Centramatics?

[nm1oqrz]

Hello fellow Streamers. Looking for info on centramatic balancers. I have 16" sendal alum wheels and I was wondering if I installed centramatic balancers, how far they would move the wheel outboard. I have a 25' 1988 Excella and there doesn't seem to be a lot of extra room before the tire rubs on the outer edge of wheel well.
Anyone done this?
Thanks nm1oqrz

[dznf0g]

Roughly .030"...just the thickness of the metal plate which is sandwiched between the wheel and hub face. A non-issue, IMO.

[wolverine]

There are several very good threads available in the search section that will answer just about any question you may have on mounting realizing the benefits of Centramatics. I don't recall any that talked about fit issues. Make sure you call the Centramatics folks and they can make sure you get exactly the right product for your application--they are very experienced in fitting Airstreams.

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
X2

.030 no problem...

Bob

[Silver Goose]

I have the Sendel T03 16" wheels and there is no issue with fit. As previously noted the disk is about 0.030" thick, maybe the thickness of about 15 magazine pages.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Silver Goose

I have the Sendel T03 16" wheels and there is no issue with fit. As previously noted the disk is about 0.030" thick, maybe the thickness of about 15 magazine pages.

...Or a matchbook cover....remember emergency setting of distributor points?.......(that's for you older guys)

[DryFly]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

...Or a matchbook cover....remember emergency setting of distributor points?.......(that's for you older guys)

Ha, that's funny! It worked on my 62 Dodge Dart and 61 T100C. Sorry, off topic.

[nm1oqrz]

Just want to thank all who responded. I thought the disc was a 1/4" or so in thickness. It really is a non issue
Thanks nm1oqrz

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I think they are saying to remove then and see if there is a change....ie. eliminate them as a possibility. The only real failure mode of a centramatic is loss of it's oil. Then, I suppose, over time, the balls could stick or wear the tube....but I doubt they are your issue.

Has anyone ever had a failure of a Centramatic?

[dznf0g]

I have not, but I recall a discussion where there was a small population with a sealing issue and allowed for all the fluid to escape. This thread was a couple years ago, I recall only one member with the issue, and Centramatic stepped up as I recall.

[Silver Goose]

When removed you should be able to determine if they have leaked or are damaged in some way. The device is a disk with a sealed metal tube around the edge. The tube contains a number of balls roughly the inner diameter of the tube and an oily fluid. As you slowly rotate the disk you should hear the balls moving to the bottom. The fluid will dampen the motion and the sound but you should be able to determine that the balls move. If the tube got dented, the balls wouldn't be able to circulate freely or as mentioned it is possible the fluid leaked out. Aside from such damage these things are pretty foolproof.

[Luigi123]

Andy, do you recommend the Centramatics-- my new AS 30ftFC arrives this next month of February, clueless on the application of this product.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Luigi123

Andy, do you recommend the Centramatics-- my new AS 30ftFC arrives this next month of February, clueless on the application of this product.

Absolutely.

Last year, we processed over 400 sets.

Balancing tires, is a never ending job, as it's supposed to be done every 10,000 miles or so.

I have never found a balanced tire, to still be in balance at 10,000 miles.

So the question becomes "exactly when" should it have been rebalanced.

Who knows????

Once the Centramatics are installed, that worry is forever over, as the Centramatics keep the running gear in balance as soon as they hit 25 mph or close to it.

The exceptions would be using them on the old 3 piece hub and drums, or if the wheel was bent oor damage to the tire.

Other than that, they work very well.

Just something an owner won't need to watch any more.

Andy

[polarlyse]

After installation of the Centramatic balancers is it still necessary to do the traditional dynamic balance of the wheel / tire combination ????

[switz]

Yes, the tires need to be properly balanced as the drums of the drum brake system are not balanced. So, the Centramatic's real job is to "balance the drums" with any changes in the tire balance over time.

I installed them on my Honda GoldWing motorcycle and never pay to balance these smaller tires and wheels any more as the Centramatic balancers keep them in perfect balance as the tire wears.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

After installation of the Centramatic balancers is it still necessary to do the traditional dynamic balance of the wheel / tire combination ????

That sort of depends on the condition of the tire, wheel and hub and drum.

If those are all in the good stuff category, then "NO" further balancing is necessary.

Andy

[polarlyse]

Thanks for the response. I just put new 16" wheels / tires on. First road trip coming up next week so we'll see how things go. The Centramatics are on my wish list.