Wheel Balancers

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Jim,

You stated in the simplest possible fashion why my first set of tires with balancing weights experienced cupping and never lasted as long as the subsequent ones in which I used Equal.

Great piece of info. I would have never thought they would rotate on the wheel itself, but I know they come off the bead when I chage tires often by just standing on the tire sidewall.

[Ray Davis]

The tires rotated on the wheels. For this reason, alternative balancing methods must be considered.

But wouldn't Centramatics counter this difference? I understand that static weights never could, but the always adjusting characteristic of something like Centramatics should work? Or am I missing something?

Ray

[Jon Wehrenberg]

That is exactly the point Ray.

Wheel weights are located in a fixed position and as the balance point moves they not only become less effective, they may actually contribute to an out of balance situation.

Any dynamic balancing means such as Equal or Centrimatics always maintains the balance as necessary because they respond to the need.

But most importantly, wheel weights, even if the tire did not rotate will not deal with balance issues for the total rotating mass. Only Centrimatics and Equal can deal with that. I went from a tire life of 75,000 to 130,000 just by adding Equal. I am sure Balance masters or Centrimatics would do the same thing. If your tires age out instead of wearing out tire tread life is not important, but a smooth ride is very important.

[Ray Davis]

Well, perhaps then I mis-understood. Jim indicated that he HAD a set of Centramatics for the drives, but did not install them. I assumed the explanation that followed, was why he didn't install them on the drives?

So, I assume best practice would be to install balancers on ALL wheels?

Ray

[JIM KELLER]

Well, perhaps then I mis-understood. Jim indicated that he HAD a set of Centramatics for the drives, but did not install them. I assumed the explanation that followed, was why he didn't install them on the drives?

So, I assume best practice would be to install balancers on ALL wheels?

Ray

Ray, I bought two new tires for the steer and had the fronts moved to the tag. I wanted the centramatics on the drive also but the Prevost facility in Jacksonville was so packed with work and behind I would have had to wait another day for the additional work. I will have the drives installed the next oppertunity. I will say the ride is great with the centramatics on the steer and tag ! It can only be better with them on the drives.

[Ray Davis]

Thanks for the clarification, Jim!

Ray

[Coloradobus]

Ray,

We have Centramatics all the way around. Started with the Drivers. Since they helped, we added the balancers to the steer and tag.
Now, on some of the smoothest roads, I actually have to look at the speedo, since I can't "feel" how fast we are going by way the coach is responding.
We will never leave home again without them.

If you can find a local retailer, it seems to be cheaper to buy there than to buy directly from Centramatic. We even have them on our Aristreams.

[Ray Davis]

So getting back to several threads now! In this thread, one day prior to "the bus fire", Ken had made arrangements to have Jon help install his Balance Masters out at Pahrump. Did that happen? What is the report Ken? Besides looking at this opportunity to install tire sensors, I'm seriously considering Centramatics or Balance Masters at the same time.

We've heard from several happy Centramatics customers, but I'm curious to hear from any Balance Masters customers too. Evidently Marathon FL is fairly close to Orlando, where Brian indicated he was installing Balance Masters (earlier in this thread)

Ray

[BrianE]

Ray,

We did purchase and install Balance Masters. We bought them from JoSam Frame and Alignment in Orlando who was a very helpful and knowledgeable BM dealer. We now have approximately 5k miles on them and they are performing as advertised. I think they're a very good product, similar to Centramatics and considerably more expensive than equal which is not recommended for use with valvestem mounted pressure monitors.