Bubble balancer from HF?

[old31]

Has anyone used this? I am looking to buy one this Monday with the 25% coupon.

I have given up on beads.

https://www.harborfreight.com/portab...cer-39741.html

[duke36]

I use one similar to this I've had for 50 + years with older style crimp on weights. Works fine for classic wheels one can't fit on modern machines. I place weights on the back side (though recommended to be on both rim sides ) and paint them wheel colors. The bubble must be as centered as possible without hub caps.

[Terry, NJ]

I have always mounted and balanced my own tires on all my cars using a bubble balancer. I bought it at a garage sale and it's saved me a young fortune over the years. These costs have risen at an alarming rate. As was said, split the weight (one once= !/2 and 1/2 oz.) and put a 1/2 weight one each side of the rim. I've done a lot of highway driving and never had problems with wheel balance. I'd say, go for it.
Terry

[MikeK]

You may find the springs too heavy for a Model A wheel and tire to compress. You definitely can't set a bare "A" wheel (rim only) on the one my neighbor has and get them to compress. If you encounter this either replace the springs with softer or just tie the ring down and be careful to set the wheel on level, with the bubble glass centered exactly in the wheel.

[BillCNC]

Originally Posted by old31

Has anyone used this? I am looking to buy one this Monday with the 25% coupon.

I have given up on beads.

https://www.harborfreight.com/portab...cer-39741.html

Iv'e only gotten as far as scratching my butt on it. The 25% coupon does sweeten the pot enough to start scratching my chin instead.

Regards
Bill

[Phil Brown]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

I have always mounted and balanced my own tires on all my cars using a bubble balancer. I bought it at a garage sale and it's saved me a young fortune over the years. These costs have risen at an alarming rate. As was said, split the weight (one once= !/2 and 1/2 oz.) and put a 1/2 weight one each side of the rim. I've done a lot of highway driving and never had problems with wheel balance. I'd say, go for it.
Terry

In addition to splitting the weight front and back,find the heavy spot and spread the weight out about 15 deg. each side of the heavy point. You might find the total weight added is less this way.

[Synchro909]

I made my own balancer. I welded an old stub axle to an upright madefrom scrap metal and mounted a hub on it with used bearings (no pits) and a little OIL. It turns very freely. I put the wheel on it and the heavy spot goes to the bottom. By adding weights at the top, I get a balance which is good to over 60 mph. That's enough for me!
Total cost? About 30 cents!

[Ruth]

I have one of these and it works good. But since I tried balancing beads I no longer use it. I have no problems with the beads and I got rid of the fugly weights.

[fordcragar]

The HF balancer looks just like the one I bought 45+ years ago; which is about the same price that I paid for the one I bought. I mount and bubble balance all my own tires.

[old31]

Originally Posted by BillCNC

Iv'e only gotten as far as scratching my butt on it. The 25% coupon does sweeten the pot enough to start scratching my chin instead.

Regards
Bill

Yes bill we all prefer that your chin is what gets satisfied. It is a much better vision.

[Bob Bidonde]

I have the HF bubble balancer, and the bubble cannot be seen with hubcaps on.

[old31]

Bob, I am smarter than the average model a'r. I just drilled a 3/4 inch hole in the center of each hub cap to view the bubble. Smart huh!.