Centramatic Tire Balancing
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
Centramatic Tire Balancing
I have ordered a set of these for my Airstream trailer and was wondering if anyone has used them on their Ford pickup.
Centramatic
Centramatic
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
On my Airstream forum, there are many AS owners that have installed them on the trailers but I haven't noticed anyone using them on their tow vehicle. I see some testimonials on semi's that they get 30-50% more wear from their tires with the Centramatics so it must work and it is a logical thingy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
They are made a few miles up the road from me. I've run them on my F350 for years. A few suspension issues here and there have lead to some bad tire wear, so I can't comment on extended tire life, but they definitely don't shorten tire life. I do believe they would last longer if I hadn't run into the suspension issues since there was still tread left when I replaced the tires. During my last tire replacement, I discovered I had a warped rim when the tire guy came out and said come here and look at this. He showed me my wheel on the balance machine and it was obvious something was wrong. It was bad enough that he couldn't balance the tire / wheel, even with stick on weights. I never even noticed a vibration.
I can say that I no longer get my tires balanced after the initial install. My wife has some on her F250 that's running 35 x 12.5 tires. It keeps her ride smooth as well. I know another local guy who ran 35" mud tires and couldn't keep his tires balanced and had vibration issues until he installed a set.
I can say that I no longer get my tires balanced after the initial install. My wife has some on her F250 that's running 35 x 12.5 tires. It keeps her ride smooth as well. I know another local guy who ran 35" mud tires and couldn't keep his tires balanced and had vibration issues until he installed a set.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
it reads that they bolt between the brake rotor and wheel.... wont that push the hub centric too far apart and not line the wheel up correctly? theres only about what less than a 1/4" that lines upon the factory hub and wheel....
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
I don't have any pictures handy, but the part that slips over the lugs is just a flat piece of metal. There is an outer ring with the fluid and weights in it that does not interfere with the mounting.
I can get measurements later, but it would be the equivalent of inserting 5 or 10 pieces of typing paper between the rotor and wheel. No where near enough thickness to interfere with the function of the hubcentric wheel. I would guess I've run mine for over 150,000 miles using the stock wheels and lug nuts.
I can get measurements later, but it would be the equivalent of inserting 5 or 10 pieces of typing paper between the rotor and wheel. No where near enough thickness to interfere with the function of the hubcentric wheel. I would guess I've run mine for over 150,000 miles using the stock wheels and lug nuts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2007
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I tried to put on the Centramatics today and they would not fit. No matter if I used the A's or B's with or without the spacers, they just would not fit over the caliper. I tried it on the front first and since it didn't work I didn't even try the rears. When I called for a return number, they guy who answered was not surprised they did not fit. Hmmmm. All they have to do would be to increase the diameter 1 inch and it would work, oh well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
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From: Mesa AZ
I tried to put on the Centramatics today and they would not fit. No matter if I used the A's or B's with or without the spacers, they just would not fit over the caliper. I tried it on the front first and since it didn't work I didn't even try the rears. When I called for a return number, they guy who answered was not surprised they did not fit. Hmmmm. All they have to do would be to increase the diameter 1 inch and it would work, oh well.
I have a set on my F-450 and they work as advertised. The ride is much nicer amd tire wear is much better compared to our fleet trucks. Are they going to send you the correct set for your truck? If I remember correctly, the rear balancers are different than the fronts, but I don't think it would be too easy to confuse the two versions...
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
I put them on my '08 F-250 with the spacer and facing hub out and they work just fine. I also put them on my Airstream trailer. Everyone I talk to that has added them raves about how much they eleviate any vibs from balancing issues. It's a very logical addition.
Pap
Pap
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
What year is your truck ?