Balancing Beads
 

Yesterday I spend about two hours inserting small balancing beads into my two front tubes and the results? Well I just can not believe that this actually worked and so well! Took the car out for a spin and can now cruise comfortably at 55 without any type of vibration at all, before the car could not go over 43 MPH without feeling a vibration. It is just amazing! My next step is to do the same for the rear tires. So for a total cost of $44.85 with shipping from Snyder’s I now have a car that is a total pleasure to cruise at 50 and I plan on doing lots of cruises over the summer. Give it a try you will not regret it. Snyder’s Item # T-1508-4K unit price $31.75
:)

Re: Balancing Beads
 

It is unreal, isn't it? Although I use a different brand than what Snyder's sell, I began using these in customer's cars about 7 or 8 years ago and quickly became a dealer for them just because I was impressed too. I might also add that I use them with the same results in my Hauler's tires (19.5") and even on my car trailer's tires. Like you say, you can tell an amazing difference! The manufacturers also claim that because of the balance, tire wear is slower too.
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Re: Balancing Beads
 

I used these in my motorcycle tire about 20 years ago. They have been around for a while. I wonder if the will compensate for unbalanced drums or rotors?

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I get the feeling that if your wheels are already true and balanced, you won't see much change. That was the case with me. They increased my top speed 3 mph, but my limiting factor seems to be motor vibration not wheel vibration.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Getting ready to put some beads in mine this weekend. How many ounces of beads per wheel did you use? Thanks Ron

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I bought a set of 19" Goodyears that are three years old. The front tires have the balancing beads. I put them on my pickup and found them to be very "lumpy" starting out in the morning. The first half mile out of my neighborhood, at 25 -- 30 mph, they make the car bounce noticibly. Then, out on the highway they really smooth out the ride.
How dodey work?

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I might try these, seems like a good way to avoid the ugly build up of wheel weights on the rim. Won't have to worry about losing a weight either. Now if they had a version you could put in the motor...................just kidding.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I wish I had known about these before I had my AA truck tires mounted, now I'll have to wait until I get a flat or wear the current tires out.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Why wait? You can put the beads in through the valve stems. Real easy.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I have installed these on 4 cars now. The only trouble comes if hole at the bottom of the valve stem is too small or obstructed by extra rubber. I now make sure the stem is clear before I attempt to install the beads. Also be sure and use some kind of vibrator on the valve stem while you are installing the beads. It makes them flow into the tube better.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I 1st install 2 OZ drove the car then added about another OZ in both whhels and still have some left over....... they say you can add the entire 4 Once but my wheels already were balances? and I did not want to remove the old weights.... anyway it really worked for me the car is so smooth now I just can not beleive it

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Do the beads stay loose in there so they can readjust if you have uneven tire wear, or if you remove your stick-on balancing weights after running with both them and the beads for awhile?

Re: Balancing Beads
 

They "stay loose" all the time, ...and it is recommended that all the weights be removed.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I put a spoon full in my coffee each morning. Keeps me loose and regular.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I am going to look into these 'beads', but my wife will kill me if I take her vibrator out to the garage!!:o

Re: Balancing Beads
 

My buddy and i just got the beads from Snyders. Put some in his rear tires...not a easy task ! Guess the hole in the valve stem is to small. The instructions say to use a drill bit to open up the hole but i don't know about that ? Think I'll try the vibrator trick when i put them in mine.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Ray, Ray, Ray,
You must be mistaken! We all know that Model A motors don't really VIBRATE!!:D:D:D:D:D LOLLLLLLLLL:p:p:p:p Billllll W.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Ray,
I don't have a tire cage, so I don't want to deflate and reinflate my AA's tires because of the snap rings holding them on the wheels. I've heard some stories of the damage they can do. Otherwise, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Dyna beads has a formula for quantity I put in 5oz for 19" www.dynabeads.com.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Get a small rat tail file and you will be able to open the hole at the base with out damage, but rotate the file do not use a saw action

Re: Balancing Beads
 

inex01, I wonder how much good these might do for a large 20"x6.00 wheel/tire, maybe topping out at 45 mph?
Still might be worth a shot. If you do it, please post what you learn as I am a long way from hanging the wheels on my AA and would like to know.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

A trick for easier install... get a section of clear tubing that will fit snuggly over the valve stem - zip tie it to the stem. Have the tube long enough to hold half the beads (2.5oz), then use a quick jet of air from an air gun (not too hard) and the beads zip right in... do this twice on each wheel and you'll likely be done in 1/2 hour... Just don't get over zealous with the air gun and have those little bb's all over your garage floor.

Also - there is a place in Crystal Lake, IL that has the correct beads at $60 for 5 pounds + shipping - works out to about $1 per ounce - lots less than the parts houses (car or motorcycle). Do a group buy for your club and save bucks... they really do work.

This is the company that used to supply the name brand, until they started sourcing overseas... I bought a jar from them - nice people...
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Subject: Zirconium Beads

If you are using this for wheel balancing, the QBZ-58A would be your choice.

QBZ-58A 1.0 mm $ 60.00/quart

Quackenbush Co., Inc.
Scott Quackenbush
6711 Sands Rd
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Ph: 815-479-8900 Fx: 815-479-9902
Web Site: www.quackco.com

Re: Balancing Beads
 

They are used by truckers on semis pounding along at 80mph, so they'll do any size.
FWIW: shotgun pellets work too. Some of the rodders over at the Hamb use DynaBeads, some use shotgun pellets.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I guess if you use the beads in your wheels. It will cancel out ever using
a can of fix-a-flat............:eek::rolleyes::p

Bob-A:D

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Does anyone have NEGATIVE stories about the "beads??
I'm nigh on to being convinced. I have 5 new tubes to install shortly. Any info on lead shot success & quantities for 6.00 x 16 size? Bill W.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Can you use Fix-a-flat in a tube?

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I installed "Snyder's" beads in 5 tubes yesterday with a friends help.

The tubes have metal valve stems and we used a small vibrating engraving tool.

We installed 4 oz in each tube using the bottle,tube setup that came with the kit.

5 tubes, clean as a whistle, in less than an hour. I had been dreading the job but it was a piece of cake.

That's one job finished for the long drive to Marquette MI.

Richard
Anaheim CA

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I've never had luck with that stuff and find it only makes fixing flats a real mess.

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Tom & Brent,

I always carry a can of fix-a-flat in the saddle bags of my Harleys. Only tried using it once and it did not work. The tube had a long rip in it I found out later. However, I have talked to people who have had success
with the stuff. When you are in the middle of nowhere on a bike with a flat tire anything that will get you going is most helpful.:)

Bob-A:D

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Their (Fix-a-flat) website says it is not for use in bicycle, motorcycle, and Z-rated tires. You are very correct in that when in desperate need, folks do desperate things. Like you, if I have a flat I am willing to try anything!! ;)

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I always keep a bottle of Slime in my Harley bags. I've had two flats on the road and it worked both times and I do have tubes in my bike. You also need a way to inflate the tire. I carry 4 Co2 canisters and a adapter to re-inflate. I might add that one flat had a huge nail in the side wall and Slime still worked. I noticed recently at Wal Mart that Slime makes it in a can like Fix-A-Flat. That would make the flat fixable with Slime and also inflate the tire. The price was about $5 Ron

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Ron,

Thanks for the info., I'll have to check it out.:)

Bob-A:D

Re: Balancing Beads
 

I just installed the beads in my front tires...if it did anything it made them worse. Put one 4 oz pack..didn't help, added 1 oz and they seem to bump more than ever. Guess thats what i get for buying the latest ''snake oil''

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Gary, I'm sorry to hear that. Whose beads did you use, and who did you get them from??

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Can anyone please explain what you are all talking about and maybe post a pic or even link to the parts?

Thanks

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Bill, I never cared for them. We did a police vehicle fleet test on police crusier's when I worked for Fairfax County here in Nor Va. Everytime the cruiser stopped, the wheels had to re-balance themselves. Not good when the officer had to go code 3 from a stop light. NASCAR guys use them [DynaBeads] to keep from throwing lead off their wheels at 200 mph. They are at a constant speed (no stop & go) and probaly worked OK for that applacation

Re: Balancing Beads
 

Jeez, are we really comparing Apple-to-Apples here? :rolleyes:

Can you imagine 'Code III' in a Model-A?? :eek: :D

I'd say your test came back pretty accurate with your cruisers. They probably did not work well in a fast acceleration setting. I would also think that fast acceleration is not a necessity with most Model-A owners either so maybe that won't be a detriment in our applications. In your defense, I DO realize what Bill asked but then again, ............


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Re: Balancing Beads
 

Hey Brent, I got the beads from Snyders. My tires "Firestone'' ran pretty good wthout balancing but figured i could make things a little better with the beads. Now the tires bounce at 35 -40mph...right where i drive the most ! Thought about adding a small amount more but wonder if I'm adding to the problem ?

Re: Balancing Beads
 

One poster said they thumped on first take off, then smooth. If you then stop for someone's "Granny" crossin' the street, will they thump again??? Gotta' re-think this, 'cause when you put them in TUBES, they're there to stay!!
If you're running tubeless, you could dump them out, pay for mounting & balancing, and tell yourself, "Self, I'm stupid, I should have just flushed $150.00 down the toilet for amusment!!"
I'm just thinking, if this was so GREAT and foolproof, NO ONE in the tire world would be doodling around with balancing weights! Bill W.