FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about Centramatic Wheel Balancers

• 
  
  
  1. How do they work? 
• 
  
  
  2. Should the tires/wheels be pre-balanced?
   
• 
  
  
  3. What about mis-mounted tires or improperly seated
  beads?
   
• 
  
  4. What is inside the rings?
   
• 
  
  
  5. Should the rear duals and trailers be balanced?
   
• 
  
  6. Can Centramatics
  help tires that are already cupped?

• 
  
  
  7. How are they installed?
   
• 
  
  
  8. At what speed do Centramatics start working?
   
• 
  
  
  9. How many ounces of imbalance can they correct and how
  much balance media is used?
   
• 
  
  
  10. How long do they last?
  
• 
  
  
  11. What about alignments?

Our
balancing media consists of two parts. Part one is
durametal, a hardened lead alloy similar to lead shot
but 10 times harder. This is primary media, as a solid
cannot change shape or form under centrifugal force. It
remains exactly where needed under high speed. Part two,
the dampening fluid is proprietary synthetic oil,
designed to operate in the most extreme environments.
The rings are about 1/3 full of this fluid. Its function
is to lubricate, dampen vibration and help balance.
However, a liquid alone would merely flatten out under
centrifugal force at high speed and be forced back
around the ring to an undesirable position. That’s why
we use the benefits of both solid and a liquid.

5. Should the rear duals and trailers be balanced?

Absolutely, the largest investment in tire dollars are
on the rear. Typically, even when loaded, duals carry
less weight per tire and are prone to pounding. This
causes excessive heat buildup and excessive, erratic
tire wear. Centramatics help cool the duals and one pair
of balancers handles four tires, wheels, hubs, and
drums. Rear drums are a major cause of imbalance on dual
assemblies.

6. Can Centramatics
help tires that are already cupped?

Depending on the severity. Tires that are severely
cupped will receive marginal results. While tires that
are slightly cupped will true out. The balancers cannot
grow rubber back where it is gone nor will it make the
deeper tread wear faster. One or the other would have to
occur to be able to correct severe tire cupping.

7. How are they installed?

Simply remove the wheel, use the bolt holes as guides
and reinstall the wheel. Steer axle balancers mount
between the hub and wheel, while balancers for the duals
mount between the dual wheels.

8. At what speed do Centramatics start working?

Most
models start working at 20-22 mph depending on wheel
diameter. This occurs long before vibration due to
imbalance, which is at speeds in excess of 35 mph.

9. How many ounces of imbalance can they correct and how
much balance media is used?

Balancer size                  Amount of media
Correction potential
16″-19.5″      fronts             10-16 oz.
8-12   oz.
16″-19.5″      duals             18-24  oz.
16-20 oz.
22.5″-24.5″  fronts             16-22  oz.
12-16 oz.
22.5″-24.5″  duals              30-32  oz.
22-26 oz.

Balancers vary in model and size, the above are close
approximates. Within each size are several models, each
with specific specs and performance.

10. How long do they last?

 We
have balancers with 1,439,716 miles on them and still in
good working condition. That’s why we have a 5-year
unlimited mile warranty and offer unequaled service.

11. What about alignments?

Alignments control the direction and travel of the
tires. Vehicles must be aligned by creditable alignment
facilities to exacting specifications. Premature tire
wear and resulting vibration occurs if proper alignment
is not maintained. Worn, loose or missing suspension
components must be replaced. Centramatics balance the
assembly and cannot correct alignment issues. Many forms
of tire wear and poor handling result from mis-alignments.

For more information, reviews, articles or to order follow the following link.

MrTruck Top Picks for Pickup Truck Products and Trailer Accessories

Other Resources;

Truck Tires Can Make your Trips Good or Bad

Boar Trailer Tire and Wheel

2020 Honda Ridgeline Review