Balancing beads vs. wheel weights

bLKchry370z

I'm currently running Work Emotion cr2p's on my car. The place that balanced them for me used regular stick on weights on the inside of the wheel only, which is what I wanted, but the issue is that I still have a slight vibration at highway speeds. I'm going to have the balance checked before I make a decision, but I was curious to know if anyone has used balancing beads in place of the wheel weights. I've heard mixed reviews, mostly positive but that's coming from people that have used them primarily in trucks with beefy tires.

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Current Cars:2014 370z, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (mint)
Past Cars: 2006 IS250, 2007 Scion TC (boosted), 2003 Civic SI EP3 and the list goes on...

SouthArk370Z

Balancing beads are for large tires (semi, off-road, &c) and have little or no effect on passenger car sized tires. Even less effect with low aspect (less than about 65-70) tires. Not meant to be used with "sports" tires.

If you are sure the tire was balanced properly, you may have other problems - worn suspension parts, bad tire, &c. First thing I'd so is get the tires inspected and balance re-checked. If vibration persists, I'd look at the suspension.

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bLKchry370z

that's what I'm def going to do first is recheck the balancing. I know that there are no suspension issues because it was smooth as glass before I put my work wheels on. I'm just hoping that there's no issue with the craftsmanship of the wheel itself. I know Work is a reputible company, but it can happen.

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Current Cars:2014 370z, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (mint)
Past Cars: 2006 IS250, 2007 Scion TC (boosted), 2003 Civic SI EP3 and the list goes on...

nis350

the balance machines I've seen have different methods for the placement of the weights. One is on the center of the wheels and the other is on the inner and outer part. The center method is terrible and the inner/outer method is more accurate. unfortunately they normally don't place the weights on the most outer part because of the lip of the wheel thus less accurate.

Some tire shops have the 'road force' balance machine which is suppose to be more accurate, but cost quite a bit more. I haven't tried that personally.

I also have Work wheels and do experience a very slight vibration between 65 - 75 mph. I found that higher tire pressure (37-38) seems to minimize the vibration.

BTW - do you have the correct hub rings?

bLKchry370z

That's also where my vibration is mainly at also. The hub rings are the correct size too. I know back when I used to mount custom wheels, I used to use a static balance but that's going back about 15 years ago. lol. I know the methods and technologies have changed since than. I have some free time this weekend so maybe I'll triple check to make sure that everything is centered correctly on the hub, and try adjusting the tire pressures as well.

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Current Cars:2014 370z, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (mint)
Past Cars: 2006 IS250, 2007 Scion TC (boosted), 2003 Civic SI EP3 and the list goes on...

JC-Nismo

Road Force is the only way to go on modded cars in my opinion and have them show you the balance report. I had this problem with a set of new tires that wouldn't balance and they ended up being "out of round" showing 60% negative and drove like bricks that I had to return due to defects. Spent $1300 on a new set of Vred's and it drove as smooth as sliding on ice.

nis350

I agree that road force balance is a much better way to go with large wheels/tires. However, a good machine should work well in most cases and would detect any anomalies in either the wheels or tires.

I've heard that some of those low price wheels and tires may not balance well even when new. I guess you get what you pay for.

Kraken370

I'm having the same problem with my new varstoen es2 wheels. Mine are 19x9.5 22 offset front and 19x10.5 12 offset rear. The tires are hankook evo2 255 front 295 rear. I balanced my wheels 3 times at 2 different locations and i still get terrible vibration. I also put on the rings and did an alignment. Not sure what i should do next?

nis350

vibration is a common annoyance with (larger size) after market wheels, especially with lowered cars.

were there other changes to the car other than the wheels? are the wheels and tires new?

Kraken370

I lowered my car an inch with ark springs but it never caused vibration with the stock wheels. Both the wheels and tires are brand new. The steering wheel sometimes shakes back and forth about a centimeter but the car still drives straight if i let go. So it can't be the alignment. Smooth roads make it worse and i also feel on and off extra vibration through the floor. The steering wheel shakes the worst between 70-80. 65 and below is not as bad. The guy balancing my wheels said the wheels are not bent or warped and run smooth but he said the tire has a little hop. So i wonder if it's just the tires?

JC-Nismo

Dude, it's the tires. If they have any kind of hop there not gonna balance right, get a new set of tires.

bLKchry370z

it wasn't the tires. I took my car to my friends shop and they were way out of balance. all is good now and rides smooth as glass

__________________
Current Cars:2014 370z, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (mint)
Past Cars: 2006 IS250, 2007 Scion TC (boosted), 2003 Civic SI EP3 and the list goes on...