Subject: Wanting some input on...
Author: Prusnek
Date: May 16, 2005, 9:23 PM
Post ID: 1718876624
Hack:
I've always changed my own tires and used to haul them somewhere to
have them balanced by someone else since I believed that the voodoo in
their balancer was stronger than mine. I decided to balance them myself
and have been doing it ever since. All you need is a selection of wheel
spoke weights (old timers use lead solder and wrap it around the spokes)
and a few beers. Set your axle up level (and use a level) somewhere (I
prop it up between my workbench and a bar chair) slide the wheel on and
spin it to see where the heavy part settles. Add some weight to the
opposite side, spin, have a beer while waiting for it to stop. Don't
spin it too fast or you'll end up drinking more than you should while
you wait. Moderation is key. The spoke weights are easy to switch
around, and you can use them over and over.
After a little experience, a few beers and adding weight it will
come to rest randomly in different places and you're done. Not trusting
myself the first time I had it checked on a balancer and it was right
on. Give it a try...you don't need no stinkin' balancer.
This is also obviously a good time to note what shape your wheel
bearings are in.
John Prusnek
http://myweb.core.com/photos/spajohn@raex.com/MotoGuzziDecals
| Tire balancing???? The last year and a half with the sidecar has increased my tire wear considerably and was just wondering if a balancer was even worth consideration. I've got all the irons and breaker to do the changing but no balancer. Thanks |