Hi, I finally ordered a set of Centramatics for my Safari. They arrived yesterday [05-06-09] and I installed them today. [05-07-09] With my wheels and drum brakes they will fit in both directions, offset ring inside or outside. I decided to install the with the offset ring towards the brake drum leaving the Centramatics stamp readable for the outside. But with the wheel installed, it blocks the stamp so you can't see it. We are taking a trip next week, but I don't think I will be able to feel any difference. Knowing that the brake drums are not balanced from the factory and with my Centramatics installed, I will feel better just knowing it has to be better even if only a little bit since I will never know how far out of balance my drums are. Price was right and service was good, I'm happy.
Hey Robert. Does Centramatics now paint/powdercoat the units black or did you do that yourself? We painted ours to obtain the look you show with your photos. When the wheels are mounted they certainly look better.
Crispyboy, I just saw your post from a month ago. To answer your question, I don't remember why the Centramatics didn't fit my 1967 International. It's been a couple of years ago. I think the bolt pattern was OK, but the spacing was off. I should have tried to insert some spacers like you, but didn't know about that. I think the ones they sent me just didn't fit flat on the wheel, disallowing my ability to tighten them properly. Anyway, they fit the Jeep, and the DynaBeads are working very well on the trailer, so all is well.
Can anyone tell me more about this brake drum/balance issue..? To me it sounds like we would remove the brake drums and take them to a Machine Shop and have them balanced...is it not this simple..? Quality E rated Tire/Drums Balanced/Centramatics, Life is good....yes..?
Can anyone tell me more about this brake drum/balance issue..? To me it sounds like we would remove the brake drums and take them to a Machine Shop and have them balanced...is it not this simple..? Quality E rated Tire/Drums Balanced/Centramatics, Life is good....yes..?
I don't agree with the "Quality E rated tire" but yes to the rest.
Can anyone tell me more about this brake drum/balance issue..? To me it sounds like we would remove the brake drums and take them to a Machine Shop and have them balanced...is it not this simple..? Quality E rated Tire/Drums Balanced/Centramatics, Life is good....yes..?
If you have 6 lug drums, you remove the tire and wheel, slip the Centramatics on the lugs, and then remount the tire and wheel.
It's done, no more, no less.
No need to have the drums balanced unless you may have some from the 60's.
Hi, my Centramatics came black and now have about 4,500 miles on them. Can I feel the difference? No, I haven't and won't ride in my trailer. Do I feel better knowing that my trailer has them? Yes, since the manufacturer of my drums didn't balance them. Are they worth the $172.50 + shipping that I paid for them? Yes, to me it is like tenting your house now instead of waiting for signs of termites, because by then the damage is already done.
Just installed mine today before going to Midwest Rally tomorrow. I installed them doughnut inward. Seemed just a bit too tight for the doughnut to face outward.
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The ones we got directly from Centramatic a couple of years ago were also painted black. And, by the way, they fit perfectly with the new axles from Andy. Ah, well, with the new axle (sg.). I won't be able to install the second one for another week or so.
Since I started this thread, and this Spring 09 replaced my 7 year old tires with new ones, and re-installed the Centramatics, I thought I would give an update.
Took the trailer to Page AZ and back....about 1600 miles roundtrip.
The new tires ran cool and show no wear or tipping.
No shaken loose screws or rivets inside the trailer during towing.
I went via US 84 from home to Santa Rosa NM @ 65 mph, then I-40 to Flagstaff @ 70 mph, and US 89 to Page @ 65 mph....reverse on the way home.
Fuel mileage on the Duramax was average 12 mpg at these speeds.
Andy is 100% correct....the BIGGEST thing that will wreck havoc on your trailer is lack of balanced running gear. The usual wear and tear of bouncing down the road is severe enough, but to do so inducing the constant periodic vibration of an unbalanced running gear will shake your trailer apart causing excessive wear on everything.
(As a side note I was reading an early 1970's AVION Owners Manual that stated that the tire/wheel assembly was balanced with the brake drum . . the owner should mark the drum and wheel to always make sure the balance was retained [paraphrased]).
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Sold: 1983 Silver Streak3411 Supreme; 6,860# (8,000 GVWR)
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Hi, I finally ordered a set of Centramatics for my Safari. They arrived yesterday [05-06-09] and I installed them today. [05-07-09] With my wheels and drum brakes they will fit in both directions, offset ring inside or outside. I decided to install the with the offset ring towards the brake drum leaving the Centramatics stamp readable for the outside. But with the wheel installed, it blocks the stamp so you can't see it. We are taking a trip next week, but I don't think I will be able to feel any difference. Knowing that the brake drums are not balanced from the factory and with my Centramatics installed, I will feel better just knowing it has to be better even if only a little bit since I will never know how far out of balance my drums are. Price was right and service was good, I'm happy.
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