Balancing Beads For Tires

[David_Doan]

I ran across this the other day. has anyone tried this?

https://aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/balancing_beads/

 

[bthompson]

That sounds brilliant! I wonder if it works. I'd try it: I'm going to need new tires one of these days, and balancing my Rostyles is a chore for the local garages. A good way to save money, too.

 

[JPSmit]

we have had this conversation before - mixed conclusions

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf...ire-balancing-beads&highlight=balancing+beads

 

[Guest]

From what I've read it doesn't work on passenger car tires only larger truck ones.

 

[bthompson]

I thought I'd read something like that before...I guess it was here. :grin: I didn't realize that old thread referenced the very same article!

I recalled the old thread mentioned steel or lead shot, which would be too much weight flinging around for our bitty tires. The article mentions Airsoft BB pellets, though, which are very light (.12g) and plastic. Why wouldn't the concept scale down, if it works at all? I avoided physics classes like the plague in school, a decision I've often regretted. If any science types can point me right, I'd appreciate it. My understanding of centripetal force and center of motion is rudimentary, but it seems like it'd work as an active balance in theory.

 

[David_Doan]

The only negative thing I have read regarding smaller tires, is that it works best with 70 series or greater. Low profile tires are too flat to distribute the weight well.

 

[bthompson]

Sweet; since we're all at 155/80s or so...