Hi everyone, not sure if anyone has tried this, but I've got really amazing results from a bubble balancer on the RCF wheels. I had noticed a vibrations at certain speeds greater than 70+ MPH so I figured I'd give this a shot after reading various reviews. Worst case I'd just have taken into the dealer or shop anyway for machine balancing if it didn't work out.. I had no idea it would work as well as it did. Seriously, it's like getting a new car. The ride is now laser smooth well past 100mph! After balancing all 4 wheels, that little balancer has already paid for itself twice.

There is a slight learning curve in understanding the theory behind it and it did take some trial and error initially, but trust that it's well worth that minimal effort. Seriously, it's like getting a new car.

 

Which bubble balancer did you get?

 

I got it from Amazon, specifically: . I actually bought 2 different brands, but settled on that one lastly. The bubble balancers of this type seem to all relatively to be the same type of construction with minor differences. The most important point is that no matter which one is purchased, that you apply a modification to widen the balance point in the cone that makes the bubble movement extremely sensitive to even 1/8 oz weights (and light breezes for that matter.. lol).

Also, I removed that the upper wheel seating spring assembly which significantly removes a hidden error that is introduced when the seating springs are compressed. That part is not needed at all.

All of this let's gravity do the job

 

Did you use stick on weight?

 

Yes, I got the 1/2 and 1/4 oz sets of sticky weights. On that point, there is a specific location on the wheel interior rim surface (according to the Service manual) where to apply weights.
Once you find and mark the location on the wheel that centers the bubble, you have to put half of the weight in the inner part of the rim and the other half near the outer face in the designated stick point locations right at the mark you made. This means that you have to always work with an even number of weights so you can split them evenly at the 2 marked locations. After applying, make sure the bubble is now still perfectly centered. That should do it.

 

^^^^Back to the Future Bubble balancing was used in tire shops in the old days. Dynamic balancing came along later is is now used by just about all tire retailers. It is also far superior. There also used to be a type of balance where the mechanic clamped on a device with concentric rings he would turn by feel while the wheel was being fast rotated by a wheel turning device to find the correct balance. You had to be quite good to master this art.

Do I understand you to say you have weights mounted on the outer side of your alloy wheels

Lou

 

Thanks Lou for the feedback. And yes, it is an art that you can master to do this type of balance easily at home. The weight locations, as an example, are depicted by the gray weights in the pic.



Wheel weight locations..

 

Apparently, when I put my Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on last spring, the tire shop told me there tires were so well balanced from factory there was no balancing needed. There are no weights on my wheels so he was definitely not BS'ing. Also, the car drives amazingly well so it must be the tires.

 

I've seen that before as well especially when the tire is mounted properly with the heavy point on a tire match properly on the light side of the wheel.