For all you do it yourselfer's: I put my new tires on today. I'm trying the new Metzeler M-3 rear, and the Dunlop Qualifier front. We'll see how it is. Here's the front on the balance stand.
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The rear mounted.
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tireM3.JPG
I developed a slight bounce in my front wheel at higher speeds, so I did an emergency front wheel balance using my axle on jack stands. Guess it worked, but I think that wheel balancers are sitting on bearings for a reason?
I can't see in your pic, but what is your wheel spinning on? Is it on bearings independant of the wheel bearings?
Oooh! You got a Qualifier front? I've been looking for one and can't wait for your review (hint, hint).
Why did you decide to use not only different model tires, but also different brands? comp13.gif
I'm not trying to answer for him but I intend to keep my Dunlop 220 (sport touring) rear and add the stickier Qualifier on the front. Granted, I'm staying with the same brand but figured I'd get a little more mileage out of the rear while keeping more grip up front (a ST tire on the front would scare the hell out of me). I really don't like the front sliding at all but I'm willing to give up a little slip in the rear for more mileage.
KPerham, Feb 7 2006, 08:51 PMI developed a slight bounce in my front wheel at higher speeds, so I did an emergency front wheel balance using my axle on jack stands. Guess it worked, but I think that wheel balancers are sitting on bearings for a reason?
I can't see in your pic, but what is your wheel spinning on? Is it on bearings independant of the wheel bearings?
I have a balancer with bearings.
SEBSPEED, Feb 7 2006, 09:08 PMWhy did you decide to use not only different model tires, but also different brands? comp13.gif
I want to try an M-3 rear to see how much more mileage (if any) I get from it vs an M-1. I like a tire with more grip up front, so I thought I'd try a new Q. These have been rated well for turn in and grip.
Here are the tools I use: Tire irons, soapy water, one of many rim protectors (old shampoo bottle), and a balancer. The bearings are in the end pieces with the flats, and you can see two small cones for the front wheel, and one large cone for the inside of the rear wheel. I have some 1/4 oz stick on weights if I need them.
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Spray silicone works very well in place of the soapy water too. I have balanced maybe 6 tires in the last year using the axle (also sprayed with silicon) no problems sofar over 100 mph.
steve_mn, Feb 8 2006, 09:36 AMSpray silicone works very well in place of the soapy water too. I have balanced maybe 6 tires in the last year using the axle (also sprayed with silicon) no problems sofar over 100 mph.
The soapy water is just for helping to ease the tires on and off the wheels. It is not used for balancing.
mq105, Feb 8 2006, 08:58 AMThe soapy water is just for helping to ease the tires on and off the wheels. It is not used for balancing.
MQ,
I'm green with envy over your balancing setup. Is it a commercial rig or did you fab it yourself?
vfrjim2002, Feb 8 2006, 11:15 AM
MQ,
I'm green with envy over your balancing setup. Is it a commercial rig or did you fab it yourself?
Marc Parnes makes them. (marcparnes.com) Any two level surfaces the correct distance apart will work to put the balancer on. Jack stands, 2x4s, etc. I use two legs off an old coffee table.
mq105, Feb 8 2006, 09:24 AMHere are the tools I use: Tire irons, soapy water, one of many rim protectors (old shampoo bottle), and a balancer. The bearings are in the end pieces with the flats, and you can see two small cones for the front wheel, and one large cone for the inside of the rear wheel. I have some 1/4 oz stick on weights if I need them.
How do you break the beads on the old tires?
imortlfool, Feb 8 2006, 01:20 PMHow do you break the beads on the old tires?
7 ft 2x4 with a piece of 1x4 bolted on near one end as a ram. I didn't invent this, I copied off someone. Here's the site.
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html By the way, the car wheel bolted to a work bench works like a charm.
You can break the bead on a tire by placing the wheel on 2X4's and putting a car jack on the tire and jacking a car, truck or SUV up on it. I did it this way for years before getting the JC Whitney bead breaker. That is a fast and easy tool to use.
And I repeat (as I have a few times here before biggrin.gif ), the front tire can be perfectly balanced by supporting the axle and SHAKING the stand or grabbing the axle with a plier and shaking it back and forth. The heavy spot will drop like a rock and when you do get the weights properly in place, the tire can be placed in any position and all the shaking in the world will not move it.
By shaking the axle, you break the friction of the greased bearings and gravity takes over.
Balance bearings have no grease in them. There is very little hydraulic friction but they wouldn't last a day if they were used on an operating wheel.