Balancing beads in tires-opinions please

[TomC]

Being a cross-country owner/operator truck driver for 21 years and 1.3 million miles of driving, I've learned a couple of things about balancing tires.  First- Equal doesn't do squat. Balancing beads or balls inside the tire doesn't do much more.

If you want the best combination that really works-when you buy new tires, have them spun balanced on a good computerized spin balance machine.  And that goes for front, rear and tag tires.  Then on the front use the Centramatics (the mercury filled ones just don't have enough weight to make any difference).  The Centramatics are optional on the rear.  You'll have the best results with this combination.  Good Luck, TomC

[PP]

I was back at the tire shop today that recommended the beads and was out back looking through their stacks of old tires while they put a new set of tires on my service rig when I got to talking with the guy that does the big rig tires. I casually asked him if he had a special torque wrench and his reply was, "I know my air gun so well I can usually get within 50 pounds or so." I decided to procrastinate a while longer on getting the bus tires....

[lvmci]

Hi All, when the bus is sitting for long periods of time, do the bearing balls settling on the inside of the ground side, have a negative effect on the tire rubber or the belts of the tire, more so then without the ballance balls? Lvmci...

[Syl]

I just put 4 new Yokohama's on the drivers. Put the beads in them and also the fronts. left the tags alone and they were spun balance 2 yrs ago. I drove 550 mi since wed and have not any problems what so ever. Bus rides really smooth, best in 16 years. Previously the drivers had powder in them and I had a vibration that would come and go . Now that is gone. Also the powder gave me fits when checking the air pressure. Always had to have air hose around when checking. I am putting on another 1800 miles so I will see what happens. Cheers.