes in balance over the lifetime of the tire.
3) Peace of mind, I got enough to worry about. If I feel a vibration, it isn't the tires.