Want to buy tire mounting & balancing machine

[sean996]

Hey all,

Would be interested in hearing feedback/experiences people have mounting tires with the "less expensive" semi-automatic machines or even straight up manual . . . think just the bead breaker is a plus with the semi-automatic but comments? . . . especially on larger rims like 18" on the back of a Boxster in addition to slicks, etc.

Been doing a little research on other forums and one opinion seems to be buy a brand name used machine . .. if anyone knows of something available locally please let me know (sdynes@hughes.net).

What about bubble balancing vs. dynamic balancing? Have got the impression lots of guys just bubble balance/static balance.

Thanks,

Sean

[harnishclan]

I have thought about this also but came to the following conclusions:
1. Unless you get a fairly decent machine, it will be tough to get the tire off, especially without damaging the wheel.
2. Number 1's likelyhood goes up dramatically with narrow sidewalls and alloy wheels. Like the wheels on our vehicles.
3. Bubble balancing is great-for tractor tires, but I am not willing to have a vibration (or worse) at speed due to poor balancing.

So you end up spending a minimum of 1K (and much closer to 2-3K for a good one) for even a moderate setup that takes up a pretty decent sized footprint in your garage for a tire/wheel setup that is less than optimum at best.

Bottom line is you pre-pay for 100-200 medium quality tire changes. I opted to go with a professional taking care of the tires-there are enough other things to think about while driving and it is cheap insurance.

[sean996]

I have thought about this also but came to the following conclusions:
1. Unless you get a fairly decent machine, it will be tough to get the tire off, especially without damaging the wheel.
2. Number 1's likelyhood goes up dramatically with narrow sidewalls and alloy wheels. Like the wheels on our vehicles.
3. Bubble balancing is great-for tractor tires, but I am not willing to have a vibration (or worse) at speed due to poor balancing.

So you end up spending a minimum of 1K (and much closer to 2-3K for a good one) for even a moderate setup that takes up a pretty decent sized footprint in your garage for a tire/wheel setup that is less than optimum at best.

Bottom line is you pre-pay for 100-200 medium quality tire changes. I opted to go with a professional taking care of the tires-there are enough other things to think about while driving and it is cheap insurance.

Thanks for the feedback . . . #1 & #2 are real concerns especially since I'm not doing it all the time.

Sean

[Autobahn]

Good tire machines are just $$$$. Trust me... we have been looking for a replacement for a few years. Basic mounting machines are about $3500 and $2000 for balancers. Junk from China is much cheaper, but they brake all the time.

[John Straub]

I had a good machine and balancer about 10 years ago. At that time it was the only way to not get my rims beat up..... So I did it myself.

I have thought about getting another one and doing it for club guys, but just have not gotten around to it.

[Jad]

I believe the Simone Posse has purchased one and is planning on bringing it to track events and providing the service at big tracks, so that may simplify things somewhat if you want tires mounted and balanced at the track. You need to talk to them for the details.