using airsoft pellets for balancing large tires

[stevo]

I just wanted to throw this out here, if any of you guys need to balance tires and don't want to mess with adding weights to the wheels, try the trick of adding airsoft pellets inside the wheels. I have done this on three sets of tires so far, a set of 31-10.50"s, 33-12.50"s and 35-12.50"s. I have to say, it works perfectly and the airsoft pellets will not rust the wheels like BBs or water, and will not disintegrate like lead shot. Just tested one set to over 100 mph, zero vibration from the tires. I used 8 ounces per 35" tire, 6 ounces per 33" and 4 ounces per 31". I used the .25 gram airsoft pellets, a 3 pound (5000 count) is plenty to do a set of large tires.

Stevo

[71chevellejohn]

They sell balancing packets specifically for large tires. I'm not sure what the price difference(vs. airsoft) is but I've seen them at my brother's shop.

[stevo]

They sell balancing packets specifically for large tires. I'm not sure what the price difference(vs. airsoft) is but I've seen them at my brother's shop.

There are several companies that offer simular balancing media, from ceramic BBs to a couple different powder like medias. The airsoft idea is much cheaper though, for 5000 count .25g was $8 on clearance at wallyworld. I was even able to buy one 5000 count .20g box for $.08, came to $.09 with tax.

Stevo

[Pro88LX]

Would this work on a car tire? I've lost 3 sticky weights in the last month lol

[ThreeFingerPete]

Would this work on a car tire? I've lost 3 sticky weights in the last month lol

must not have been that sticky!

[stevo]

Would this work on a car tire? I've lost 3 sticky weights in the last month lol

I'm going to try to use some on a set of 185/60-13 tires for the Festiva since adding the clip-on weights cause the bead to leak. I know they made the 31"s and 33"s ride glass smooth, which was weird since it has never rode smooth at all. It was smooth up to around 110, at which I pussed out due to a strong crosswind, ending that run.

Stevo

[grove rat]

i use dynabeads(ceramic bb's) on my motorcycle and it makes a difference. rides smooth as glass, keeps tires from cupping or wearing wrong, improves life of tire

i was going to use the airsoft bb's but since i only needed a couple ounces i just bought them from 2 wheel word

if i had a tire changing machine i would put them in my car. is there a chart or something that tells you how many ounces to put according to the tire size/weight?

also how much are tire changing tools?

[Aceman85turbo]

you dont need a tire changing tool, some of the bb's will fit in the valvestem after you remove the core, others you can just take the tire off the car, let all the air out by removeing the valve stem core and break the bead with w floor jack or dull prybar.

[stevo]

i use dynabeads(ceramic bb's) on my motorcycle and it makes a difference. rides smooth as glass, keeps tires from cupping or wearing wrong, improves life of tire

i was going to use the airsoft bb's but since i only needed a couple ounces i just bought them from 2 wheel word

if i had a tire changing machine i would put them in my car. is there a chart or something that tells you how many ounces to put according to the tire size/weight?

also how much are tire changing tools?

you dont need a tire changing tool, some of the bb's will fit in the valvestem after you remove the core, others you can just take the tire off the car, let all the air out by removeing the valve stem core and break the bead with w floor jack or dull prybar.

I used my Hi-Lift jack to break the beads on one side of the wheel/tire, added about 8-10 ounces to each, then used the old 'carb cleaner + lighter' trick to pop them onto the bead. I had one wheel/tire that I could not break down, I just took it to a tire shop and told them I wanted one bead broken down, when they did I poured the beads in it, then told them to air it back up, lol The PDF below has the amounts that you use for larger tires, but from what I have read online you can go heavier without any issue.

http://www.imiproducts.com/lib/pdf/equal-quantity-chart.pdf

Stevo

[futant]

so how much do i need for a swamper 38x15?
its only 90 lbs of tire mounted on a 50lb beadlock rim.

this might help some ppl, but im not convinced it would do anything for me!
when i went to boggers , i swear i lost 10% of the power i had over the same size tires!

[stevo]

so how much do i need for a swamper 38x15?
its only 90 lbs of tire mounted on a 50lb beadlock rim.

this might help some ppl, but im not convinced it would do anything for me!
when i went to boggers , i swear i lost 10% of the power i had over the same size tires!

The PDF link I posted above shows 6-10 ounces, I'd go with at least a pound each. Too little will not balance it fully, while too much will not have any ill effects.

It might not fully remove the balancing issues but I'd wager it would help tremendously, except for the power/gearing/rolling resistance.

Stevo

[LZRREDGT]

Where can I buy these packets locally, I just had some 33x12.5 installed. I looked around 4wheel parts web site and couldn't find anything.

[stevo]

The real stuff is only available online I believe. If you are talking about the airsoft pellets, any Walmart has them.

Stevo