Tire Balance

[Robert T]

My coach has Michelin 275/70/22.5 tires. There is a slight vibration from the front tires starting at 62 mph and smooths out at 66 mph.

It appears that the front tires require re-balancing at 8,600 miles.

Presently the tires are balanced with wheel weights. I am considering removing the weights and installing beads.

Which is better, weights, beads or equal?

[jackreno]

Balanced tires with weights and centramatic balancers


Tire Balancers, Tire Balancing, Wheel Balancer and Wheel Balancing from Centramatic

[Crasher]

I just put on eight new tires and didn't feel like spending $600 for three pair of Centramatics. So I had the fronts spun balanced and beads in the rest. Cost $90 for all and the ride is still perfect after 7,000 miles. I think the centramatics are ok, but I doubt if I will ever approach $600 in balancing costs in the next 15 years. By then, I'll be 90 and won't care.

[dennis45]

I had Counteract Beads put in my new Michelins on my Dutchstar by the tire shop. Not a quiver at any speed with over 20,000 miles.

[Knightab]

I use centramics on my coach and they work great.

[Ilvmygt]

centramatic balancers x2


We did the Centramatic 2 years ago and they work very good.

[jackreno]

Centramatic balancers don't require filters in the valve stems that sometimes gets plugged up, I had a balance medium in tires once and hated how it plug the valve stems sometimes and if you did not blow air back into tire after checking pressure they would leak air, I found its always best to have tire balanced by machine so they can see if there is any issues with tires/rims and the Centramatic balancers do the fine tune balance going down the road..


Centramatic Balancers can be reused when a tire is replaced and last many many years when balance beads need replaced when tire is changed..

[Domo]

Beads can mask problems in the future.

Spin and weights. Check lateral and radial runout first.

[georgelesley]

Originally Posted by Crasher

I just put on eight new tires and didn't feel like spending $600 for three pair of Centramatics. So I had the fronts spun balanced and beads in the rest. Cost $90 for all and the ride is still perfect after 7,000 miles. I think the centramatics are ok, but I doubt if I will ever approach $600 in balancing costs in the next 15 years. By then, I'll be 90 and won't care.

We only needed two sets since the rear duals only need one unit per side, cost about $400. Well worth it since when new tires are required no new beads have to be added. Will even transfer to other like chassis. No special valves required like some powders do. May not save money depending on how many times you balance, but work every time and give priceless peace of mind

[Crasher]

Originally Posted by georgelesley

We only needed two sets since the rear duals only need one unit per side, cost about $400. Well worth it since when new tires are required no new beads have to be added. Will even transfer to other like chassis. No special valves required like some powders do. May not save money depending on how many times you balance, but work every time and give priceless peace of mind

I have a tag coach, hence the need for a third set. I do not have special valves and have not had a problem with leakage in the last three coaches. When replacing the tires, the beads are easily vacuumed out and reused in the next set. So far the spin balance for the steer tires has lasted for the life of the tires. I agree that the centramatics are a good option, but not $600 worth.

[georgelesley]

Originally Posted by Crasher

I have a tag coach, hence the need for a third set. I do not have special valves and have not had a problem with leakage in the last three coaches. When replacing the tires, the beads are easily vacuumed out and reused in the next set. So far the spin balance for the steer tires has lasted for the life of the tires. I agree that the centramatics are a good option, but not $600 worth.

I didn’t realize you had tag axles. My bad. For the $$$ the beads are probably the cheapest option. We plan to keep the coach we have forever, so the once and done option worked for us.

[DGundy]

Centramatics are the way to go. If you use beads and need the tire repaired, you may have to replace the beads.

[marjoa]

Originally Posted by Crasher

I agree that the centramatics are a good option, but not $600 worth.

Originally Posted by georgelesley

We plan to keep the coach we have forever, so the once and done option worked for us.

I agree georgelesley...
Buying these one time for a lifetime balancing solution at about the price of—one tire—is well worth it IMO. We got lucky and bought ours at a truck tire shop and they sold us our 4 centramatics rings at their cost as part of the whole deal we did with them. We had called Centramatics and talked with the head sales guy beforehand and he arranged that with the truck shop.

I hate beads & powders for many reasons.

[Ludmilla]

I have mercury based balancers and they work great. They are Balance Masters.