wheel balancers, recommendations?

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: jdquattros  (Original Message)
Sent: 7/7/2004 12:37 AM

did a quick search to find opinions on the wheel balancer discs and did not find much feedback positive or negative.  Have any members used these disc and could give results?

Thanks
JD 79 Chieftain



From: HeavyHaulTrucker
Sent: 7/9/2004 10:00 PM

Yep, I sure can!!

1995 International 9400 diesel tractor: 
Centra-matic 11:00x24.5 wheel balancers on all positions. 
Tire life before installation -- steering tires, 101000 miles; drive tires, 154000 miles.  Tire life AFTER installation -- steering tires, 225000 miles; drive tires, 304000 miles.

1994 Kenworth W900B diesel tractor:
Centra-matic 11:00x24.5 wheel balancers on all positions. 
Tire life before installation -- steering tires, 103000 miles; drive tires, 162000 miles.  Tire life AFTER installation -- steering tires, 201000 miles; drive tires, 288000 miles.

These were the real-life results from my trucks.  Keep in mind that these were high mileage, high speed road tractors hauling 80000 pounds or more at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.  The Kenworth was a "heavy-haul" rig, and hauled a total gross weight of 165000 pounds most of the time (I hauled M48 and M60 Army tanks with it on a special trailer).

There was also a large improvement in ride quality.  Just remember, when you use dynamic wheel balancers like these, you DO NOT use wheel weights at all as are used in traditional wheel balancing.

There is also another product, called "Equal", that is quite a bit cheaper but, from what I hear, is arguably just as effective.  It is a liquid that comes in a pouch -- your tire man pours it in when mounting the tire.  I have heard of good results from other truckers who have used it.

John



Sent: 7/14/2004 8:36 PM

JD,
     I have to side with John, they do work.  My dad has the Centra-Matic wheel balancers on his Freightliner.  They greatly improved the ride quality, and tire life, just like John claims.  They are a good investment if you put enough miles on the vehicle to warrant the cost of the product.