Do Balance Beads Actually Work?

Do balance beads actually work?

I need to have new tires mounted and I’m debating on doing balance beads vs static weights this go round.

I’m installing another set of Duratracs and they need balanced a few times in their life to keep them wearing properly.

The tires are a 285/75/16 E rated.

I’m tired of having to have them rebalanced multiple times.

I’d love to hear thoughts and opinions and experiences.

What brands are you using?

Thanks

 

Yes, they work. If you run TPMS, they may not appreciate being pelted constantly.

 

https://youtu.be/UZQXPLfOPXc?si=K-8_6W1OR8G4r4PK

 

Based on my personal experience with beads and 35" tires, I would suggest 2 things.

1. I prefer the larger beads instead of the small finer beads. You're most likely going to get moisture inside your tire. I find that the moisture causes the finer beads to clump together.

2. If given the choice, I would err on a little more beads (oz) versus less. It's doesn't hurt to have more beads but it defeats the purpose of this method if you don't have enough.

Both suggestions above can be dependant on the tire size.

And with that said, I've went from balancing beads back to static RoadForce balancing for my wheel/tires.

 

Been running beads since the 37s went on. 2 issues have come up which may be only related to my set up. I run Apex precision valves.
Occasionally a single bead will come flying out when I'm airing down, could be because of the larger diameter openings in the Apex Valves. And one time a bead got stuck in the valve. It became unstuck once I added air, pushed the bead back in.
Other than that I notice no difference in driving or road manners.

 

A 285 should balance fine with weights. I wouldn't run balance beads on such a small tire.

 

Balance beads are awesome and work great. I have run them on multiple vehicles with nothing but success. I generally prefer the cheapest non-biodegradable airsoft BBs that I can find from ebay or Amazon. 6oz per tire for ~33s.

 

Holy shit, this reminds me of my high school days and putting golf balls in huge swamper tires.

 

Apex valves are one of my most appreciated "mods"... 100% recommend them.

 

I tried beads on motorbikes a dozen years ago. Moisture issues put that aside.

I bet with the availability of "nitrogen" fills, the water problems would go away.

 

Me too, big fan. After airing down in under a minute or so, I take full advantage of my time by going to mess with everyone that is still airing down.
Highly recommend, good times.

 

I ended up pulling the trigger and doing the beads.

Hit 65mph on the ride to work today and there’s no shimmy or vibration.

I’m happy with em.

 

Nice! I've got a set for my ATV tires sitting on the shelf, I've gotta toss them in and give them a try. We have several areas on our trail system where we need to ride a few miles of pavement between trail sections and it'd be nice to not shake.

 

Just wanted to update again.

Hit 75mph on the interstate.

No shimmy or vibration.

~6 oz in each tire.

I’m 100% happy with em.

 

Going 50 in a residential area, anything for the tube.