Wheel Balancing with Centramatics

https://www.centramatic.com/

This thread is for people that want longer tire life and smoother ride. A buddy let me use his for a little bit and it was a noticeable difference so I ordered a set for my main trailer (24’ gooseneck) and truck (GMC 3500 SRW). Total cost was 400.00 for both sets.

I have a pretty good ride now with Bilstein 4600 shocks, Cooper XLTs, and 7900 lb truck. There was a time at around 22000 miles a vibration was present and figured out it was the craptastic factory Rancho Shocks that were shot.

Things I have tried in the past:

- Road force balance. This is by far the best balance you will get. @T-Rex266 suggested getting this years ago and works great. Unfortunately this is an extra charge every time, but worth it in my opinion.

- Balancing beads. I used the glass balancing beads and still did not have a good balance. Some say they work great, I had no luck with them. They were removed by vacuuming them out by discount tire.

The install is super easy in most cases. As my luck goes, the trailer set had a little issue but nothing I couldn’t handle.

Trailer and truck combo. The trailer has new tires ST235/80/16 14ply. Truck has Cooper XLTs at 8-9/32nds.



Install:

This is how they come from Centramatic.


The instructions state to clean the mounting surface. Was a little surprised at how much gunk was stuck to my wheel mating surface on the hub.



As stated earlier, had issues installing. I told them I have 8K axles with 5/8” studs so they would drill them out to fit. Guess they didn’t get the memo. 40 holes later they fit.



I test fit the wheel for clearance and it was tight. Pulled wheel off and reversed the balancer and fit like a champ.



Installed wheel, torqued to 175 ft lbs and continued with the rest.

Centramatics may not be made for your brand of truck. I found out last night the F150 is out due to brake caliper size. Hopefully not the case with Tundra. However, many of you have trailers, Harley Davidsons/Goldwings, other cars.

Testing screenshot of Centramatic results:





I will update the thread as time goes by and my overall opinions...good or bad.

 

I had a leaking Centramatic balancer. Looked to be damaged during shipping.

I called them up and no questions asked sent another out.

I tested the combo out yesterday. When the roads are smooth...wow. The hard part is finding a good smooth section in CO of road.

I took a picture of the 28’ trailer tires to show what I’m trying to prevent on the 24’ trailer. These tires maybe have 5000 miles on them.

 

I heard about them about 10 years ago, but been around for a long time (mid 80’s).

 

Here is a good video on how this works.

 

I just called Centramatic. They do not make them for the Tundra due to brake caliper/wheel size clearances.

However, I would recommend them for trailers if you have one. I put them both on my trailer and truck and it has been great.