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I picked up my Centramatic’s today , turns out I’m only about 30 miles from them. They did say if my tires were new it’s best to leave factory weights on for the first 10k after that it doesn’t matter either way .
I didn’t ask since I’m at 35k on my tires . Maybe breakin on the tires ? I’m not sure . I did ask if I should takes weights off and they said leave them on or take them off it didn’t matter. Since I just rotated and balanced tire I left them on .
Strongly considering getting a set of centramatics, if for nothing else so I no longer have to deal with or watch the tire monkey's at Discount like a hawk. Did anyone else do it for that reason?
I have read that they make sound at lower speeds. How noticeable is it?
Until you reach about 25-30 mph, it sounds like a small air leak in a tire (a whooshing sound), but mostly only noticeable if your windows are down. I don't think I could honestly hear it with the windows up.
Strongly considering getting a set of centramatics, if for nothing else so I no longer have to deal with or watch the tire monkey's at Discount like a hawk. Did anyone else do it for that reason?
Discount won’t touch the tires on a 450 so I’ve been using the dealership. Checked a truck tire place but they wanted more than the dealership for the same service.
Strongly considering getting a set of centramatics, if for nothing else so I no longer have to deal with or watch the tire monkey's at Discount like a hawk. Did anyone else do it for that reason?
That is the main reason for me. Plus getting a continuously updated balance job.
Originally Posted by cwtex04
Discount won’t touch the tires on a 450 so I’ve been using the dealership. Checked a truck tire place but they wanted more than the dealership for the same service.
After one of the national chains screwed up my wheels and hub caps, I took it to the dealership; they would not work on it either. They sent me to a truck tire shop.
This is what it looked like when the first guys were done.
I have read that they make sound at lower speeds. How noticeable is it?
I have them on my '97 F250 and have never heard them and no one has ever commented about a noise.
I am still on the fence with my F450 as my '97 has a tire shake intermittently.
I have Balance Masters. Similar product but with mercury instead of steel ***** and black powder coated from the factory.
No noise and Balance Masters say to remove the weights.
That is the main reason for me. Plus getting a continuously updated balance job.
After one of the national chains screwed up my wheels and hub caps, I took it to the dealership; they would not work on it either. They sent me to a truck tire shop.
This is what it looked like when the first guys were done.
I just installed my centramatics on my 450. The caps on the drw's can be a booger to get off especially if you have a flat on the road. Simple solution, $29 cheapo slide hammer from Harbor Freight using the hook attachment that comes with it. No one will ever have to pry against the shine on your center caps again! And you will not be stranded on the side of the road unable to change the tire because you can't the cap off.
Just installed a new set of front tires on my 450,(Michelin Agilis) no weights, just Centramatics on my way to Florida from Ma.,so far they feel great without any weights.Maybe the brand name of the tire (quality] size and type make a difference, I stuck with stock size.
Just installed a new set of front tires on my 450,(Michelin Agilis) no weights, just Centramatics on my way to Florida from Ma.,so far they feel great without any weights.Maybe the brand name of the tire (quality] size and type make a difference, I stuck with stock size.
Most likely, the constellation of all the things you did individually contributed to the final effect. You did everything right, and were rewarded with good results.
In the 19.5" tire size, the Michelin "Agiliss" is essentially a rebranded Michelin XZE, which is a steer / all position RIB tire (rather than a tread blocky type tire). That alone makes a huge difference, as opposed to the HD3 tire that came stock on the F-450 pickup.
The standard tire that Ford fits to the F-450/550 chassis cabs is the HS3 (as opposed to the HD3). The HS3 is more like the Michelin XZE (now "Agillis"). So the type of tire, more than the brand of tire (when comparing top tier tire brands) emerges in my mind as larger contributor to a smooth ride.
But it isn't the only contributor. Sticking with the stock tire size reduces weight and mass of the tire. The more material involved in making the tire, the more potential for variances calling for counter balancing.
