Can I request balance beads instead of stick on weights?
Balance beads are available as an alternative to the standard stick-on weight balancing method and can be selected at checkout when ordering a wheel and tire package. They are installed inside the tire before it is inflated and provide dynamic balancing as the wheel rotates, making them a popular choice for off-road and highway applications alike.
Yes, balance beads are available as an alternative balancing option when ordering a wheel and tire package. Here is everything you need to know about how to request them, how they work, and what to consider before choosing them for your setup.
How to Select Balance Beads
Balance beads are available as an add-on option at checkout when placing a wheel and tire package order. Rather than being applied after the fact, balance beads are installed inside the tire during the mounting process before the tire is inflated and sealed onto the wheel. This means the selection needs to be made at the time of ordering so the correct quantity of beads can be installed before your package ships. If you have already placed your order and want to add balance beads, reaching out to the customer support team as soon as possible is the recommended course of action, as changes to an order can only be made before it has progressed too far through the fulfillment process.
How Balance Beads Work
Unlike stick-on weights, which are fixed adhesive weights applied to specific points on the inner barrel of the wheel to offset imbalance at rest, balance beads are small ceramic or glass beads that are placed loose inside the tire. As the wheel and tire assembly spins while driving, centrifugal force distributes the beads dynamically around the inside of the tire to continuously counteract any imbalance in the rotating assembly.
Because the beads redistribute themselves as the tire turns, they provide a form of continuous dynamic balancing rather than the static correction offered by fixed weights. This means they can compensate for changes in balance that develop as the tire wears over time, potentially maintaining a smoother ride for a longer period without the need for periodic rebalancing appointments.
Why Some Customers Prefer Balance Beads
Balance beads are a popular choice for several types of truck and SUV owners. For off-road drivers, balance beads are particularly well suited because they can help manage the balance disruptions caused by mud, dirt, and debris accumulating inside the tire during trail use, something fixed weights cannot compensate for dynamically. For highway drivers who put a lot of miles on their trucks and want to minimize the frequency of rebalancing service appointments, the self-adjusting nature of balance beads is an appealing benefit.
Balance beads are also a clean solution from an aesthetic standpoint since nothing is attached to the visible surface of the wheel barrel, which some customers prefer for the appearance of their setup.
An Important Note About Balance Beads
While balance beads are an effective solution for many applications, they are not guaranteed to work perfectly for every wheel and tire combination. The correct quantity of beads for each application is determined using the most current and accurate weight charts available, but it is not always possible to account for every variable involved in a given wheel and tire assembly. In rare cases, some combinations simply do not balance optimally with this method, and this cannot always be confirmed until the assembly has been mounted on the vehicle and driven. If balancing issues arise after installation with balance beads, reaching out to the customer support team is the recommended next step so the team can help identify the best path forward for your specific situation.
Can Balance Beads Be Added After the Tires Are Already Mounted?
If your tires were mounted with standard stick-on weights and you later decide you would prefer balance beads, adding them after the fact requires the tires to be dismounted from the wheels, the beads installed inside, and the tires remounted and re-inflated. This is a service that a qualified wheel and tire shop can perform, though it does involve the cost of dismounting and remounting the tires. If you know in advance that you want balance beads, selecting them at the time of your original order is the most convenient and cost-effective approach.
Standard Balancing Is Still a Great Option
It is worth noting that the standard stick-on weight balancing included with every wheel and tire package is a tried and true method that works very well for the vast majority of applications. Performed using state of the art balancing equipment before your package ships, the standard balance is thorough and effective for most on-road and moderate off-road use. If you are primarily a highway and street driver without heavy off-road use, the standard stick-on weight method is a reliable and well-proven choice that requires no additional cost or special consideration.
Have Questions About Balancing Options for Your Order?
If you have questions about balance beads, want to confirm whether they are available for your specific wheel and tire selection, or need help making changes to an existing order, the customer support team is happy to assist. You can reach out through the Contact page on the website and a team member will be glad to help.