Centramatic Wheel Balancers

[Riverman]

My used diesel 2500 had a little vibration in the tires that are on it. Rather than have them balanced again I ordered a set of the Centramic wheel balancers for it.

I had a set on another 2500 and was so pleased with them, I ordered another set for this truck. Now, it rides so smooth. Absolutely no vibration that I can feel at any speed.

[Macrosill]

It is all in the timing. LOL

I was just toying with ordering Centramatics yesterday. Close to 400 for a full set for my truck is a little more than I want to spend right now. I decided to get balance beads at a cost of less than 50 bucks. If they work then great. If not I am only out 50 bucks. In that case I will get Centramatics next year.

[Riverman]

I'm a happy camper....


From their website:

Why Centramatic Balancers?
Smoother Ride
Increases tire life 25%-50%
Reduces vibration
Helps prevent tire cupping
No pre-balancing required
Lower tire operating temps 8%-10%
Five Year Warranty

[Lake Huron]

I looked into these as well. From what I was seeing, if i installed these on my dually, there is not much thread left on the wheel studs for the lugnuts.
Also, with the nice aluminum Alcoa wheels I have, these would stick out like a sore thumb being placed in between the wheels.
I've heard they work very well, I just wish they were smaller and had a nicer finish to them.

[RedHorse1]

I bought something similar to this in the 70’s but they wouldn’t fit under my aluminum rims so I sent them back. Haven’t heard/thought about the technology or heard any more about it since then but what is old is new. Will watch with interest.

[dannyabear]

The Balance Beads work well

[Riverman]

The thickness of the Centramatic balancers where they mount on the lugs is thin metal. You will have the full length of the lug less the thin metal, I don't know what gauge metal it is.

Easily Paint them flat black if you don't want to see them. I have to look hard to see mine on the 3/4 ton. The positive result is worth 100 times the negative.

I tried tire beads... the front tires were still not balanced properly.

The Centramatics work well... and are keeping my tires perfectly balanced.

[Riverman]

I do wish the price's were the same on a 3/4 ton and a one ton though.

I paid about $200 for a set for my Dodge 2500.

On a 3500, buy the front set this year and the rear set next year.

[prm99v6]

I have a set sitting around for an F450. If anyone is interested let me know and we can work out a price.

[Macrosill]

Originally Posted by prm99v6

I have a set sitting around for an F450. If anyone is interested let me know and we can work out a price.

Why are they not on your truck? Did not like them? Older model?

Do you know the actual model numbers?
Quote from Ford-Trucks.com

F450 & F550's from 99-04 used 8 lug/225MM pattern. 05-12 used 10 lug/225MM pattern (except 2011-12 F450 pickups which use the smaller F350 pattern).

[prm99v6]

Originally Posted by Macrosill

Why are they not on your truck? Did not like them? Older model?



Do you know the actual model numbers?

Quote from Ford-Trucks.com

Fronts are 400422. Rears are 400423. I got them in May of 2018.

I have a vibration in the rear of my truck and had already spent over $1000 trying to get my tires balanced on my OEM wheels. Been to three Ford dealerships, two big rig truck places, and three other tire shops. Ford kept blaming the tires saying hey weren’t balanced because that’s what their vibration analyzer computer tells them. I tried these and they didn’t fix the issue- because it’s not a balance issue.

Ford had replaced the rear third member before I got new tires and I have been fighting them that it is the problem. I am currently driving with be vibration until I figure something out.

Paid $390.45.

[Macrosill]

Originally Posted by prm99v6

Fronts are 400422. Rears are 400423. I got them in May of 2018.

I have a vibration in the rear of my truck and had already spent over $1000 trying to get my tires balanced on my OEM wheels. Been to three Ford dealerships, two big rig truck places, and three other tire shops. Ford kept blaming the tires saying hey weren’t balanced because that’s what their vibration analyzer computer tells them. I tried these and they didn’t fix the issue- because it’s not a balance issue.

Ford had replaced the rear third member before I got new tires and I have been fighting them that it is the problem. I am currently driving with be vibration until I figure something out.

Paid $390.45.

Thanks for the info. They will not fit my truck. I am 8 lugs on 200mm, yours are 10 lugs on 8.75"

Sorry.

[Riverman]

You must have some bad vibration if the Centramatic balancers won't fix it. My tires felt like they were out of round, now smooth riding.

[prm99v6]

Originally Posted by Riverman

You must have some bad vibration if the Centramatic balancers won't fix it. My tires felt like they were out of round, now smooth riding.

Yeah. It's not the tires. It changes with coast and accelerate.

[jbrnigan]

FWIW - I purchased Centramatic balancers # 300-318 after talking with a CSR at their offices. Long story short - did not fit 2018 Ford F-250, 18" factory aluminum wheels.
They accepted the return.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by prm99v6

Yeah. It's not the tires. It changes with coast and accelerate.

U-joints?

[prm99v6]

Originally Posted by TCNashville

U-joints?

Could be in the driveshaft unjoint but Ford says no. Their lead tech said get the tires balanced and remove the simulators. He was referring to the centramatics, and the tires had already been balanced five times. They just strap the computer to the truck and read what it says. Out of all the places that have balanced them no one said the tires were out of true.

I have 25000 miles of warranty. I have to start trying dealerships in different states.

[putz]

I don't know if they still do it but in the old days they had a machine that spun the tires while they were on the vehicle. If they were in balance, you had a problem some where else.