Thread: Balancing procedure for some after market wheels.

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I would like to ask the question about wheel and tire balancing on after market wheels.
Has anyone heard that some after market wheels have to be lug centric balanced, instead of the way most wheel/tire assembly's are balanced using the wheel hub center to balance the assy. I have read that a lot of aftermarket wheels, the center hub isn't the center of the wheel when produced, but the wheel is centered by the lug nuts.There fore when balancing these wheels they need to use a wheel centric adapter to mount the wheel to the machine, because that is the true center of the wheel?
I have been all over my car trying to pin down some vibrations. I have looked at everything else on the car several times. It did seem to get a little after the last tire balancing but still not right. So I came across this topic on the web. So I thought would post here about what you all have to say about this.
Oh the rims are American racing torque thrust "D".
Thanks Jim

Interesting topic. I don't think I've heard of this before.
While not specifically on topic.. there was a product used for balancing that was reviewed by Street Rodder Magazine. It's like sand or kitty litter that is poured into the tire and then you simply drive the vehicle and this stuff finds the location needed to even out the balance. It is used primarily for big truck tires, but it works well for car tires as well.

I know that wasn't the question but maybe the info could help.. Now we'll wait for others to share info on hub v lug centric rims. 8-)

I've heard the lugcentric vs hubcentric hoohaw before, sadly, no benefits where ever found other than what the manufacturer of the lugcentric adapters put out to the marketplace. Hubcentric is the way to go.

Originally Posted by 34_40

Interesting topic. I don't think I've heard of this before.
While not specifically on topic.. there was a product used for balancing that was reviewed by Street Rodder Magazine. It's like sand or kitty litter that is poured into the tire and then you simply drive the vehicle and this stuff finds the location needed to even out the balance. It is used primarily for big truck tires, but it works well for car tires as well.

I know that wasn't the question but maybe the info could help.. Now we'll wait for others to share info on hub v lug centric rims. 8-)

Dynabeads is one product out there. I've seen them used by guys mounting big meat tires on 15" wheels for Jeeps set up for off-road, but still driven on the street - How It Works I'll offer an observation, taken from a wrenching gathering of Jeepers several years back - If you're using beads and fill your tires from an air source that has no moisture traps (blowing condensed water along with the air) in climates with a real winter the beads can freeze into a clump stuck at the bottom of the tire. Imagine a lifted Jeep on huge tires, rolling along like a clown car at the circus! Probably not an issue for our street rods, just an observation.... and yes, the clump will break apart, and eventually melt the ice and become effective again. Might be a reason to use nitrogen?

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I've heard the lugcentric vs hubcentric hoohaw before, sadly, no benefits where ever found other than what the manufacturer of the lugcentric adapters put out to the marketplace. Hubcentric is the way to go.

I agree completely, plus - relying on lug bolts to carry the total weight load and then the thrust loads.. just doesn't give me that peace of mind feeling.

DynaBeads,
I believe that was the product I (and the article) was referring to. Thanks Mr. Spears.

If your wheels don't center on an axle centerhub---you got the wrong wheel/axle combo

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

If your wheels don't center on an axle centerhub---you got the wrong wheel/axle combo

Jerry if you look at a lot of aftermarket wheels you will see that the center hole in the wheel doesn't fit snug on the axle center hub.

just sayin.

Guy's i'm not posting this to say this is right, i'm asking to find out if this is a real possibility.
thanks

How about calling American Racing or the specific wheel manufacturer and asking them? I find usually good reputable manufacturers try to cure any problems or help to keep a good reputation (Even when their product is made in another country), I know its disappearing in our country but we use to call it customer service...

My 2001 tacoma has factory lug centric wheels and if you don't use a lug centric adaptor when balancing them you will never get them to balance.

Originally Posted by Matthyj

How about calling American Racing or the specific wheel manufacturer and asking them? I find usually good reputable manufacturers try to cure any problems or help to keep a good reputation (Even when their product is made in another country), I know its disappearing in our country but we use to call it customer service...

I plan on trying to call the on Monday directly about my wheels.
Thanks

Originally Posted by Msgt Luttrell

My 2001 tacoma has factory lug centric wheels and if you don't use a lug centric adaptor when balancing them you will never get them to balance.

This is why i'm asking the question.
Thanks

All the fleets I've been around run this:

Wheel Balancing is No Challenge for EQUAL | IMI

We've never had issues with clumping with it. I've used it in all my trucks with large tires too. Just make sure to use the correct valve cores to prevent a leaking core.

Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

All the fleets I've been around run this:

Wheel Balancing is No Challenge for EQUAL | IMI

We've never had issues with clumping with it. I've used it in all my trucks with large tires too. Just make sure to use the correct valve cores to prevent a leaking core.

Would you use it in your car tires?

I would. I have no issues with that stuff.