One of the other automtive forums was recommending "balancing beads" for large (38"+) 4x4 tires. I also saw a product where a disk filled with beads was sandwhiched between wheel and brake drum/disc rather than loose beads inside the tires.

Products | Counteract Balancing Beads and http://www.innovativebalancing.com/index.php

Has anyone ever used these? What do you think?

Does This Really Work? Tire Balancing Beads - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board

 

I have been curious about them also. But a guy I work with has a jacked up jeep with big tires and said they did not work for him.

 

On semi tractor-trailers, there is a powder they would dump in tires, to balance them. It worked on the few tires that I knew had it installed.

 

I've read a lot of forums on this subject now. Unfortunately, it still seems to be about 50/50 consensus on whether or not they work. It almost seems the 50% that don't like the idea never tried it. It is more accepted on the semi-truck forums.


I'm getting a new set of tires (37") in a few weeks. BTW - I have top buy new wheels too because you can get a 16.5" rim-size tire any more. I'm going to have them "Road Force balanced". If I have any balance issues (or if any crop up later) I'll give the beads a try then.


It just seems that if these beads really worked they would be offered by every tire shop.

 

Of course no type of balancing is going to correct a tire that is out of round. And you do get one once in awhile.