Using Tire Bubble Balancer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
YUP!----TYPO!.........sorry........So then, the tire/tire specs as I have mentioned hold true to ALL vehicle applications?...In other words, a manufacturer would not change the # of plys, etc to fit any other applications, the tire specs would remain the same always?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,942
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Suppose they could in an OE application to save weight or something... but chances are yes, it'll be bid out for that size, service description, speed rating etc. and that be it. Might find a few less lbs on the weight rating or something but yeah, should be pretty standard.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 261
I will be having to get a set of tires for "my other ride" and replacing the spare tire for my "88"....
I have given some thought to that Harbor Freight "balancer".
I know that when they first came out with the units that had the red base, there were some issues that the balancer (at the top) would not "free-float" or, had some resistance...
The newer ones with the black base were re-machined to eliminate that problem..
One of the questions that I have is,
1)...When using the balancer and it calls for a weight, since the tire is usually "face up" when balancing, could the weight be placed on the back (inner side to car) OR, must it be placed on the outer face up side of the tire?
2)...If I wanted the weight to be placed on the "inner side of tire, and tire is balanced in face-up position, would I have to balance the tire "face down?
3)...I am not a freak on "stick-on" weights so, I would be searching for "hammer - on" weights...
I have never done this before so, crossing my fingers.
I have given some thought to that Harbor Freight "balancer".
I know that when they first came out with the units that had the red base, there were some issues that the balancer (at the top) would not "free-float" or, had some resistance...
The newer ones with the black base were re-machined to eliminate that problem..
One of the questions that I have is,
1)...When using the balancer and it calls for a weight, since the tire is usually "face up" when balancing, could the weight be placed on the back (inner side to car) OR, must it be placed on the outer face up side of the tire?
2)...If I wanted the weight to be placed on the "inner side of tire, and tire is balanced in face-up position, would I have to balance the tire "face down?
3)...I am not a freak on "stick-on" weights so, I would be searching for "hammer - on" weights...
I have never done this before so, crossing my fingers.
Logic tells me where / what side ? of the wheel / tire the heavy point is located needs to be determined and then weight placed accordingly ?
Kinda what spin balancers do ?
There is a name for the balance concern I'm describing but not introducing it for level of this discussion..
Last edited by QIK59; Jul 27, 2025 at 09:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
I don't know how to answer your response.....
If the rim/tire are face up, can the rim/tire be"weighted" on the back or down facing side of the rim since I don't want weights to be hammered onto the front outer facing of the rim tire...
I watched about a dozen vids on "bead-balancing" and not sure what to make of that......
If the rim/tire are face up, can the rim/tire be"weighted" on the back or down facing side of the rim since I don't want weights to be hammered onto the front outer facing of the rim tire...
I watched about a dozen vids on "bead-balancing" and not sure what to make of that......
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
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From: St. Louis
We seem to be going backwards in time here. The question about putting weights on the back side of the wheel has been answered. Yes, tire on balancer face up and weight can go front, back or middle. Middle is less likely to effect dynamic balance, but as long as total balance weight of 1 Oz or less is needed, it should not cause enough dynamic imbalance to create a noticeable shake.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
We seem to be going backwards in time here.
NO
The question about putting weights on the back side of the wheel has been answered.
yes
Yes, tire on balancer face up and weight can go front, back or middle.
correct
Middle is less likely to effect dynamic balance, but as long as total balance weight of 1 Oz or less is needed, it should not cause enough dynamic imbalance to create a noticeable shake.
agreed
.....**I just wanted to be sure I was clear as "confusing as I am"........grin....Time is (11:19PM eastern time U.S.A) to look at the back sides of my eyelids for 6 hours.....Will check back tomorrow
NO
The question about putting weights on the back side of the wheel has been answered.
yes
Yes, tire on balancer face up and weight can go front, back or middle.
correct
Middle is less likely to effect dynamic balance, but as long as total balance weight of 1 Oz or less is needed, it should not cause enough dynamic imbalance to create a noticeable shake.
agreed
.....**I just wanted to be sure I was clear as "confusing as I am"........grin....Time is (11:19PM eastern time U.S.A) to look at the back sides of my eyelids for 6 hours.....Will check back tomorrow
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,942
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From: New Jersey
R=radial construction. D=Bias ply construction. Interchangeable just different characteristics. The bias ply will be cheaper most likely.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
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Likes: 30