Question 1

How do they work?

Accepted Answer

By using centrifugal force the free moving weights (durametal and synthetic fluid) sealed in the balancer automatically distributes to exactly where needed, placing the assembly in equilibrium or perfect balance. When a sprung assembly is out of balance, deflection is caused via the springs or tire sidewalls. These free moving weights sense this deflection and move opposite the heavy points to balance the entire assembly, wheels, tires, drums, hubs, even mud, snow or ice stuck to the wheels.

Question 2

Should the tires/wheels be pre-balanced?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, pre-balancing is not required. However, if a vibration still exits after installation, a computer balance of the problem position can indicate a mis-mounted or defective tire, a bent wheel or other "out of round" condition, which balancing alone cannot correct. Wheel bearings should also be checked and defective parts replaced.

Question 3

What about mis-mounted tires or improperly seated beads?

Accepted Answer

This problem can be found by inspecting the area where the wheel and tire meet. A guide rib or circumference ring is molded into the sidewall of the tire. Measure the distance from the wheel to the guide rib (approx. 1/2 inch depending on tire brand), at the top, bottom and both sides, a variance in this distance indicates a mis-mount. A mis-mounted tire will roll out of round. This leads to erratic tire wear and vibration, regardless of how well it is balanced. Reseating the bead properly corrects the problem.

Question 4

What is inside the rings?

Accepted Answer

The balancers contain durametal (a specially formulated steel shot) and a synthetic dampening fluid. These materials are sealed inside the balancer and work together to automatically balance your wheel assembly.

Question 5

How long do they last?

Accepted Answer

Centramatic balancers are built to last the lifetime of your vehicle. They are maintenance-free and come with a 5-year manufacturer workmanship warranty. Unlike traditional weights that can fall off or need to be rebalanced, Centramatic balancers continuously balance your wheels.

Question 6

Will they work in cold weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Centramatic balancers are designed to work in all weather conditions, including extreme cold. The synthetic fluid inside is formulated to maintain its viscosity across a wide temperature range.

Question 7

Can I use them on any vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Centramatic offers balancers for a wide range of vehicles including light duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, buses, RVs, motorcycles, and trailers. Check our product catalog or contact us to find the right balancer for your specific application.

Question 8

Do I need to install them on all wheels?

Accepted Answer

For best results, we recommend installing Centramatic balancers on all wheel positions. However, if you're on a budget, prioritizing steer tires first will provide the most noticeable improvement in ride quality and tire wear.

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