[Archived]

Wheel balancers work but so does balancing media like Equal, and it is far cheaper unless you will plan on at least 10 sets of new tires

[Bernard]

FWIW;

Art, Give Centramatic a call as they need your rim size for the correct part.

BTW ….a long time advertiser on this site.

Centramatics wil balance all rotating parts. This continues for entire tire life and wear changes. Tires run cooler, 25 % longer tire life. On drive axle only one Centramatic is required on each dual set.

You will never experience any valve stem issues caused by moist air inside the tire with Centramatics installed.

AL

[Mark]

What’s moisture got to do with balancers and why do they run cooler? , and Jon not sure what your talking about Media, wearing out tires?

[AL]

Art I put centramatic‘s on ours and didn’t think about telling Gail what I had done. The very next trip she asked what I did to the bus and not know what she was asking, I said explain. She said that the bus was riding better, and for her to notice that tells me that yes they work.

[AL]

Art,

Link below is hot going directly to Centramatic web site. Video explaining how they work and benefits.

http://centramatic.com/Home.aspx

AL

[Archived]

We had Jeff install new Michelin X-line tires, along with new stock shocks at all positions, and added Centramatics all around this spring. I’m not sure which of the 3 made the difference, or maybe it is the cumulative effect of all 3, but our coach rides and handles much better than it ever has over the last six years of our ownership. Noticeable decrease in noise level at cruise as well. Also seeing a modest increase in fuel mileage (Michelin reps at a rally we attended this summer said to expect a 6%-7% increase in fuel mileage with the X-line tires. We aren’t there, but we are seeing a 3%-4% improvement to date).About 6,500 miles since the changes were made. We used ceramic beads as a balancing medium on our previous coaches & I was simply not impressed.

[Bernard]

There are three ways I am aware of for balancing tires and I have used all three. The use of balancing weights. is the most common. The problem with this method is if you make an extremely hard stop it is possible for the tire to slip with respect to the wheel and it will be out of balance. As a tire wears the weights do not compensate for what might be uneven wear and rebalancing might be required.

Balancing media is a material that looks like miniature beads or sand that is put into the tire when it is mounted. As the wheel rotates the media is dispersed in such a way as to balance the rotating mass of the tire, wheel, hub and brake drum or disc. It costs around $12 to $14 a tire and lasts as long as the tire remains mounted. I suppose it could get wet if you pumped wet compressed air in the tire, but I used it for more than 15 years in two coaches and every time I broke down a tire it was dry and moved freely within the tire. You do have to use Schrader valves with a filter. It works exactly like and as well as Centramatics in my opinion.

Centramatics are balancing discs that have a media in the outer edge and they are mounted behind the whees. Like balancing media beads the balancing is for the entire rotating mass and they work well. I have them installed on my current coach which was sold with them installed. I have had one failure but the folks at Cemtramatic stood behind it and replaced it for free.

I believe the media or Centramatics are the only true way to balance a tire and wheel and the only difference is economic. Balancing media is the cheapest and if there is no valve filter leaks can occur (there is a procedure to prevent that) and Centramatics will not require replacement if the tire is replaced or serviced.

I don’t think either affects the ride but they do affect the balance. I do know from replacing quite a few sets of tires over the years that our tires get harder, make more noise and do not ride as well with age, and any time I put on a new set it is a quieter less harsh ride.

[Dick]

Mark: What part Numbers did you get for yours? I’m sure it’s the same for mine. Wide variety of Models ? And wheels and brakes?

[Bernie]

Call Centramatics and talk to Mike, please mention PC as they have been an advertiser for a long time. That way you’ll be sure to get the correct part number for your bus.

[Erik]

Art ,

This picture was taken when the inspection panel was removed from my Marathon XL-II behind the tag axle.

You can see the wheel weight had left the rim lodging in the styrofoam sound insulation.

Shortly after this…Centramatics all the way around.

[Archived]

I’ve used the fairy dust balancing powered and had nothing but problems. Even with the special valve stems installed. About 50% of my valve stems leaked. Had centramatics installed and had all tires unmounted, rims cleaned, valves changed and inside of tires cleaned. Haven’t had a problem since and has a much smoother ride.

Centramatics are the way to go.

[Archived]

I drove fire engines back in the day for San Jose Fire, we had a large fleet of apparatus that they were converting over to Equal with the proper valve stems installed. Had nothing but problems in the way of valve stem leaks. The department eventually went back to just mounting the tires without balancing of any kind, still run the fleet that way today.

I have used Centramatics on a previous coach with good results and will consider installing them when the time comes for new tires but honestly not in a big hurry to do so…Michelin’s seem happy without them.

Bob Britton

99 Marathon XL40

[steve]

How many who have used Equal or something similar had valve stem extensions on the inner drive axle wheels?

I never did, I used the Schrader valves with the filter plus I used the fill through cap valve stem caps ad for the approximately 18 years I used Equal I had no issues with it. I also checked pressures prior to every trip, and after the pressure check gave the tire a short blast of about 150-175 PSI air prior to taking the air supply off the valve stem. That blast of air blew any debris off the valve seat. My tire fill valve also had the pressure gauge attached so I put the tire chuck on the stem, read the tire pressure, and then gave it the quick shot of air and if the valve seat had any debris it got blown away but if it did not get dislodged the second valve seat in the fill through cap would seal.

If my coach had not had Centramatics when I got it, I would still be using Equal EXCEPT today I would be using the Pressure Pro and with that sensor on the valve stem it wouldn’t matter if the Schrader valve seated or not.

[Art]

Ordered a pair of Centramatics for the front part # 700-720 from a place in Florida for $1680 for pair free shipping. $310 cheaper then from Centramatics

[DON]

Art,

I’am sure you’ll be pleased with your Centramatic balance choice.

It is beyond reasoning why Equal would be used inside 8 bus tires based on information and tech knowledge, reliability, simple installation today.

Just thinking about finding a leaking tire on the road and then possibility of an added valve stem issue, cleaning the inside of a tire casing to accept a patch is just crazy.

Some are very lucky in dodging the bullet… and maybe not the best choice now.

AL