Tire Balancing

I have always used Equal, and it has given me a very smooth ride through 60K miles. I also buy local and the tires I use are Toyo's.

Just put 6 new Toyo's on. All 6 spin balanced. I've never had a problem with tires so I just stick with what hss always worked.

OKay folks! I appreciate the input on balancing or not balancing the non-steer tires. Several say they do, and several say they don't. I thought I would post where I ended up in case it might help somebody else decide down the road.

I talked to another tire shop and they recommended balancing all six. When I told them others had said the rear four really don't need it and it is a waste of money, he told that they balance them for two additional reasons: They put it on the balancer and spin it and it lets them know the tire is seated correctly, and it can show if you have any distortion or bend in your rim. That seemed logical to me so that is what I went with. All six are balanced, and my garage smells like new rubber!!! I am good to go.

Thanks again for your help,

jeff

Just had all six tires spun balanced.

I was "sold" on the bead idea when I purchased new tires. This past fall before a long trip I had each tire dismounted and cleared of all beads. Then I had all of my tires spin balanced. Wow! What a difference. I really like a smooth ride, and to achieve that I did the right thing for me. Tommy

I vote for weights. Having read posts here and elsewhere, of the problems created by Equal and to a lesser extent the beads. The more miles the worse the potential problems. I've even read of some using golf balls and you name it, including liquids.

Not sure what tru-balance is. I have front tires TRUED if more than .035" run-out.

I used to have the front ones spin balanced on the coach after that. Now use Centramatics.

I am very picky about the slightest wobble or jitter in my ride. I had all 6 tires tru-balanced. I am surprised this has not been mentioned yet. It is relatively expensive, but fixes the wobble/imbalance from all components of the wheel assembly, not just the tire. Very few shops do this.

If you have the centramatics, do you still spin balance?

timmac wrote:
By far the best thing to use is this product..

Centramatic Balancers are a unique line of "On Board" Balancing Systems for tires and wheels that maximize tire life and smooth your ride. Mounted behind the wheel they offer permanent solutions for balancing assemblies. Centramatic Balancers operate automatically and can adjust instantly for changing conditions.

http://centramatic.com/Home.aspx

X2
I've used Centramatic Balancers on all 4 corners since '02....
PLUS when I got my used coach in '02, I had all 6 tires spin balanced when I got my, (and each of the 2 times I bought new tires).

If you have your wheels/tires spin balanced at a reputable tire shop, you will not be charged for the installation of Centramatic Balancers if you own them.

Mel
'96 Safari