Spin balance vs. bubble balance? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stllookn · 05-01-2003, 11:12 AM

Anyone have any comments on this for a set of wheels and tires. I have not had any bad problems with bubble balance but know that spin balancing is more accurate. Any other experiences?

lpaine · 05-01-2003, 11:45 AM

It's a safe bet that a spin balance is the only way to go; a bubble balance would do in a pinch, but isn't going to get it as right as a spin, I know almost all tire shops around here use a spin balance, I don't think a modern shop would even use a "bubble" balance-pretty archaic- any tire shop should include a spin balance for your new tires with installation. I wouldn't settle for anything less...Just my .02

bobs409 · 05-01-2003, 01:34 PM

The tire shops in my area charge extra for the spin balance. Bubble balance comes free with new tires. (and new stems)

I always go with the spin balance for new tires.

Low69CST · 05-01-2003, 02:02 PM

I have a bubble balancer, I blanced a set of tires on my toyota 4x4 and they did fine even at interstate speed.

stllookn · 05-01-2003, 02:09 PM

I guess that pretty much reinforces what I have observed here...the guys that sell stolen tires from the back of an old trailer are the only ones using the bubble balance...LOL! Most of the reputable shops around here that I checked with are offering a free spin balance or charge depending upon how badly they want your business. I guess I am going to have to stop buying from those guys...they do provide a cheap spare when I need one.

Longhorn Man · 05-02-2003, 12:30 AM

The main thing when you spin ballance the wheel/tire combo, is the computer can tell you if you need the weight on the inside, or on the out side of the rim.
While buble ballance is fine, get spin ballance if you can.

Iron-Butt · 05-02-2003, 04:19 AM

we have both nut dont bubble bal anymore.

05-01-2003, 11:12 AM	#1
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Spin balance vs. bubble balance? Anyone have any comments on this for a set of wheels and tires. I have not had any bad problems with bubble balance but know that spin balancing is more accurate. Any other experiences? __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

05-01-2003, 11:45 AM	#2
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	It's a safe bet that a spin balance is the only way to go; a bubble balance would do in a pinch, but isn't going to get it as right as a spin, I know almost all tire shops around here use a spin balance, I don't think a modern shop would even use a "bubble" balance-pretty archaic- any tire shop should include a spin balance for your new tires with installation. I wouldn't settle for anything less...Just my .02 __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

05-01-2003, 01:34 PM	#3
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	The tire shops in my area charge extra for the spin balance. Bubble balance comes free with new tires. (and new stems) I always go with the spin balance for new tires. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

05-01-2003, 02:02 PM	#4
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I have a bubble balancer, I blanced a set of tires on my toyota 4x4 and they did fine even at interstate speed. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

05-01-2003, 02:09 PM	#5
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	I guess that pretty much reinforces what I have observed here...the guys that sell stolen tires from the back of an old trailer are the only ones using the bubble balance...LOL! Most of the reputable shops around here that I checked with are offering a free spin balance or charge depending upon how badly they want your business. I guess I am going to have to stop buying from those guys...they do provide a cheap spare when I need one. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

05-02-2003, 12:30 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	The main thing when you spin ballance the wheel/tire combo, is the computer can tell you if you need the weight on the inside, or on the out side of the rim. While buble ballance is fine, get spin ballance if you can.

05-02-2003, 04:19 AM	#7
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	we have both nut dont bubble bal anymore. __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.



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