Tire balancing sand


FAQ | Counteract Balancing Beads

What Makes Counteract Different?

Counteract is the ONLY balancing product on the market proven to improve fuel economy in two separate S.A.E and TMC type II tests. We were the first to market 100% glass beads for balancing. Don't be fooled by competitive claims, Counteract's technology makes it the most technologically advanced system on the market today.

How much Counteract do I need?

The amount of Counteract needed is determined by the vehicle and the tire size, and in some cases the aggressiveness of the tread. Try our handy calculator to find out exactly what is recommended for your tire.

 

Does Counteract void tire warranties?

No, Counteract does not void any tire warranties. Due to our advanced technology Counteract does not harm the inside of a tire, once removing Counteract from a tire you would never know it was inside. Warranties are only voided if the internal balancer has caused harm to the interior of the tire carcass, or you can tell that something was installed inside the tire. None of these happen using Counteract.

 

Can You Put Too Many Balancing Beads in a Tire?

Having too many beads inside the tire in some cases can cause a slight imbalance. This is a concern on smaller tires where there is not as much room in the tire cavity for the beads to evenly spread themselves where they need to be. When there is too much, it can create a "traffic jam" where the excess beads get forced into the wrong balance position creating an imbalance. There is certainly an ideal amount of product to have inside the tires, as directed by our application charts. The smaller the tire, we need to be precise, the larger the tire, such as commercial tires or off-road tires there is much more room to allow for extra product without hindering the performance. We will always recommend referencing from our chart, and we always remind customers to make sure they are referencing the proper chart as we do have specific charts for specific applications.

 

Is Counteract re-usable?

Yes, Counteract is re-usable. However, you must be careful when re-using the product. When we manufacture our product it goes through a special decontamination and cleansing process. When you re-use it you could lose some beads or contaminate them which could cause the product to not work as effectively. For the price and extended tire life you receive using Counteract it makes sense to put in fresh product.

 

Is your Truck product the same as the Motorcycle?

No, our truck beads and our motorcycle beads are different. They go through different refining process and are manufactured differently. Motorcycle tires are different then truck tires, so are our beads. If you use the truck beads in a motorcycle we will not honor any warranty claims or support any issues that may arise.

 

Will the product react to any known materials?

No, Counteract Balancing Beads will not react with any known metal or materials.

 

Can you balance a tire with Counteract on a tire balance machine?

No. The Counteract Balancing Beads will only move to the balanced position through inertia generated by the out of balance condition of the complete wheel assembly and the up and down motion of the vehicle suspension.

 

Can I use Counteract Balancing Beads when I have another balancing product installed?

It is not advised to combine other internal balancing agents or balancing rings with Counteract Balancing Beads.  It is recommended that all other types of balancing be removed so as not to hamper Counteract Balancing Beads  from balancing the wheel assembly properly.

 

I have heard internal balancing heats up the tire? Is this true?

Counteract Balancing Beadshas proven that we allow tires to run 30 degrees cooler than a traditional spin balance, and 60 degrees cooler another popular internal balancer. Counteract actually keeps your tires running cooler, helping eliminate thermal degradation and irregular wear.

 

Can I use beads in conjunction with weights?

No, you should not combine weights with the use of internal balancers. The reason being is they work against each other. If you have a balance issue, you only need Counteract.

I have a internal tire pressure monitoring system will your beads damage them?

Counteract is 100% TPMS compatible. Counteract can and should not be injected through the valve stem if it has TPMS sensors, in this case you must install the product while the tire is broken or while being mounted.

I installed the beads, but I still have a vibration?

Counteract is a balancing product. If there is an imbalance with your tires Counteract will remedy the problem. However, no balancing product can fix a bad tire, bent rim or mechanical problem.  If you need help troubleshooting a vibration issue, please feel free to submit this troubleshooting form and we'll contact you to help resolve your issue. Click Here

Can I use Balancing Beads in car tires?

Counteract does not recommend the use of internal balancing products in most automobile tires (the exception being classic cars). For a detailed explanation click here

Will Counteract fix vibrations on a vehicle with a lift kit?

When you put a lift kit on a vehicle, it changes the angle of the driveshaft, rendering the driveshaft itself unbalanced. This can cause the vibrations that are sometimes mistaken for tire balance vibrations. No matter what you do to balance your tires in this situation, it won't eliminate the driveshaft vibration. To learn more, check out this article by 4WheelParts Click here

I used the recommended amount and still have issues, what could be going wrong?

Our application charts are based on a stock vehicle with stock wheels and no modifications. In many cases, when a vehicle is modified it changes the dynamics and drive-ability of that vehicle. In those instances, our recommended amount may, or may not be enough to compensate for the tire imbalances. It is also to be noted that when a vehicle has aftermarket wheels, lift kits or other aftermarket components, there are many more possibilities for vibration that may not be tire balance related. Counteract will balance a tire, wheel and its entire rotating assembly. It will not fix an alignment issue, driveshaft imbalance, or harmonic vibrations from an aggressive tire tread.

Do Counteract Balancing Beads clump due to moisture?

No, Ambient moisture does not affect the product's performance, this is due to our special coating.

Will the product breakdown over time?

Counteract Balancing Beads are made of recycled tempered glass and do not break down when used in tires, the evidence of this is in millions of applications sold since introduction in 1997. Not one case of this problem has ever been reported.

How do I remove the product from the tire?

Counteract Balancing Beads are easy to remove. The simplest way is to use the Counteract Air Powered Bead Vacuum which allows you to quickly vacuum beads out of a tire, avoiding messy spills. Alternatively you can sweep the beads into a pile inside the tire and scoop them out. Always be careful not to spill the beads onto your work surface.

Do you need a valve filter to prevent the valve from clogging?

<pValve clogging is not a common problem with Counteract Balancing Beads and is usually the result of dust (we remove all dust at the manufacturing stage). A valve filter may help but can also slow down air flow or become clogged itself by dust, making it difficult to check air pressure. To address this situation the beads are selected by size and put through multiple screening and dusting processes. To reduce the possibility of a valve leak, it is recommended to use a Counteract Valve Core and self sealing valve cap (supplied in every package).

 

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Why not sell bulk pails?

The reason we do not sell bulk pails of Counteract is due to multiple issues. If we have shop users weighing out their own beads and putting them in tires, we cannot guarantee that their scale or scoop is accurate to our required tire size measurements. We package the bags individually for specific tire sizes so that there are no issues.   It allows us to have control over what is being installed into the tire, therefore we will help with any support needed. If you weigh your own, you’re on your own and we are not responsible if anything goes wrong. Also, as mentioned before, our product has a special decontamination and cleaning process, if users weigh out their own they can contaminate the product and cause issues.

Can I use Counteract with tire slime and sealants?

No, Counteract is not compatible with any tire sealant or slime. Do not combine these products.

for-motorcycles | Counteract Balancing Beads

FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC!!

*****

The Story: Modded my chunky 1800cc cruiser with a non-standard phatty front tire for personal comfort, handling and style reasons. Came back from the garage with CRAZY out-of-balance vibrations at most speeds, becoming *dangerously* wild at highway speeds. Didn't want to take it back to the garage who balanced it as they already didn't like the idea of the non-standard tire (which was approved in writing by the tire manufacturer, in addition to many dozens of personal reviews. ..), so I chose not to engage that battle with the garage and after some research went with these beads instead. Removed all the weights on front *and* back wheels, installed the beads per instructions (eZpZ - just a bit of patience and about 10mins per tire - recommend using a bike lift to hold it while loading), pumped the tires back to proper pressure and have put about 1000kms on them since - HOLY COW!! Like NIGHT and DAY compared to what must have been *wildly* incorrect weights applied by the garage. Plus, now I don't have any unsightly weights on my rims. Beads work AWESOME - smooth as silk, no noticeable "start off" unbalance feel whatsoever (they claim static holds them in place for brief stops). HIGHLY recommended - wish I did them from Day 1. Enjoy.
2016 M109R
Happy Happy Joy Joy 3 years ago

August 17, 2021

 

Flawless long term dynamic tire balancing product

*****

I've been using Counteract Balance Beads for yearson a 2004 Yamaha FZ6 (for approximately 60,000 km and 3 or 4 sets of tires), a friend's Honda NC700x, and now I'm also using them in a 2012 Yamaha WR250R (tubed motorcycle). I believe that they increase the life of the tire - and of special note my front tires don't cup anymore either. No feeling of 'out of balance' ever from installation (which I do myself) to the end-of-life removal of the tire. FWIW, if you get a puncture, don't use a 'slime' type product as then the beads will not be able to move to the light spots in the tire anymore. You can't throw a balance bead like you can a weight, and they're easier on the rim too. They're much easier to use than trying to balance perfectly with weights as well. I also reuse them when I change tires.
2004 Yamaha FZ6
Southeast Steve  August 2021

 

No more vibrations

*****

After lacing a new rim on my bike, I had a vibration at around 60. Tried putting some balance beads into the existing tube, but that didn't quite get rid of the shake. I decided to try this tube with beads already in it, and that fixed it! Going to get one for the rear soon.

Dustin · Review provided by revzilla. com
May 26, 2020

 

 

QUALITY TUBE

*****

It doesn't really cost any more than a standard tube + Counteract beads, and having the beads already in the tube makes the job easier (unless you have really balance poor knobbies like Dunlop 606's ... then maybe you'll need more beads in the tube). The tube itself feels like a quality product and the valve looks to be of high quality too. I'm using this one on a 2012 Yamaha WR250R. Future Ready-balance tubes will get used on a 1999 BMW F650 and on the rear of the WR as well. Southeast Steve · Review provided by fortnine.ca

August 17, 2021

 

EXCELLENT PRODUCT

*****

I checked this product out on line, was a little skeptical at first, but watched a few videos and read the reviews from other sites. Since removing the stick on weights and adding the beads the difference has been incredible. Very smooth all vibration is gone, I highly recommend this product and am now considering purchasing more and using them on my car as well. I recommend them to all my bike riding friends.
Jeff- 6 years ago
2009 Suzuki M90

Followed the instructions exactly and they worked!

*****

Read a lot of reviews here and elsewhere that claimed this was a long process, didn't work, junk, etc.. Well I read the instructions and installed the beads EXACTLY like the instructions said. Pouring a little at a time down the valves was the main point to follow. It took a total of maybe 5 minutes per wheel to do. To me this was just an experiment as I already have a wheel balancing machine and have balanced many wheels in the past. A bonus is no weights to fly off or get knocked off. Chanced tires and tubes, filled up with beads and took off. ZERO issues with wobbles or air leakage. My days of balancing motorcycle tires are over. A bonus feature: If you keep a kit in your roadside emergency repair kit you can balance your tire while doing a roadside repair.

What do you ride? '09 T-100 & '18 KLR650
Just a guy - March 2021

 

 

August 17, 2021

 

good alternative for wheel balance

*****

I have done about 8 tires now with the balance beads and am convinced that this is the only way to go. The first set of tires took me on a 8000kms journey on rough roads before the tire wore down. i was curious of what the beads looked like after all these miles. I figured that they would be worn down and powedered up, but looked like new. I was carefull and pulled them out of the old rubber and reinstalled in the replacement tires. The inside of the old rubber was not effected by the beads at all. I am saving about $50 per tire by doing this myself. So far for me that is a $400 savings.

What do you ride? 2016 wee-strom
Rob 2019

 

Thought it was a gimmick, but they actually work

*****

I was skeptical at first, but determined to change my own tires and balance them myself. I thought I'd try this before spending big money on a static balancing set up or going through the trouble of making one.

I was sure it sounded too good to be true, but I've been really impressed. I've put on a couple of hundred KMs with the balance beads at varying speeds. My old tires must have come out of balance a bit through wear, because I can feel a very big difference in the vibration at speed - much smoother now.

I have a BMW R1100GS and put 3oz in the rear and 2oz in the front. It wasn't quick, or fun to put them in, but it was a small price to pay. The kit is very well thought out too. I was impressed that they even provide the extra valves and caps. Its a nice touch.

I'd definitely recommend these. Its not just snake oil.

What do you ride? 1998 R1100GS
Trevor 2018

 

 

#TEAMCOUNTERACT

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All valid entries will be entered into two draws:
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Participants can enter as many different posts as they want. Each different post qualifies as an entry.  Winners are only eligible to win 1 draw per month.
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**DIY Kits Available

Wheel balancing features

If you ignore the need for wheel balancing, driving a car will become uncomfortable. Moreover, it can lead to very sad consequences. At the very least, tires will wear out faster and the chance of losing control will steadily increase. An unstable wheel will always cause increased vibration and will also lead to accelerated wear on the steering system.

Method

For balancing, a special balancing machine is used. With its help, the wheels of trucks, cars and even motorcycles are centered. In the role of a balancing weight, several types of weights made of zinc or lead are used. They are fixed on the disk. However, this procedure can only restore balance to a disk with rubber. The entire suspension system will not be balanced as a whole. nine0003

Finishing balancing allows for a more accurate adjustment. The technique makes it possible to completely get rid of the imbalance of the wheel suspension. However, it is used exclusively in light vehicles.

Another way to eliminate imbalance is auto-balancing. In the people it is also called the "internal" balancing of the wheels of a car. For this, fine-grained sand, microbeads or a number of powders are used. The essence of the work of this method lies in the interaction of the vibration that occurs in the suspension and the centrifugal force of the wheel rotating at the time of the ride. The main advantage of the method is the electrostaticity of the materials used. This guarantees a reliable attraction of the material to the inner walls of the tire, reducing the unbalance to zero. nine0003

Benefits of using internal balancing

Compared to some of the techniques listed above, internal balancing has the most benefits. For instance:

  • Minimum price for wheel balancing. Granules can be used more than once, but for the entire life of the tire. When it is repaired, the material is collected without problems in the dishes, and then added back inside;
  • Providing automatic balancing. Suspension components and handling remain in good technical condition; nine0018
  • Guarantee of even tire wear, as vibrations due to unevenness in the road surface are damped;
  • Compared to specialized powders, the inner walls of the tire are not contaminated, and the maintenance itself is not complicated;
  • The material does not stick together into large lumps and does not attract water;
  • Nipple valve does not clog;
  • Balancing with the help of special materials does not require the master to work on a special balancing stand. nine0018

Laser test

During movement, the wheel tends to change the angle set at 90 degrees, that is, to go to the side. Such a state of the wheel will certainly lead to the fact that the driver will have to constantly adjust the direction of movement - the car will independently turn left or right. To identify and eliminate this drawback allows a special balancing stand with a laser check.

The main advantage of using such equipment is the ability to quickly determine the source of the problem. Most often, the problem can appear in the front pair of wheels. The reason for this is poor fixation of the wheel or a malfunction of the steering. The troubleshooting procedure itself can last a maximum of 1-2 hours, depending on its complexity. nine0003

As you can see, wheel balancing is a must. But there is no way to do it on your own - repair work requires the use of specialized equipment. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek help from specialists.

Wheel balancing | ShinoMania

Online Entry

Price List

Wheel balancing is used to prevent wheel vibration or "knock" that occurs when a car wheel is unbalanced by weight, and also prevents deformation and early wear of tires. No matter how accurate tires are produced, as a rule, their center of mass of the wheel does not converge with its geometric center. The task of balancing is to bring them as close as possible to each other. nine0003

If the vibration does not disappear when the vehicle is driven with balanced wheels, then this is a sign that the disc is deformed or the tires are unevenly worn.

As soon as the car or steering wheel vibrates, be sure to check the balance!

If wheels are not balanced in time , then in addition to unpleasant sensations, the suspension and steering rack elements will fail very quickly, the repair of which will cost a pretty penny

Tire balancing is performed only on disks, and, in turn, new disks, before putting tires on them, are checked for geometry without fail. nine0003

Basic wheel balancing methods:

  • Balancing on a balancing machine;
  • Finish balancing
  • Automatic (internal) balancing.

Balancing machine

The most common balancing method is balancing on a balancing machine. Modern balancing machines have high precision. To align the "geometry" of the wheel, special metal weights are glued to the disk, which eliminate the weight imbalance. When it is not possible to stick a weight, stuffed weights are used, which are attached to the outer edge of the disk. True, the minus of stuffed weights is the fact that they spoil the coating of the disk, as well as oxidize the place where the weight is attached. In turn, self-adhesive weights can peel off over time, as well as be washed off with a strong pressure of water when washing the car. nine0075 Weights are attached both from the outside and from the inside of the wheel. The machine monitor shows the weight and place for installing the weights.

Finish balancing

Final balancing is performed without removing the wheels from the car and allows you to balance the hub and the wheel together, thereby eliminating the suspension imbalance as much as possible.


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