Now that my wheels are all painted and pretty I really don't want to ruin them by hammering on wheel weights, I'm fairly sure they won't fit with the beauty rings as well. The wheels are old F2 units though so they will definitely be out of balance. Has anyone used balancing beads? I'm keen on giving them a try. How much do I need per tyre for 7.50x16 radials running tubes. Can they even be run in tubes? Any advice appreciated.

 

I've got beads in my 8-19.5" traction tires for the same reason. My powder coated wheels deserve better than having lead hanging on their edges. So far the wheels have only rolled on and off the trailer, so I can't give personal testimony on their use. I do, however, have a buddy that uses them in the tires of his shop's rollback and likes them. The tire shop that mounted mine gave me the impression that there is a criteria they use to tell how much to put in each tire based on size. I'd think they would only work in tubeless tires, but that's just my hunch. Are you sure you need tubes in your tires with those F-2 wheels? Stu

 

It was reccomended to me by the company that sold me the tyres as well as a couple of other sources to run with tubes. Am I sure I need them? Frankly no, I'm not sure at all, I'm just used to running tubes on all my older cars. I'm very open to opinion though.

A bit more web research tells me that the beads are fine to run in tubes and a 7.50x16 will require 4oz. I'd still like to hear some personal experiences.

 

I installed them in the Jeep Wrangler with oversize tires and they worked there. I have them in the 17.5s on Missy Green and they work good there also. I am sold. I started a thread a year or so ago RE: Balancing Beads.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...es-wheels.html

 

Thanks Ray. That'll teach me not to do a proper search.

 

Can you guys not get self adhesive weights over there???

 

We can but in my experience they have a habit of throwing themselves off at inconvenient times. Also depending where the wheels are out of balance weight might be needed on the outside edge. The beads are basically a one off, never worry about a balance again, or so they claim.

 

I've used the stick on weights on every sports car I've owned, and personally never had one break loose (Caterhams and S2000s included). I did use the beads on my Unimog with positive results, but I'm on the fence with regards to anything non-plant.
Good luck in whatever you decide, but more importantly, give us your feedback.

 

I'm not quite understanding how you would use them with tubes? The theory is the beads need to be free to move within the tire to distribute themselves where needed to balance. They could not move if placed between the tire and tube, and I'd hate to be the one trying to pour 4 oz of the beads down the tube valve stem X 4!!!! I've never lost a stick on weight, and see how hard they are to remove on purpose when switching tires.

 

They go inside the tube and come with an applicator for the purpose.

 

Also I'm thinking on a big heavy 16", 60 year old steel wheel, the amount of stick on weights required could be..... considerable to say the least.

 

Get the wheels balanced first? Then fit premium tyres and balance weights should be minimal....

 

Too late, wheels are painted and Coker tyres installed and on the truck.

 

In which case, you're doomed!

 

Have you had them run up on a computerized balacing machine? If it is that far out of balance, it's likely the tire has a significant heavy spot. If the tires are new I'd insist on another tire or else first try marking the tire and rim, break the bead and turn the tire 90* and retest. If the location and amount changes significantly keep experimenting until it requires the least amount of balance weight.