Truck Driving Jobs

Papa Rick · #1 10-27-2006, 04:08 PM

Just wondering if anyone uses Centramatic Wheel Balancers and If so:

1. Would you recommend them.

Windwalker · #2 10-29-2006, 10:08 AM

I have Centramatic on my steers. But there is another one that I have on the drives. I don't remember the name. Both are available at Flying J at exit 4 in Indianapolis. Knowing what I know now, I would have the others on the steers too. But the Centramatic DO work on the steers too.

Both sell for about the same price, but the others displace 24 oz. of unbalance, while the Centramatic only displace 16 oz.

If you spin-balance the steers, they are balanced. But pick up some small stones in the treads and the balance is not as good. The Centramatic Balancers do their job at every rotation of the tire. So if you pick up a few small stones, or run over a piece of banding that takes a small piece out of the rubber, the balancer still maintains your balance for you, where a set amount of weight does not compensate for that. I won't run my truck without them.

allan5oh · #3 10-29-2006, 05:37 PM

Those wheel balance systems probably really help with keeping the tire round as well.

Papa Rick · #4 10-30-2006, 08:36 PM

I have checked out the centramatic web site, and it seems great, but I have run across another wheel balancing company: http://www.counteractbalancing.com/ has anyone used them, or heard of anyone who has?

The reason I am asking about this is I have vibration at two different speeds, ( 35 to 40, and then 65 to 70) It doesn't seem to be in the front end, but am not really sure.

This is a 1985 FLC 120 Freightliner, with spring ride suspension (hauling logs, so I don't need a air ride).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

bibnflannel · #5 10-30-2006, 10:47 PM

I just checked out that website for the balancing beads, seems like a good product, lots of good testamonials. I even called a few of them and they all seemed very pleased with the product. For about 15$ a tire they are alot cheaper than using centramatic balancers, but are a little more difficult to install. I think Im going to go ahead and order some and try it, as I have a similar tire vibration like you do.

GMAN · #6 10-30-2006, 10:56 PM

Have you had a 3 axle alignment done on the truck? That might be your problem. I have spoken to several people who have use the centramic wheel balancers. I believe all of them seemed to think they did a good job.

Papa Rick · #7 10-30-2006, 11:17 PM

No GMAN, I haven't had a 3 axle alignment done yet. The problem with that right now is finding a place that has a good name in doing this. I have been asking around and have yet to find one that anyone would recommend.

I have a spring ride truck, so I know it will not ride as smooth as a air ride truck, but I know it should ride better than it is right now.

It really rides pretty good except for vibration at 35 to 40 and 65 to 70.

I really do appreciate this forum as I have learned much, and thanks GMAN for the advice.

tweety bird · #8 10-31-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Rick

No GMAN, I haven't had a 3 axle alignment done yet. The problem with that right now is finding a place that has a good name in doing this. I have been asking around and have yet to find one that anyone would recommend.

Laser Line in Twin Falls Idaho is our absolute #1 recommendation. Ask for Kraig. He is a mobil alignment guy and he will meet you out at the Flying J truck stop (I think it's Jerome Idaho where the truck stop is). Or at the Freightliner dealer that's right there if it's snowy out.
Laserline, Inc.
2449 E 4000 N, Filer, ID
(208) 420-3427

I looked that up online (I can't find his card right now... it must be under the seat or somthing!)

Our #2 recommendation is Arizona Laser Alignment down in Phoenix. They used to set up at Danny's Truck Resort (or whatever it's called) right next to the Flying J. But Danny's put in their own system now and I don't know anything about them. Arizona Laser Alignment is right down from the new Pilot truck stop in Avondale. I think it's exit 99 (where loop 101 goes north- but you take 99th street south).
11498 W Buckeye Rd
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 907-8666

I looked that up online too.

Both do a fantastic job. Laser Line also has a guy down in Salt Lake City, now, I think. Call and ask.

mrpersons · #9 11-03-2006, 11:50 PM

I bit the bullet about 2 yrs ago and installed a set of centrimatics on the front end of my 99 frtlnr. before, the avg miles for a set of steers was about 100k before tires went wierd. This last set of steers have gone over 200k, and still looking pretty good. I'm sold on them.