A:
It could be for a couple of reasons. We don't market to cars, SUV's or minivans due to the profile of these tire types, so if
your tire is from one of these style vehicles, this could be the reason.
If your tires have an Aspect ratio of 65 or below, we do not list these tire types as we classify them as
"low-profile". Low profile tires often need lateral balance correction that can only be rectified with the
use of standard wheel weights applied to both the inside and outside rim.
In this case, we recommend a "Maintenance Amount".
Do I need Filter Valve Cores?
A:
When using the Standard size bead (Standard Bag, EZ-Open, Motorcycle), the purpose of the filtered valve core is to
prevent a bead from getting caught in the valve core mechanism. If a bead gets caught in the valve core mechanism, it will
jam the valve core in the open position and air will leak out. Filtered Valve Cores are not required if using the Large
beads (Off Road, Tractor Trailer, RV).
Note: Filtered valve cores, however, do not fit a lot of the newer valve stems. They require a
seat 1-1/4" down in the stem.
If you cannot use them, simply rotate the tire so the valve stem is about the 6:00 position, or give the valve stem a
quick shot of air prior to checking pressure.
Can I install the Large beads through the valve stem?
A:
In almost all cases, No. There are a few custom truck valve stems that would allow passage of the large bead, but
the amount of time it would take to install them wouldn't be worth the trouble.
Can I use the small beads in large tires?
A:
In most cases, yes. Before we had the large beads, everyone used the small beads in all tires, and it's success is evident.
Later on, through countless tests and years of user feedback, we found that the larger beads had several distinct advantages.
With a few tire types, like the GoodYear Fortera tires, the inner liner pattern prevents the small beads from working.
In large tires though, the larger beads cope with excessive moisture and inner liner patterns much more effectively,
which makes them ideal for large off road tires and tractor trailer styles.
In addition, the small beads should use the Filtered Valve Cores, while the large beads don't need them.
Can I use Dyna Beads with my Automatic Tire Inflation system?
A:
As long as your inflation system connects to a valve stem, and the valve stem still has the
original 1-1/4" valve core inside, you won't have a problem.
You will have to replace the original valve core with the filtered valve core we supply.
Can I use Dyna Beads with my Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
A:
Most TPMS sensors that thread onto the valve stem, such as the Pressure Pro, will require a filtered valve core.
Note: If your wheels have a TPMS system that is an integral part of the valve stem, Dyna Beads
will not cause any problems, but you won't be able to install the beads using the Applicator. See examples
here
Can I use Dyna Beads with my Cats Eye Pressure Equalizing system?
A:
Absolutely! The factory verifies that the Cats Eye System uses the original valve cores, but simply keeps them depressed
in normal use. So all you need to do is swap the original valve cores with the filtered valve cores, and you're in business.
Can I use Dyna Beads in my 5th Wheel with Dexter Torflex suspension?
A:
Absolutely! The Dexter Torflex suspension is independent from left to right within the same axle and also independent
from axle to axle since there is no equalizing system to provide any transfer of load from axle to axle.
Can I use Dyna Beads in my motorcycle?
A:
Tens of thousands of motorcycle riders have proven the benefits of using Dyna Beads in their tires. Not only do you get a
smooth ride, but it's a proven method for extending the tire life. See the Motorcycle Page here.
Can I use Dyna Beads for motorcycle road racing?
A:
No. The inner liner compound of motorcycle road racing tires is too soft to allow Dyna Beads to perform properly.
This does not apply to off-road motorcycle racing.
Can I use Dyna Beads in motorcycle tires with tubes?
A:
Absolutely! As a precaution, we strongly suggest a new tube with a new Dyna Beads application to avoid the problems of
compressor oil accumulating on the inside over time. It turns gummy and the beads will stick to it.
Can I use Dyna Beads in my H1 Hummer?
A:
If the answer to either of the questions below is Yes, then our answer
is no.
Do you have the Central Tire Inflation System option installed?
Do you have Run Flat tires installed?.
If you have the CTIS option, and you have a problem with it, and the dealer finds any
internal balancing media inside, this automatically voids your warranty.
Can I use Dyna Beads with Nitrogen in my tires?
A:
Absolutely! There is no better combination, primarily due to the elimination of any moisture that can cause corrosion
to alloy wheels and greater tire life due to less expansion/contraction with changes in temperature.
Read more about it here.
Can I use Dyna Beads in tires with inner tubes?
A:
Absolutely! The inside of an inner tube is perfectly smooth, the ideal surface for Dyna Beads. We
strongly advise using new inner tubes before installing Dyna Beads. This applies to motorcycles as well. The reason is
that old inner tubes often have accumulations of compressor oil, which makes the inside tacky or sticky, which will
inhibit Dyna Beads from working properly, or not at all.
Note: Some vehicles, like the Unimog, occasionally run
inner tubes in these large aggressive tires. Some of these tubes can add 15 - 20 lbs per tire to the weight,
so it's advisable to let us know this when you inquire.
Can I use Dyna Beads in tires with RhinoTire runflat coating?
A:
No.
The RhinoTire coating is a gel-type substance applied with heat to the inner liner using a special machine.
The substance is sticky and soft, and will capture and hold the beads. It will also void your tire warranty.
Can I use Dyna Beads in Run Flat tires?
A:
The latest styles of Run Flat tires use a second inner liner, and then sandwich a gel sealant compound between the
two inner liners. This should not prevent the beads from working.
However, the rule is that there cannot be any
interior surfaces that are sticky, as this will prevent the beads from working. For this reason, all Military Hummers
use Run Flats, but a sticky gel is on top of the inner liner in the older tire styles, which is why the beads cannot
be used for this application.
Should I use Dyna Beads in my new Super Singles?
A:
Absolutely! We realize that these premium-quality tires are carefully balanced at the factory, and do not come with
balancing weights as a result. However, as the miles pile up, this situation will change. Tires do not wear evenly,
and as a result, even this top quality tire will require balancing. To keep those expensive tires running smootly and
to insure the maximum tire life, have your Michelin or Bridegstone/Firestone dealer install our Super Single Pack or a
14 oz Steer Pack (balances two tires).
Available for Owner/Operators here, or in the Fleet Program.
Why don't you have tire charts for cars, SUV's or minivans?
A:
We don't market to cars, SUV's or minivans due to the overall style of those tires, which usually have a low aspect ratio.
We classify tires with a low aspect ratio "low-profile". Low profile tires often need lateral balance
correction that can only be rectified with the use of standard wheel weights applied to both the inside and outside rim.
So that means that while Dyna Beads should not be used as the sole balancing method for these tire types, you can use
Dyna Beads as a "Maintenance Amount".
Using a combination of weights and Dyna Beads results in higher tire mileage and a reduction, or elimination, of future
rebalancing requirements. For the proper amount, click here.
Do I have to remove my tires from the vehicle to install Dyna Beads?
A:
No, but if you can, it will speed up the process. The more straight-up-and-down you can position the valve stem,
the easier this becomes. Whatever works for you, do it.
How do I install Dyna Beads through 90° valve stems?
A:
The author has personally installed Dyna Beads in a few hundred GoldWings with 90° valve stems without a problem,
using a hand held vibration tool, such as a vibrating engraver. (Harbor Freight, Dayton, others)
To see this process,go to the Installation Page here.
If you have a problem, it's due to one of two factors:
Occasionally, (on the old styles) a poor quality bend can reduce the size of the hole and not allow beads to pass,
or, (more likely) there is gummy compressor oil inside the valve stem itself. In this case, take a pipe cleaner,
dip it in some alcohol, and run it through the 90° stem.
There is one other option that a few other Wing owners have taken. That is to replace the 90° stem with a
common automotive valve stem, part number #TR-413. Note If you have valve mounted TPMS systems, this is not
an option.
The filtered valve cores won't fit my 90 °valve stems.
What do I do?
A:
You only have two choices, as there is no short-style filtered valve core manufacturered.
Before checking air pressure, give the valve stem a short burst of air to blow any beads behind the valve
core back into the tire. Having the valve stem at the bottom of the tire also helps.
Replace the 90 °valve stems with an automotive style, see last question.
Will your beads damage my tires or alloy wheels?
A:
Never! The material is totally inert and will not react with either.
If I put in 2 oz, but the tire only needs 1 oz, what happens
to the rest of the beads?
A:
Only the beads required to counteract the imbalance will be used, the rest will distribute themselves evenly
around the inside circumference of the tire.
This is the beauty of the system. See the How It Works page.
What is a Maintenance Level application?
A:
While our product is designed to be used without weights on most vehicles, we advise customers with low-profile tires
to use a specified Maintenance Level in their tires and keeping the weights on has accomplished two goals:
The ride smooths out noticably, and most future rebalancing requirements have been eliminated. This is also
the solution for customers having tires with an existing lateral imbalance.
The correct amounts are listed here..
If there's moisture in my tires, will it stop the beads from performing
properly?
A:
NO. You mean will it clump? Dyna Beads have a perfectly round, uniform surface,
they are very heavy, and resist clumping. ...and because they are 100% solid ceramic, they don't rust!
Can I put the tire on a balancer to see if it's working?
A:
No. Dyna Beads operates on physics principles, and requires the tire assembly to be in motion against a road surface to
detect the exact counterbalance position. An electronic balancer has a solid, fixed mount, and does not allow the tire
to react to imbalance.
When you come to a stop, do the beads fall to the bottom of the tire?
A:
Yes. Due to a small static charge built up between the bead and rubber interaction, a few may remain attached to
the tire circumference, but only a very small amount. The rest fall to the bottom and reposition themselves when
the tire starts rolling again.
Will I hear the beads while driving?
A:
No. In the driveway, however, you may hear them rolling around if you move the tire.
At what speed do the beads start to work?
A:
The balancing principle is based on centrifigal force, and enough force is developed to keep the beads in
position at approximately 25 - 35 MPH, but the exact speed is dependant upon tire diameter.
A:
Motorcycles, scooters, Yes. Most other vehicles, no. Many of our car and SUV customers have found that the addition
of 2 - 3 ounces per tire in conjunction with their wheel weights makes the vehicle ride much smoother than before,
increases tire mileage, and eliminates most future balancing requirements. The typical application for this is
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW's, Corvettes, etc, but can be applied to most any car, SUV or minivan.
Is there any way I can speed up your Applicator process?
A:
There's a couple of nifty suggestions, the most popular being the vibration method to speed things along rather quickly.
See the “Tips & Tricks” section of the Application page. Also see the
Vibration Method (Motorcycles) on the Installation page. This really works terrific, our Dealers and the author uses
this method himself.
Can I use Dyna Beads in my airplane?
A:
You bet! We've had many orders destined for aircraft, and zero complaints.
What kind of tire life can I expect?
A:
On average, about 20% - 30% more than under similar circumstances using wheel weights. The primary reason for this is
that while most people only balance their tires with conventional weights only once, you are rebalancing your tire and
wheel every time you drive.
For Motorcycles and scooters, our customers report a much higher tire life, the norm appears to be 30% - 50% more.
What if I have a flat?
A:
Normally, nothing. We have had many motorcycle users install Dyna Beads after plugging a tire using either a
rope-type plug or a standard plug, and we have never had a single complaint.
With patches, it depends on the installation. If you have a flat and the tire repair service installs the
newer patches that require the dealer to actually grind the inside surface, you will most likely not have a problem,
as the patch is almost flush with the tire surface when properly applied.
We strongly suggest that on a patch installation, that all excess glue is removed from around the patch area, and
some talcum powder is sprinkled lightly over the area to attach itself to any glue left behind before installing the
beads.
Will an internal tubeless tire patch effect the beads?
A:
Not if it's applied properly. It is - very- important not to let excess glue that has oozed out from
the patch be removed with solvent or alcohol. Otherwise all the beads will get stuck on them. I also advise a
sprinkle of talcum powder over the area just to make sure there's no sticky residue left. But otherwise, no.
Can I reuse the beads in my next set of tires?
A:
Sure, all of our beads are reusable once. We do not suggest trying to reuse any more than once, because you may
run into problems with moisture in the tire, and it may vibrate. For motorcycles/scooters, the amounts
are so small that it really isn't worth the hassle.
Why does my Honda GoldWing front tire have tire cupping on one side only?
A:
Your steering head bearings are shot. Honda will insist on you replacing the originals with the same thing, but then
another 6K to 15K down the road, and you will be repeating this all over again. Forget the warranty, get the All Balls kit and be done with the problem: All Balls Kit
Is there any situations where Dyna Beads are not recommended?
A:
We do not recommend Dyna Beads in these situations:
...in Goodyear Fortera tires.
...on any pickup, 3/4 or 1 ton, that has converted to 19.5 or 22.5 wheels and tires.
For the explanation, see this document.
...to correct wobble, shimmy or shake, all a function of lateral imbalance or defective suspension components.
See next question.
Can Dyna Beads fix my vehicle's [shimmy, shake, wobble]?
A:
In most cases, no. There are three terms commonly used to describe lateral (back and forth) movement of the steering wheel,
wobble, shimmy and shake. Two of these are a result of lateral imbalance of the tire/wheel assembly.
Wobble - this is more a function of mechanical suspension components than
anything else, but can also be a result of bent or damaged rims.
Mechanical Imbalance - This is lateral movement caused from tire or wheel
non-uniformity or improper bead seating. Corrected by measuring the amount of tire and wheel runout and replacing
the defective component.
Weight-related Imbalance - This is lateral movement at normal driving
speeds commonly characterized as "shimmy" or "shake" resulting from unequal weight on both sides
of the tire and wheel circumferential centerline. The wider the tire, the lower the aspect ratio, the more likely
this is to occur.
How can I tell if my tire has a lateral imbalance problem before installing the
beads?
A: If you have weights installed now:
The most obvious indicator is a large amount of weight (comparatively)on one side of the tire, and a small, or no
weight on the opposite side.
If you are purchasing new tires:
Have the tires spun on a balancer. If the machine is telling you that you need a lot of weight on one side
and little weight on the other, then the tire has a lateral imbalance.
What installation method is best for me?
A:
There is actually four different ways you can install Dyna Beads:
The Applicator method. This is used to install the Standard beads into the tire without removing the tire
from the rim. This method is the one most commonly used by first-time Dyna Beads users on motorcycle and
scooters, but can be used on any size tire, as long as you use the Standard beads only..
Although it can be used for any quantity of beads, for larger quantities, the installation speed is much
faster with a vibration tool, such as a vibrating engraver.
Pour In Method. This method is fastest for installing in new tires being mounted.
With the tire horizontal on the mounting machine, install the first tire bead over the rim. Cut the top
of the bag and pour in the contents into the concave portion of the tire. Make sure you pour
the beads on the opposite side of the valve stem. Install the second tire bead over the rim. It's best if
you can stand the tire up a little so the beads are on the bottom and the valve stem is at the top. Then
simply attach the air chuck and inflate to pressure.
Bag in tire. This is a method that has caught on with a lot of customers in lieu of the EZ Open Bag,
but uses the Standard Bag. Similar to the Pour In method, with the tire horizontal
on the mounting machine, install the first tire bead over the rim. Next, cut the top of the bag completely
off with a pair of scissors and place carefully inside the tire leaning upright against the sidewall. Make
sure the bag is placed opposite the valve stem. Carefully install the last tire bead.
Then simply attach the air chuck and inflate to pressure.
Never place a Standard Bag in the tire without cutting the top off.
EZ Open Bag. This is a special bag that has a lightly glued opening at the top that opens after a few
revolutions of the tire. Used at tire mounting time like the last two methods, you remove the shipping clip,
then place carefully inside the tire leaning upright against the sidewall, opposite the valve stem. Then simply
attach the air chuck and inflate to pressure.
Why not use less expensive glass beads?
A:
Our high-density ceramic beads are 60% heavier than glass beads, so that means that there is
much fewer beads by volume in your tire. Too many beads in an area can cause wobbling of the tire,
especially in small tires like motorcycles and scooters. The heavier the bead, the more efficient they are.
Glass are substantially softer than hard ceramic, which means they will grind down relatively quickly when
compared to our ceramic Dyna Beads.
If beads get too small, and especially if they are made of a much lighter material, they are much more
susceptible to "clumping" due to moisture.
Shops report that dismounting tires that contain this pulverized glass is hazardous to their hands, to say
nothing of breathing it in. Dyna Beads are safe for you, your shop personnel, and the Environment.
What about Mechanical Balancers?
A:
Mechanical balancers are overly expensive for the simple task they are required to do. Would you rather
pay $10.00 for a smooth ride, or $150.00?
Due to the large disc that mounts directly behind the wheel, they reduce the flow of air across the front brakes,
which can be a problem with big rigs in hilly territory. (a.k.a. - brake fade / rotor warpage)
Here's a quote from leadfreewheels.org on mechanical balancers:
"Drawbacks are that the balancers have a fixed amount of balance medium and can only correct balance up to a
limit of about 12 oz. of lead.
Also, like external weights, the balancer operates at a smaller radius than the tire, making it progressively
less effective as the tire diameter increases for a given wheel diameter."
Dyna Beads develop more counterbalance force than mechanical balancers because they operate at the extreme
outside circumference of the tire. Dyna Beads have no weight limitations, and our Ceramic media is 100%
environmentally safe.
Dyna Beads are more effective on Drive Tires.
The typical mechanical balancer can counterbalance about the equivalent of 12 oz of lead. The only way to use
these on drive tires is to bolt one between the drives. Now you have two tires bolted together trying to stay
balanced with a maximum per-tire counterbalance of only 6 oz. Not enough in some cases, especially when the heavy
side of two drives happens to come together.
Take a look at how we define efficiency in balancing media.
Efficiency for balancing media is defined by four primary factors:
Weight per unit of measure (g/cm)
The heavier it is, the less product it takes by volume to do the job. You get too much material in the tire,
and it can't concentrate it's weight into a small enough area. Due to centrifugal force, the extra mass of material
ends up "flattening out" over a large surface area, defeating it's efficiency.
Resistance to movement
Irregularly shaped media has to "slide" along the inner tire surface, and naturally, sliding creates a lot
of resistance to movement, in comparison to a perfectly round object like Dyna Beads, that "rolls" into
position with almost no resistance to movement.
Size, shape, and surface texture
While this should be just one factor, all of these are related when it comes to "clumping". Balancing
powder is composed of many, many small particles of irregularly-shaped substances of rough, irregular surface
texture. Clumping is caused from moisture clinging to these particles and sticking together due to surface tension.
The more individual particles you have (size), the more surfaces you have (shape), and the rougher the surface (
texture), creates a "target rich" environment for surface tension, and clumping. Dyna Beads are very
large comparatively, absolutely round, and perfectly smooth. Moisture and surface tension has virtually no effect
on Dyna Beads.
Hardness
A balancing product that is nice and round with a smooth surface can only perform properly if it stays that way over
many thousands of miles, especially important for Fleets. Other materials are much softer than ceramic, and can
grind down quickly, and become prone to "clumping". Here's a comparison:
Mohs Hardness Scale
Ceramic (Dyna Beads) 7.0 - Hard
Glass 5.5 - Med
Stainless Steel 4.0 - Soft
Here's what wheel weights can do to your alloy wheels
How it Works .
Here is a graphical representation of How It Works:
Here is a terrific text explanation submitted by Paul Waddell. Paul had asked his friend, a Mechanical Engineer, what he thought about balancing tires with Dyna Beads. Here's his reply.
Strictly for the Technical
types, here's some info on why beads are more effective than rim-mounted weights.
There's no place to mount standard wheel weights other than on the edge of
the rim. Problem is, that is not where the weight is most effective, for two reasons.
The weight is not centered across the sectional width of the tire. That's why
some Tire Mechanics will split the weight into two smaller weights and put one
on the inside, one on the outside. The most effective position is directly in
the center of the tire, and this is where the beads always
are located.
The other problem is centrifugal* force. Lets say, as an example, your 16"
tire requires 3 oz's of weight, according to the Spin Balancer. The spin balancer
is calibrated to calculate the amount of weight based on the placement of the
weight at, in this case, an 8" radius. Once again, this is not the most efficient
location for a counterbalance weight.
Continuing on with this example, the inside carcass surface ( next to the tread
) is about 4" farther away from the edge of the rim, to give us a radius
of 12". This inside carcass surface is where the beads work, and the farther
away from the center they are, the more centrifugal force they develop. So we
can use this formula:
R1 = Inside Radius
R2 = Outside Radius
W1 = Weight installed on rim
W2 = Weight of Dyna Beads needed.
W1*R1 = W2*R2 to calculate the actual weight of beads needed.
(3)*(8) = (x)*(12)
24 = 12x
x = 24/12 or 2 oz.
So as we've shown, the beads are much more effective per oz than wheel weights,
another reason to purchase Dyna Beads®!
Stick-on weights are even worse, due to the fact that they have to be placed on
the inside flat surface of the wheel, which is even farther away from the tread
than the rim itself.
* OK, let's not get into a discussion on whether centrifigal
force actually exists, and the true force, centripetal.
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