Tire Balancing Beads - Good for Stiff Suspensions, Like Trucks, Trailers, Off-Roaders

The following article from this site below should put all this to rest:
https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/...cing-beads-be-used-in-automotive-applications

It's based on a response from Counteract Balancing Beads. I only began looking into this after buying the beads for my Trailer tires, and then began wondering why their site didn't have a chart specifically for passenger cars. Well, now I know they aren't designed for passenger cars, but they are still well suited for my trailer, and other vehicles with stiff suspensions.

Ask the Expert: Why shouldn't Counteract Balancing Beads be used in automotive applications?
Oct. 13, 2020
Typically, when you are using an internal balancing compound, they perform best on vehicles that present a simple or stiff suspension.

Unlike some companies that recommend using their compounds in small passenger vehicles, we know from extensive testing, suspension dynamics, and a variety of other elements of physics that you cannot guarantee success or improved performance. Having produced Counteract for over 25 years, and working with large manufacturers and suspension specialists, we have only been able to achieve a 74 percent success rate in passenger vehicles. From our research and testing, the largest culprit in the passenger vehicle segment that prevents the product from performing at its best is due to the soft suspension of most cars.

Counteract works with two forces to balance out a rotating wheel assembly: centrifugal force and inertia. Centrifugal force is the natural force that distributes the beads evenly around the inner liner of the tire, while the inertia is what positions them where they need to be. This happens when the upward and downward motion of the suspension, and vibrations of the wheel imbalances force the product to do so. As mentioned above, in most cases on a car the suspension is far too soft or is designed differently than that of a heavier vehicle. While the product will still be able to spread around the tire with centrifugal force, it has problems positioning itself quickly due to the false vibrations or lack of vibrations the wheel-end experiences. This partnered with the various raised chevron designs inside passenger tires can prevent internal balancing products from efficiently travelling to the balanced position. This will lead to intense vibration, or shimmy until the product can shift to the right position, in some cases it never will. Usually, that vibration will last long enough or become dangerous to the point that the driver will be right back to the tire shop, or the installer.

Thanks.

Ric

 

Welcome to TW…Thank you for your service!

 

Yup

 

When I started we used to use them in mud terrains and 35's. They weren't as common back then and typically had balancing issues.

As I got older and more educated I learned most balance issues were due to the cheap aftermarket alloys that we used or worn suspension components.

I would only use beads now if I were running a bias ply tractor tire. Other than that, no.

 

I used them in radial C-rated 37s and they were hot garbage until you hit 50-55mph it started to smooth out. I would not recommend nor do it again myself. With a soft responsive IFS you feel everything transmitted. If it were 1-ton straight axles then that would be a different story. Just my experience.