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Off-roading and Wheel Weights

5K views 40 replies 21 participants last post by  Stetson45 
#1 ·
Hey folks,

Took the Jeep out this Saturday and played in the snow here in NY. Thought everything was kosher until I was driving down the entrance ramp today and got the signature unbalanced wheel vibration as I approached 55mph.

Long story short, I had to get my wheels rebalanced because I stripped off my weights in the crud.

This can't be an isolated thing. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what are your recommendations for a durable wheel balancing scheme that can hold up to loose teterrain?
 
#6 ·
well said.

Not that throwing a wheel weight isn't possible, but..

Many times when playing in mud or snow, that very mud or snow will get packed into the wheel & temporarily unbalance the wheel/tire assembly.

I say 'temporarily', because the situation is easily remedied by clearing/cleaning the wheels of all mud/snow..
also well said.

most of the time, it's crap in the wheels. before you start wheeling (especially if it's muddy - or in the OPs case - snowy and icy) it's a good idea to know where the closest car wash is. not to detail your jeep - to clean the wheels before you head home.

driving for an extended period with an out of balance wheel (because of gunk) isn't a good idea and can lead to premature wear of steering components. as for throwing weights - i've seen it happen a handful of times. sucks - but it happens. when you recognize that's what happened - get it fixed as quick as you can.
 
#5 ·
Not that throwing a wheel weight isn't possible, but..

Many times when playing in mud or snow, that very mud or snow will get packed into the wheel & temporarily unbalance the wheel/tire assembly.

I say 'temporarily', because the situation is easily remedied by clearing/cleaning the wheels of all mud/snow..
 
#7 ·
Stick on weights, safe deep inside the wheel, then sealed on with RTV silicon, will last as long as the tires, no matter what you drive through.
Without the RTV to seal them, mud, water, ice, sticks and road grim can get underneath and lift the weights off.
 
#9 ·
I have both sticky weights and hammer on.

Sealing the sticky weights in is a good idea.
I've thought about issuing foil tape. The stuff they use on air ducts. It's light but strong and pretty much water proof. Best part it peels off without leaving a mess.
 

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#28 ·
This. I used it on my race car, speeds over 170 and brake temps over 1100 degrees and never lost a weight.
 
#11 ·
yeah balance beads. i have been told you can go buy air soft pellets (much cheaper) and just follow the directions for how much - off of the balance beads directions...

never tried them myself. but honestly i've never heard bad things about them.
 
#13 ·
That means that sometimes I would have to do that 2 or 3 times a week!:punk:
 
#15 ·
Wheel weights are no problem, but my brand new $100 dollar Rancho RS5000 steering stabilizer is toast!:jawdrop: And if I could figure out how to pist pics from this ipad, you could see the carnage:rip:
 
#22 ·
Grass


Awwwright!!!!! Ya can teach an old dog new tricks!
 
#25 ·
#23 ·
Thanks, Ken!
 
#29 ·
I have beads, ceramic Dyna Beads: http://innovativebalancing.com/mobile/product_grp.php?grp=5

Love them. A bit of wobble when I first get going when the jeep has sat for more than a couple of hours, but once I hit 15 mph it completely smooths out. I don't have any wobble when resuming driving from stoplights, etc.

The ceramic beads resist the clumping found in cheaper ones made of different materials.

Plus when mud/snow/ice/zombie parts/roadkill etc get lodged in the wheel, they realign and compensate. Wonderful things.
 
#30 ·
I've read a lot of mixed reviews on the beads. Some say they work great, others made things much much worse. Removing those beads is a pain in the ass if you don't want them in there any longer. Also not a good idea to put them in stems with TPMS sensors as they get all jammed up in the sensors.
 
#37 ·
I do believe he cleans the area around the weights, then lets said solvent dry. And doesnt just slop on excess solvent!
 
#39 ·
For what its worth... I run beads AND TPMS sensors and have yet to have any issues. Had the beads for a couple of years now and its the way I'll be setting up my tires going forward.
 
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