Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: c1obrien on December 29, 2012, 09:02:00 AM

Title: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on December 29, 2012, 09:02:00 AM

Decided not to take a chance trying to force Dyna Beads through a 90-degree valve stem, so went go old school with traditional weights. After looking around at various wheel balancers, I wondered if I could whip one together myself. Here's what I came up with. It's very functional for less than $20.
chip

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: fmwhit on December 29, 2012, 09:59:14 AM

I love it.  American ingenuity at its best.  What did you use for the cones?

Fred

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on December 29, 2012, 10:06:08 AM

They're rubber shock absorber bushings from Napa Auto Parts. Cost $7.50.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 29, 2012, 10:11:57 AM

If you have part numbers and a material list, that would help.

 :goodpost:

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on December 29, 2012, 10:34:38 AM

The “axel” is ½ inch, the wing nuts and hardware are to match. The rollers are drawer hardware from Ace Hardware. The part number for the shock absorber bushing is Napa 650-1100.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: Rhino on December 29, 2012, 01:54:02 PM

Relies on the wheel bearings being low enough friction. Are they?

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: gPink on December 29, 2012, 02:04:45 PM

I think a video of the OP inserting the Dynabeads through the 90, past the sensor would be a worthy project.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: Gsun on December 29, 2012, 02:50:51 PM

Shouldn't you have the tire on?

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: rwulf on December 29, 2012, 04:22:37 PM

Nice and good workmanship.
I could use that on my wheelbarrow.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: JerBear on December 29, 2012, 04:38:40 PM

This is a slightly more expensive alternative:

http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-balancing-stand-98488.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-balancing-stand-98488.html)

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on December 29, 2012, 06:33:58 PM

Yes, the tire will need to be on. The bearings are those cheap little things you see along the sides of drawers like in a kitchen, and the weight of the wheel/tire are more than enough to get the thing to spin on and on forever. I will mount the tire tomorrow since my new 90-degree tire valves arrived today. Thanks to Murph!
chip

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: Conrad on December 30, 2012, 06:06:09 AM

Good call on not using the DynaBeads.   

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on December 30, 2012, 09:41:35 AM

I saw that one from Harbor Freight. That was my second choice. I guess the $20 I saved will have to go toward frothy, hops-based libations.
chip

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: elektradw on December 31, 2012, 10:01:51 AM

Here is a nice one from http://www.marcparnes.com (http://www.marcparnes.com)

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: Rhino on December 31, 2012, 10:32:25 AM

Quote from: elektradw on December 31, 2012, 10:01:51 AM

Here is a nice one from http://www.marcparnes.com (http://www.marcparnes.com)

+1  :thumbs:

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: tbanzer on January 01, 2013, 09:14:00 AM

I stick a piece of threaded rod through the bearings and put it on a couple of jack stands. I can honestly say I have never noticed a tire being out of balance even if it was just put on and never checked.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: c1obrien on January 01, 2013, 06:29:02 PM

I put my rear tire on the balancer today, and it didn't need a thing. Is that normal?

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: nibby on January 01, 2013, 10:02:25 PM

I have looked at the Dynabeads before but decided against them. How are they?

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 02, 2013, 03:56:42 AM

 :popcorn:

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: gPink on January 02, 2013, 04:21:18 AM

Quote from: nibby on January 01, 2013, 10:02:25 PM

I have looked at the Dynabeads before but decided against them. How are they?

Great as long as they're mixed with synthetic diesel oil.

Title: Re: $20 Wheel Balancer
Post by: Conrad on January 02, 2013, 04:23:04 AM

Quote from: gPink on January 02, 2013, 04:21:18 AM

Great as long as they're mixed with synthetic diesel oil.

And just enough Ride On to make it interesting...