Steer tire balance

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by scoobertdoo, Sep 2, 2022.

What do you prefer?

  1. centramatic

    63.3%
  2. Bags

    16.7%
  3. weights

    20.0%
  1. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    I've tried them all and wheel weights are my preference because the entire wheel assembly is balanced. With beads and Centrmatic type methods they're fluid and actually can create a slight vibration until the assembly is rotating fast enough to get the counter weights to match/balance the wheel end. With weights, it's all balanced no matter the rotational speed of the assembly.
     
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  3. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    Sometimes the weights fall off.
    When I install new steers, I still have them checked for balance and may add a small weight on one of them.
    It does not hurt to have weights and centramatics at the same time.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  4. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    Very true about the weights falling off. I've never had it happen to me though. A good Hunter balanced wheel assembly has been my best option in the long run.
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Why's there no option for "mount tire on rim, install on truck and go to work"

    I did not even know people actually balanced truck tires. Don't know anyone whose ever done it, never seen it done, never seen any of the things mentioned in the poll.
     
  6. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    Upstate NY
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    I've personally never experienced any vibration with centramatics. Maybe it's my luck. I would think with using weights you would be having them re balanced often throughout the lifespan of the tire
     
    omardten, Bean Jr., Siinman and 2 others Thank this.
  7. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    I've used Centramatics and bags and I prefer bags. They both do the same job but bags are cheaper at the time of purchase. Over the long haul, Centramatics might be cheaper. Not sure how long they last and you have to get new bags everytime you get new tires.
     
  8. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    No issues with tires or rims after using bags?
    How many of them did you throw per tire?
     
    RStewart Thanks this.
  9. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    I've never had an issue. I've also never had weights fall off but it hear about it all the time. With Centramatics and beads, I would have a shimmy when moving from a dead stop until around 25-30mph then it wouldn't smooth out. Went back to Hunter balancing and problem solved.
     
  10. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    No issues for me. If I remember correctly there's two bags in each steer.
     
  11. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    I balance ALL tires. Centramatics in ALL positions.

    Tire guys look at me funny for wanting to balance anything else but steers.

    Excellent wear out of tires, MD alignment every couple of years, RK shocks have never leaked, rides like a Caddy.
     
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