Golf balls inside of tires. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LawMan02 · 12-12-2005, 10:37 PM

Has anyone heard of putting two golf balls inside of a tires to balance the tire instead of wheel weights? A trusty inmate said that he put two golf balls inside his large mud tires and as the tire rolled the balls would stay in the place needed to balance the tire.

**truckdude239** · 12-12-2005, 10:51 PM

ummm not ture i work in an tire shop the golf balls will move inside the tires even infalted they will move now i have heard of using sticky bbs to0 help balnce out tires but never tried it

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 12-12-2005, 10:52 PM

Never heard of it, it probably doesn't work. Wheel weights are easy to get a hold of and getting tires balanced shouldn't be a problem.

mblackburnjr · 12-12-2005, 10:58 PM

As the wheel accelerated, the balls would move farthest away from the wheel. what would make them go the same spot every time to help balance anything?....I dont think its feasible.

CG · 12-12-2005, 10:58 PM

when we were kids we would take a couple of marbles that would fit in the lip of our frisbees. you could roll em around the lip and they wouldnt fall out. when we tossed the frisbee that thing would wobble through the air with the marbles centrifically held in the lip...yes we were easily amused...it seems to me the golf balls would do the same thing except on a larger scale...but i didnt do well in physics so i could be all wet...=)

**SOON2BLAZE** · 12-12-2005, 11:17 PM

Trusted inmate? Is that an oxymoron? As a prison RN, I would advise you to find a better source of information

**tnblazerk5** · 12-12-2005, 11:21 PM

i think the golf balls would eat the inside or the tire in time and kill the tire

just my 02 cents worth

Scottb · 12-12-2005, 11:23 PM

use equal- golf balls dont work well. go to a truck stop shop and they wont charge u much- good for lifetime of tire- makes em last way longer

sdkid · 12-12-2005, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOON2BLAZE

Trusted inmate? Is that an oxymoron? As a prison RN, I would advise you to find a better source of information

Uh... Yea...What soon2blaze says...

AaronC · 12-13-2005, 12:44 AM

4x4 guys do it for larger super swamper tires. Over on Pirate4x4.com I read about it. airsoft plastic bb's and regular bb's do it too. People swear by it, but they only use them on large tires that won't balance with weights. I have airsoft in my 37 Irok's, guess it helps.
Aaron

avejoe · 12-13-2005, 02:28 AM

Low compression balls would spin and bite better, but high compression balls are better suited for distance driving. It really all depends on how your gonna use your truck.

Huck · 12-13-2005, 08:50 AM

My experience with golf balls is that I always wind up putting them into the water so if I put them inside my tires, my whole freakin truck would probably end up in a pond as well!! Think I'll pass but let us know how it works out!! (:>)

Rod · 12-13-2005, 10:52 AM

Myth Buster's hasn't done this one yet to my knowledge.

**basketcase** · 12-13-2005, 11:05 AM

Sounds like the old balance tubes they used to sell for semis. It was a plastic tube that mounted on the rim edge like a trim ring. It had a light oil in it and several steel ball bearings. The plan was that when rolling the steel balls would migrate to where the wheel needed them for balancing. I have no idea how well they worked. Since they were more $ than weights they never gained popularity.

Tom

Russell · 12-13-2005, 11:07 AM

It is a very common practice with a big 4x4 to stick stuff into your tires to balance them. The problem with wheel weights is that if you hit anything, those weights come off almost immediately, and the tires are so big, that you need some pretty large weights to balance them anyways.

People don't use golf balls though. They break down inside of the tire, and at low speeds, make noise.

Usually they use lead BBs, or plastic BBs. They will not make as much noise as golf balls, and distribute themselves better. And yes, they do work quite well

VinceY · 12-13-2005, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

Usually they use lead BBs, or plastic BBs. They will not make as much noise as golf balls, and distribute themselves better. And yes, they do work quite well

My Dad is trying to get me to order some of the bb type weight kits off the internet along with him. Shipping is cheaper the more you order. He has researched it out and likes what he has seen and heard. Want some Russell? The old man only lives a few miles from ya.

Mudder · 12-13-2005, 02:30 PM

Yes it works. The golf balls will come apart in time and they make noise when you come to a stop. The BB's have a tendency to rust. This is the way to go. Have heard nothing but good about this way.

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/gallery1.htm

stllookn · 12-13-2005, 03:15 PM

Well here is the response from Firestone/Bridgestone about this practice.

http://www.trucktires.com/publicatio...v6iss2/ra9.asp

**Captkaos** · 12-13-2005, 03:31 PM

My friend that runs a Tire store uses this product or something simular: http://www.counteractbalancing.com/

ChevLoRay · 12-13-2005, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avejoe

Low compression balls would spin and bite better, but high compression balls are better suited for distance driving. It really all depends on how your gonna use your truck.

....or, how you're gonna use your balls.

I don't see that having them inside your tires is of any possible benefit. I am thinking along the line of the "spinner" type of big roller wheels. They don't start out spinning, from a stop. There has to be some acceleration, during which time the spinner starts to spin. When you stop, the spinner keeps spinning until there is no more momentum. I foresee that the golf balls, bb's or any other round object would do essentially the same.

I'm not an physics person, either. I just have to go by my gut, which I am amply qualified to do.

Scottb · 12-13-2005, 08:04 PM

http://www.imiproducts.com/equal/tire-balancing.aspx

there's a link to equal.

texascowboy593 · 12-13-2005, 09:17 PM

I like Top-Flite myself

jim walker · 12-14-2005, 12:49 PM

I ve got some swampland in Florida I d like to sell you. Let me know if you re interested........

thejoker · 12-14-2005, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim walker

I ve got some swampland in Florida I d like to sell you. Let me know if you re interested........

Wrong forum Jim

JKR

Russell · 12-14-2005, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceY

My Dad is trying to get me to order some of the bb type weight kits off the internet along with him. Shipping is cheaper the more you order. He has researched it out and likes what he has seen and heard. Want some Russell? The old man only lives a few miles from ya.

I'm only running 31s on my truck at the moment, and don't plan on taking it offroad too much...

There is a possiblity I may be picking a K-5 up, but I dunno when I'd be getting tires for it, if I did.

12-12-2005, 10:37 PM	#1
LawMan02 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Saint Francisville, Louisiana Posts: 157	Golf balls inside of tires. Has anyone heard of putting two golf balls inside of a tires to balance the tire instead of wheel weights? A trusty inmate said that he put two golf balls inside his large mud tires and as the tire rolled the balls would stay in the place needed to balance the tire. __________________ 1972 GMC K2500, stepside, stock 350, 4 speed. Former F/D truck with 32,000 miles, no rust. 1973 Jeep CJ 5, 304, 33's with side pipes 2008 GMC 2500HD, CC, SWB, D/A, SLT

12-12-2005, 10:51 PM	#2
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,233	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. ummm not ture i work in an tire shop the golf balls will move inside the tires even infalted they will move now i have heard of using sticky bbs to0 help balnce out tires but never tried it __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

12-12-2005, 10:52 PM	#3
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Never heard of it, it probably doesn't work. Wheel weights are easy to get a hold of and getting tires balanced shouldn't be a problem. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

12-12-2005, 10:58 PM	#4
mblackburnjr collector of vintage rust Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: southern ohio Posts: 421	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. As the wheel accelerated, the balls would move farthest away from the wheel. what would make them go the same spot every time to help balance anything?....I dont think its feasible.

12-12-2005, 10:58 PM	#5
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,846	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. when we were kids we would take a couple of marbles that would fit in the lip of our frisbees. you could roll em around the lip and they wouldnt fall out. when we tossed the frisbee that thing would wobble through the air with the marbles centrifically held in the lip...yes we were easily amused...it seems to me the golf balls would do the same thing except on a larger scale...but i didnt do well in physics so i could be all wet...=)

12-12-2005, 11:17 PM	#6
SOON2BLAZE Account Suspended Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southern UT Posts: 906	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Trusted inmate? Is that an oxymoron? As a prison RN, I would advise you to find a better source of information Last edited by SOON2BLAZE; 12-12-2005 at 11:22 PM.

12-12-2005, 11:21 PM	#7
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. i think the golf balls would eat the inside or the tire in time and kill the tire just my 02 cents worth

12-12-2005, 11:23 PM	#8
Scottb Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 17	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. use equal- golf balls dont work well. go to a truck stop shop and they wont charge u much- good for lifetime of tire- makes em last way longer __________________ 70 GMC C2500 BB 402, LSD Dana 60 rear, Converted to SM 465, Holley 750, Edelbrock Performer RPM air-gap intake, Flowtech Headers, 2.5" Flomaster Exhaust, HEI ignition, 81 Chevy disk Brakes. All work done by myself. last 1/4 mile (almost 3 years ago) 15.9 @ 86

12-13-2005, 12:44 AM	#10
AaronC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: waynesville, ohio Posts: 1	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. 4x4 guys do it for larger super swamper tires. Over on Pirate4x4.com I read about it. airsoft plastic bb's and regular bb's do it too. People swear by it, but they only use them on large tires that won't balance with weights. I have airsoft in my 37 Irok's, guess it helps. Aaron

12-13-2005, 02:28 AM	#11
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Low compression balls would spin and bite better, but high compression balls are better suited for distance driving. It really all depends on how your gonna use your truck. __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage Last edited by avejoe; 12-13-2005 at 02:31 AM.

12-13-2005, 08:50 AM	#12
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. My experience with golf balls is that I always wind up putting them into the water so if I put them inside my tires, my whole freakin truck would probably end up in a pond as well!! Think I'll pass but let us know how it works out!! (:>)

12-13-2005, 10:52 AM	#13
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Myth Buster's hasn't done this one yet to my knowledge.

12-13-2005, 11:05 AM	#14
basketcase Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Edgerton OH USA Posts: 631	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Sounds like the old balance tubes they used to sell for semis. It was a plastic tube that mounted on the rim edge like a trim ring. It had a light oil in it and several steel ball bearings. The plan was that when rolling the steel balls would migrate to where the wheel needed them for balancing. I have no idea how well they worked. Since they were more $ than weights they never gained popularity. Tom __________________ '69 swb stepside in progress. '59 Corvette lifetime project

12-13-2005, 11:07 AM	#15
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. It is a very common practice with a big 4x4 to stick stuff into your tires to balance them. The problem with wheel weights is that if you hit anything, those weights come off almost immediately, and the tires are so big, that you need some pretty large weights to balance them anyways. People don't use golf balls though. They break down inside of the tire, and at low speeds, make noise. Usually they use lead BBs, or plastic BBs. They will not make as much noise as golf balls, and distribute themselves better. And yes, they do work quite well __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

12-13-2005, 02:30 PM	#17
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Yes it works. The golf balls will come apart in time and they make noise when you come to a stop. The BB's have a tendency to rust. This is the way to go. Have heard nothing but good about this way. http://www.innovativebalancing.com/gallery1.htm



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12-13-2005, 03:15 PM	#18
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. Well here is the response from Firestone/Bridgestone about this practice. http://www.trucktires.com/publicatio...v6iss2/ra9.asp __________________ '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) Last edited by stllookn; 12-13-2005 at 03:16 PM.

12-13-2005, 03:31 PM	#19
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. My friend that runs a Tire store uses this product or something simular: http://www.counteractbalancing.com/ __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

12-13-2005, 08:04 PM	#21
Scottb Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 17	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. http://www.imiproducts.com/equal/tire-balancing.aspx there's a link to equal. __________________ 70 GMC C2500 BB 402, LSD Dana 60 rear, Converted to SM 465, Holley 750, Edelbrock Performer RPM air-gap intake, Flowtech Headers, 2.5" Flomaster Exhaust, HEI ignition, 81 Chevy disk Brakes. All work done by myself. last 1/4 mile (almost 3 years ago) 15.9 @ 86

12-13-2005, 09:17 PM	#22
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. I like Top-Flite myself __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

12-14-2005, 12:49 PM	#23
jim walker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 156	Re: Golf balls inside of tires. I ve got some swampland in Florida I d like to sell you. Let me know if you re interested........

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