Author Topic: $20 Wheel Balancer (Read 5377 times)

c1obrien · « **on:** December 29, 2012, 09:02:00 AM »

Decided not to take a chance trying to force Dyna Beads through a 90-degree valve stem, so went go old school with traditional weights. After looking around at various wheel balancers, I wondered if I could whip one together myself. Here's what I came up with. It's very functional for less than $20.
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fmwhit · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2012, 09:59:14 AM »

I love it. American ingenuity at its best. What did you use for the cones?

Fred

c1obrien · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2012, 10:06:08 AM »

They're rubber shock absorber bushings from Napa Auto Parts. Cost $7.50.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2012, 10:11:57 AM »

If you have part numbers and a material list, that would help.

c1obrien · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2012, 10:34:38 AM »

The “axel” is ½ inch, the wing nuts and hardware are to match. The rollers are drawer hardware from Ace Hardware. The part number for the shock absorber bushing is Napa 650-1100.

Rhino · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2012, 01:54:02 PM »

Relies on the wheel bearings being low enough friction. Are they?

gPink · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2012, 02:04:45 PM »

I think a video of the OP inserting the Dynabeads through the 90, past the sensor would be a worthy project.

Gsun · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2012, 02:50:51 PM »

Shouldn't you have the tire on?

rwulf · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2012, 04:22:37 PM »

Nice and good workmanship.
I could use that on my wheelbarrow.

JerBear · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2012, 04:38:40 PM »

This is a slightly more expensive alternative:

http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-balancing-stand-98488.html

c1obrien · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2012, 06:33:58 PM »

Yes, the tire will need to be on. The bearings are those cheap little things you see along the sides of drawers like in a kitchen, and the weight of the wheel/tire are more than enough to get the thing to spin on and on forever. I will mount the tire tomorrow since my new 90-degree tire valves arrived today. Thanks to Murph!
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Conrad · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2012, 06:06:09 AM »

Good call on not using the DynaBeads.

c1obrien · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2012, 09:41:35 AM »

I saw that one from Harbor Freight. That was my second choice. I guess the $20 I saved will have to go toward frothy, hops-based libations.
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elektradw · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2012, 10:01:51 AM »

Here is a nice one from http://www.marcparnes.com

Rhino · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2012, 10:32:25 AM »

Quote from: elektradw on December 31, 2012, 10:01:51 AM

Here is a nice one from http://www.marcparnes.com

+1

tbanzer · « **Reply #15 on:** January 01, 2013, 09:14:00 AM »

I stick a piece of threaded rod through the bearings and put it on a couple of jack stands. I can honestly say I have never noticed a tire being out of balance even if it was just put on and never checked.

c1obrien · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2013, 06:29:02 PM »

I put my rear tire on the balancer today, and it didn't need a thing. Is that normal?

nibby · « **Reply #17 on:** January 01, 2013, 10:02:25 PM »

I have looked at the Dynabeads before but decided against them. How are they?

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #18 on:** January 02, 2013, 03:56:42 AM »

gPink · « **Reply #19 on:** January 02, 2013, 04:21:18 AM »

Quote from: nibby on January 01, 2013, 10:02:25 PM

I have looked at the Dynabeads before but decided against them. How are they?

Great as long as they're mixed with synthetic diesel oil.

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Author Topic: $20 Wheel Balancer (Read 5377 times)