Centramatic Balancers ???
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
I would not recommend centramatic balancers for typical 4x4 driving.
I ran them for off and on a year trying different configurations, on an XJ.
They do the job that they say, balance a rotating tire on the fly, and adapt to additional mud and such quite well. They are reasonably easy to keep clean, certainly easier to keep clean than some bead lock rims that are out there.
Typical 4x4 driving consists of moving slowly over obstactles. The wheel balancers don't spin up and into place in this case, and lag to the back side of the wheel more than the front. Alternatively, it's a standing or slow moving start and lots of wheel speed to clear mud from tires. In this case, the balancers work reasonably well once they spin up and settle in, by that time you are out of the obstacle and stopping to watch the next through. Also, cold weather (like 3 seasons in Canada for instance) tends to delay the spin up of the beads as the fluid becomes more viscous.
Some of the big 4x4's using ball bearings and such also take advantage of the lowing of the tire CoG for crawling, the centramatic balancers don't add much weight. Many would also swear by using ball bearings or golf balls or what ever else as wheel balancers in tires. I have no personal experience with this method of tire balancing.
For semi trucks and long haulers, the wheel balancers would likely be a good investment as they adapt and keep tires balanced for longer than wheel weights. Stop and go traffic or 4x4ing, not quite as beneficial.
ymmv.
On a totally unrelated note, I have a slightly used set of Centramatic Wheel Balancers for sale, currently set for 5 on 4 1/2", easily adapted to 5 on 5 1/2" or other, with a drill press and a template.
I ran them for off and on a year trying different configurations, on an XJ.
They do the job that they say, balance a rotating tire on the fly, and adapt to additional mud and such quite well. They are reasonably easy to keep clean, certainly easier to keep clean than some bead lock rims that are out there.
Typical 4x4 driving consists of moving slowly over obstactles. The wheel balancers don't spin up and into place in this case, and lag to the back side of the wheel more than the front. Alternatively, it's a standing or slow moving start and lots of wheel speed to clear mud from tires. In this case, the balancers work reasonably well once they spin up and settle in, by that time you are out of the obstacle and stopping to watch the next through. Also, cold weather (like 3 seasons in Canada for instance) tends to delay the spin up of the beads as the fluid becomes more viscous.
Some of the big 4x4's using ball bearings and such also take advantage of the lowing of the tire CoG for crawling, the centramatic balancers don't add much weight. Many would also swear by using ball bearings or golf balls or what ever else as wheel balancers in tires. I have no personal experience with this method of tire balancing.
For semi trucks and long haulers, the wheel balancers would likely be a good investment as they adapt and keep tires balanced for longer than wheel weights. Stop and go traffic or 4x4ing, not quite as beneficial.
ymmv.
On a totally unrelated note, I have a slightly used set of Centramatic Wheel Balancers for sale, currently set for 5 on 4 1/2", easily adapted to 5 on 5 1/2" or other, with a drill press and a template.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Miami
I realize there is such thing as balancing tires.... 
but is it really something u have to worry about with a jeep?
Since ive never seen a jeep with these balancers, its just kinda new to me
im guessing hard to balance tires are like swampers or boggers....will i be fine with 35'' M/T radials?
but is it really something u have to worry about with a jeep?
Since ive never seen a jeep with these balancers, its just kinda new to me
im guessing hard to balance tires are like swampers or boggers....will i be fine with 35'' M/T radials?
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
I have been running them on my TJ for 2-3 years, not a DD but a to and from trail rig. I am on 37's and I must say I have been very pleased with them and the lack of money I have had to spend on balancing. As fo the 5#'s each statement I think they are more like 1# although I have not weighed them...maybe 1.5# but no way they are 5.
Best regards,
Best regards,
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
I sent an Email to Jerry jesterday (***************) saying a few guys on this board were interested and to let me know as soon as he has a 5x5.
Personally, I like this solution better than beads etc. Now, it would be really smart of some wheel manufacturer incorporated this into the wheels themselves
Personally, I like this solution better than beads etc. Now, it would be really smart of some wheel manufacturer incorporated this into the wheels themselves
Last edited by Robar; Oct 20, 2007 at 08:01 PM. Reason: Please do not publish non sponsor contact information.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Grangeville, ID
I'm running the dynamic ceramic beads from innovative balancing on my 37 KX's and while they help a little, I think the Centramatic would be more worth while. My jeep is still hobbling at about 50 mph and then smooths out above that with the current setup. I am running the A.E.V. beadlock's which may be part of the issue.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
I'm running the dynamic ceramic beads from innovative balancing on my 37 KX's and while they help a little, I think the Centramatic would be more worth while. My jeep is still hobbling at about 50 mph and then smooths out above that with the current setup. I am running the A.E.V. beadlock's which may be part of the issue.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC, Canada
FYI - I'm running 8oz per tire with 33" 10 ply Toyo MTs.
The only annoying part of the beads for me is putting them _in_. It's a real PITA. And I'm sure the garage guys are gonna love me when they take the tires off the wheels and beads are spilling all over the place. :-)
I would definately be interested in the centramatic balancers instead of the beads.
js.
The only annoying part of the beads for me is putting them _in_. It's a real PITA. And I'm sure the garage guys are gonna love me when they take the tires off the wheels and beads are spilling all over the place. :-)
I would definately be interested in the centramatic balancers instead of the beads.
js.