Automotive Tire Changers and Balancers

The low profile tire simply looks better than a normal profile tire and allows the tire to fit comfortably within the fender well. The lower profile tire has better performance and handling characteristics as well. However, low profile tires have compromised the ride quality of the vehicle and made precision wheel balancing even more critical.

For the dealer to have the most effective, efficient, and risk free mounting operations possible they need to invest in a top range tire changing system that offers no-lever function. These machines feature plastic to rim and plastic to tire contact. If improperly used these machines are designed so that the plastic tooling used by the machine may be damaged but the tire and rim will not be damaged.

For the most effective mounting processes you should invest immediately in a new age tire changer and learn its proper operation. Then teach its proper operation to all your employees who will be using it.

The Ravaglioli G8945.26 Memory is an excellent examples of cutting edge tire changing systems. They feature all plastic contact and are fully accessorized with wheel lift, pneumatic help, and an array of accessories.

Wheel Balancing

Stiffer, better performing suspensions along with more rigid, low profile tires have combined to make precision wheel balancing an absolute must. No longer is “close” good enough….wheel balancing must be spot on or the risk of a vibration issue is high.

In our opinion if a wheel balancer is more than 5 years old the dealer should strongly consider replacing it. Balancing technology from the leading manufacturers has improved significantly over the past 3-5 years and these modern balancers offer a level of accuracy unattainable 5 years ago.

These modern balancers are also much more easily operated than the previous models and the best of the lot require very little interaction or programming from the operator. Keep in mind that proper operation of the machine is a key to precision results. The easier the machine is to operate the more likely you will get the precision results that you are looking for.

(This is important)

Perhaps the most important aspect regarding wheel balancing is the proper mounting of the wheel on the balancing machine. Fifteen years ago leading manufacturers introduced balancing machines that touted their ability to measure the eccentricity of the tire and approximately measure the eccentricity of the wheel….then guide the operator to turn or index the tire on the rim so that the assembly is as round as it is possible to make it. That process had its place 15 years ago when out of round tires and even rims were more prevalent. Times change and with it technology improves and tire manufacturing technology has drastically improved in that length of time. No longer are we seeing any great numbers of out of round tires or rims by leading manufacturers. Most tire professionals agree that in general the leading tire and wheel manufacturers are creating a quality product.

Today we believe the focus should be on using the correct mounting adaptors so that the mounting process used on the balancer closely replicates that being used on the vehicle. This means that instead of typical tapered “one size fits all” cones you should use centering discs that precisely fit the center hole of the wheel. This is how the wheel is centered when installed on the vehicle. Lug type adaptors should be used in conjunction with the centering discs so that the rim is also centered and secured thru the lug holes. This system is also used when the wheel is installed on the vehicle. These precision adaptor kits are available from manufacturers such as Haweka and they work well with most balancing machines.

PROBLEMS WITH USING STANDARD TAPERED CONES

From the back side of rim

  1. Cones are too long and they contact an obstruction inside of the center bore before the cone can seat properly on the back side  of the rim.
  2. The taper of cones are much too severe to allow proper centering
  3. When mounting clad covered wheels, the plastic clips securing the cladding interfere with the cone. A precision collet or disc works much better.

Our Machines

The Ravaglioli G7 SCAN Balanceris perfect for the workshop who is after the most precise results possible with the least interaction from the operator. You simply lower the hood and the balancer scans the wheel, selects the program, measures the imbalance, and places a laser dot on the rim indicating the precise location of the wheel weight….and does all this in 6 seconds. It uses an extra powerful DC motor which means even heavy truck assemblies can be balanced as quickly and precisely as lighter automotive combinations.

If your budget is tight the Ravaglioli G3.140RScombines precision accuracy and ease of use in a high quality machine that will not break your bank account. This value packed machine can be outfitted with many high end features and is a top seller.

BALANCER SUMMARY:

  • DO NOT INVEST ALL THE MONEY IN THE BALANCING MACHINE….BUY A MACHINE WITH FEWER BELLS AND WHISTLES…. AND  INVEST IN PRECISION ADAPTORS INSTEAD.
  • THE PROPER ADAPTOR SHOULD DUPLICATE THE MOUNTING OF THE WHEEL WHEN IT IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE…THRU THE LUG HOLES AND PRECISELY CENTERED THRU THE CENTER HOLE