Frequently Asked Questions About Equal Tire Balancer

What Is Equal?

Equal is a dry polymer granule designed to reduce the vibration level of a loaded pneumatic tire in the dynamic mode, i.e., when the tire is rolling down the highway. The Equal granules are placed inside the tire and are free to move about the tire, constantly changing in location to accommodate various road conditions.

What Causes Tire And Wheel Vibrations?

There are two primary causes of tire and wheel vibrations. The most widely known cause is imbalance caused by weight variations inside the tire and eccentricity of the tire's diameter. Some tire brands are obviously better than others in this regard. However, every tire--no matter how high the manufacturing quality--contains weight and dimensional variations.

The second, more technical, cause is radial and lateral force variation. Force variation is the result of tire/wheel, brake drum/rotor inconsistencies along with other rotating axle end components and variables in operating conditions that cause vibrations as the tire contacts the road surface under load. Radial and lateral force variation impacts the footprint of the tire as it meets and leaves the road surface, eventually wearing down your tire. There are so many anomalies that cause force variation that it's virtually inevitable. Even a brand new tire has irregularities that keep it from being uniform and balanced. Mount an imperfect tire on an imperfect wheel and the problems compound. Drive the imperfect tires and wheels on an imperfect road surface, and the problems are compounded further.

Even if a tire is perfectly balanced when it is new (and this is never true in reality), the wheel will go out of balance as it wears. Even the slightest amount of imbalance will exacerbate over time because the slightest amount of imbalance will cause the tire to bounce and vibrate as it turns and wear unevenly. In other words, the tire's imbalance will "snowball" as the tire is used more and more.

How Does Equal Work?

Equal has two effects in reducing force variation in the rotating tire/wheel assembly. First, it acts as a vibration damper, absorbing the unsteady vibration at all points on the tire circumference. Equal also acts as a force reducer in the footprint area, applying a force downward on the tire as it moves through the footprint.

Do I Use Lead Weights With Equal?

No. Equal is effective enough on its own that no other balancing system such as lead weights is required. If you are installing Equal on new tires when the tires are mounted, it is not necessary to balance the wheels and fit lead weights to the rims. If you are installing Equal on premounted tires, you may safely remove all of the lead weights on your wheels.

Why Is Equal More Economical Than Lead Weights?

Equal works for the life of the tire tread as opposed to having the tires rebalanced every 15,000 to 20,000 miles with lead weights, much less if you offroad frequently.

What Are Equal's Other Advantages Over Lead Weights?

Most large and heavy like those typically seen on 4x4 vehicles require lots of lead weights to balance. Even if these weights achieve a proper balance, they are unsightly.

Unless you have a very round, evenly weighted, and smooth tire like a Michelin XZL, you will likely require lots of lead weights to achieve a proper balance. Tires balanced with Equal require smaller amounts of Equal to achieve a superior balance. The reason for this is because Equal operates at the very periphery of the tire's diameter. Lead weights have to operate at the diameter of the rim, and thus cannot operate as efficiently as Equal does.

A huge disadvantage of lead weights is that they are fixed while Equal is active to change to different tire conditions and wear. In the past, wheels were fitted with lead weights to counter the heavy areas of the tire and wheel. But bubble or spin balancing is performed without load force or weight on the tire and cannot offset the damaging effects caused by radial force variation. Any simple change to the tire and the tire is out of balance again. Unlike lead weights, Equal works continuously to keep your tires wearing evenly, under any load and at any speed. Even unexpected changes in your tire (such as losing countless little chunks of rubber on the trails) won't throw your tires out of balance when you install Equal. Flat spot from brake lock? Equal adjusts automatically.

Lead weights also tend to fall off on the trail, throwing the wheel out of balance.

Scrub some tread or lose some chunks of tread on a difficult trail and then feel vibrations on the highway on your way home after the trail ride? Not a problem with Equal. After doing difficult trails you won't have to get your tires rebalanced.

Mud packed in the treads or on the wheels after a trail run? After the Dusy Ershim, our wheels were clogged with mud after playing in the lake beds. However the highway drive home was perfectly smooth because the Equal was able to compensate for the new weight imperfections in the wheels.

It is very common to lose lead weights on the trail when your wheels rub against rocks. Trails like the Rubicon have lots of rocks and tight turns and are very hard against your wheels. The trail is literally strewn with lost wheel weights. With Equal, you don't have to worry about losing lead weights and driving home with unbalanced tires.

Equal responds and adjusts automatically to keep you rolling smoothly. Equal will reduce or eliminate vibrations in a way that lead weights never have and never will. Equal adjusts across and around the inside of the tire. Top to bottom, side to side, Equal is constantly equalizing the tire forces on every tire, every revolution, every wheel position, every mile.

Equal is able to balance the total wheel assembly once for the full tread life of the tire. Equal equalizes imbalance constantly, regardless of changing "load forces" and other variables. Equal has the ability to adjust to any and all changes of vibration frequency or force variation. Lead weights are stationary on the rim and cannot adapt to changes such as tread wear, variations in radial force and load force. Equal helps prevent alternate lug wear, "cupping" and "flat spotting". Even tread wear patterns mean substantially more miles per tire.

Here is a photo of a 265/75 BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain fitted to Han's Discovery Series II five weeks after replacing the lead weights with Equal Tire Balancer. Note how even and smooth the tire wear is. Before installing the Equal, Han's tires needed frequent rebalancing and were showing signs of cupping on the lugs.

The 8.25 Michelin XZL's fitted to John's Defender also experienced balancing problems before John installed Equal. The Michelin XZL's are extremely heavy tires and the 8.25 size weighs over 70 lbs. per tire. This is an extremely heavy weight for such a relatively small tire. Even with the excellent build quality of all Michelin X tires, these tires were starting to cup from having lost their balance. After the lead weights were replaced with Equal, the wear is now perfectly smooth and uniform. And this superb balance will last the life of the tires.

In case you wonder what John did with his wheel weights, here they are. All of these lead weights are now in the garbage.

Is Equal A Miracle Worker Or Magic Substance?

No. Equal is not a mechanic in a bag. Equal cannot fix alignment problems. Equal cannot balance a tire that is out of round or has excessive run-out. Equal cannot balance a tire of such poor quality that such tire cannot be balanced using other means. If you have tried and tried to balance your existing tires and they still will not balance, purchase Equal with realistic expectations. Equal works very well but it is not a miracle worker. Equal has limits, just as lead weights do.

How Much Equal Do I Need To Balance My Tires?

The tires listed below are the most commonly used tire sizes on Land Rover and light truck applications. If you use a size that is not listed here but are interested in obtaining the proper sized Equal packet for your application, please contact us.

What Are The Results When Equal Is Tested On A Computer Spin-Balancing Machine?

Imbalance, because EQUAL only responds to load force/live load. A computer balancer cannot simulate load force. Do not worry. In actual driving conditions, the Equal granules will disperse throughout the tire and counteract the weight imbalances in the wheel and tire, and will balance the wheel better than any lead weight can.

Is It Necessary To Align My Truck's Tires If They Were Balanced With Equal?

Absolutely. Equal is not a substitute for wheel alignment and cannot cure handling irregularities and undue tire wear caused by improper alignment. Just as you would require a proper alignment when balancing your wheels with lead weights, you must align your wheels with Equal.

Can You Use Equal In Tube-Type Tires?

Yes, Equal is perfectly compatible with tube-type tires.

How is Equal Installed?

For unmounted tires, installing Equal couldn't be easier. These Michelin XZL's are ready to be fitted to Ho's Discovery.

The Drop In Bag can be dropped into a new tire before it is mounted. The Drop In Bag will break apart in approximately 5 to 10 miles and the Equal granules will distribute throughout the tire.

The Drop In Bags are available in several different sizes to suit various tire sizes.

The instructions for installing Equal are on each Equal packet.

For premounted tires, Equal can be installed without removing the tires by using the Equalizer applicator. The Equalizer applicator can install Equal through the valve stem in less than 60 seconds. To begin the installation, Equal granules are inserted into the Equalizer's holding cavity.

The Equalizer is then connected to a source of compressed air, such as an air compressor or this Power Tank.

The Equalizer is then connected to the premounted tire's valve stem (with the valve core removed) and the air circuits are opened. The Equal granules are circulated in the Equalizer's cavity to create a powerful cyclone. As the Equal circulates within the Equalizer, Equal granules travel into the tire together with the compressed air at a controlled rate. The installation is completed by fitting the AirX Filtered Valve core and a REMA Metal Sealing Valve Cap.

What Else Is Required For A Proper Installation Of Equal?

Every packet of Equal Tire Balancer that we sell also comes with an AirX Filtered Valve Core, Yellow Identification Ring, and REMA Metal Sealing Valve Cap. If you are buying Equal from a distributor that does not provide these items, then you are not dealing with an authorized Equal stockist.

What Is The AirX Filtered Valve Core?

Here is a close-up view of the AirX Filtered Valve core. This filtered valve core is patented and is available only with Equal Tire Balancer and not with the copycat products out there. Copycat products do not come with the AirX Filtered Valve core and will leave you with clogged tire valves.

The AirX Filtered Valve Core is has a screen mesh filter at its base so that the Equal granules cannot pass and clog the valve or prevent the valve from sealing and cause air loss.

Installing the AirX Filtered Valve Core is very simple. All you need is a standard valve core tool, like this unit from Snap-on.

The valve core tool has two prongs that engage the flats on the valve core and permit one to unscrew the standard valve core and replace it with the AirX Filtered Valve Core.

Why Do I Need To Use the AirX Filtered Valve Core?

The AirX Filtered Valve Core is designed to ensure that the valve core seals properly when using Equal and that dust particles and contaminants do not cause any air loss.

Can I Use Equal With Dual Air Pressure Equalizers?

Yes. It is, however, a must to use the AirX Filtered Valve Core to keep the Equal granules from being drawn out of a tire as tire pressure is being equalized between the two tires. That is the reason why every bag of Equal that we sell comes complete with the AirX Filtered Valve Core and a REMA Metal Sealing Valve Cap.

What Is The Purpose Of The Yellow Identification Ring?

Each packet of Equal Tire Balancer that we sell also comes with a yellow identification ring. This ring is designed to be rolled onto the tire valve stems and give notice to tire technicians that you have Equal Tire Balancer inside your tires. Some tire shops are fond of injecting goo into your tires, which is incompatible with Equal.

What Is The Purpose Of Fitting The Metal Sealing Valve Caps?

The third item that all Equal Packets should come with is a REMA Metal Sealing Valve Cap.

The Metal Sealing Valve Cap is a secondary safety measure in the unlikely case the valve core becomes contaminated with Equal, does not seal properly, or otherwise leaks air. The Metal Sealing Valve Cap has a rubber gasket inside that is air tight once the cap is threaded onto the valve stems tightly. While the AirX Filtered Valve Core is highly effective at preventing contamination of the valve, the Metal Sealing Valve Cap should be fitted as insurance against losing air pressure in the tire. Even if you are not using Equal, we still recommend you fit REMA Metal Sealing Valve Caps to all of your tires in case of a valve core failure.

The REMA Metal Sealing Valve Cap is also very handsome on your wheels.

Can I Reuse Equal After A Flat Repair?

No, because of product loss. Equal adheres temporarily to the inside of the tire's treat by centrifugal force. A tire that has been punctured will permit the Equal granules to escape outside the tire. With an inadequate amount of Equal remaining inside the tire, the tire will not balance properly after it has been repaired. For this reason, a new supply of Equal must be inserted into the repaired tire.

If Water Is Inside A Tire, Does It Have Any Effect On Equal?

Equal does not absorb moisture in any manner. Equal is a plastic polymer granule, and thus water or moisture will not change its composition. Moisture that accumulates inside the tire will evaporate due to normal driving conditions and therefore is in contact with Equal for a very short time. Equal, when in contact with large amounts of water--to the point where it is actually floating in the pooled water--will do just that, float. This will interfere with the ability of Equal to optimize the given tire in the way that the tire dealer or fleet had intended when installing the product. Simply, this means that although Equal will never damage the tire in any way, if it is in contact with large amounts of water, it cannot perform its job. Again, it is important to reiterate, that in most cases, moisture will evaporate due to the heat build up in normal driving, and once the moisture has evaporated, Equal will perform as it originally did.

I Usually Air Down Before Hitting The Trail. Will Equal Clog My Tires' Valves?

No, Equal will not clog your tire valves and is very suitable for offroad vehicle use. The Equal granules will never reach the valve core because of the fitment of the AirX Filtered Valve Core that comes with every bag of Equal. The AirX Filtered Valve Core is part of every proper Equal installation, no matter who tells you otherwise. If you purchased the Equal granules but were not provided AirX Filtered Valve Cores, you were not dealing with an authorized or trustworthy Equal stockist.

However, installing Equal in your tires will increase the time it takes you air down. The Equal granules will attach to the screen mesh in the AirX Filtered Valve Cores and will restrict the flow of air through your valve stems. Unless you first push air through the valves before airing down in order to push away the Equal granules from the protective screen, you will find your airdown time will increase due to the restricted airflow. This restricted flow is easy to eliminate by injecting some air into the tires to clean the screen mesh on the AirX Filtered Valve Cores prior to airing down. If you do not flush your tires' valves prior to airing down, then air will merely trickle out of the valve stems because of the restricted airflow.

Is Equal Compatible With My Staun Tire Deflators?

Yes. So long as you fit the AirX Filtered Valve Core that come with your Equal packs when you install the Equal in your tires, the valve core and Staun Tire Deflators will not get clogged in any manner and will function normally. It is important to remember that the Staun Tire Deflators thread onto the valve stem, so that the filter mesh in the AirX Filtered Valve Core will prevent Equal granules from contaminating the Staun Tire Deflators.

However, just as with other airdown methods, you must flush out the valve stems prior to screwing on the Stauns to minimize airdown time. If you do not flush out the valves prior to airing down, air will merely trickle out of the valves. A quick flush with a Power Tank will easily flush out the tire valves.

Is Equal Compatible With My Other Airdown Tools And Tire Pressure Gauges?

So long as your airdown tools are not the type that remove the core to reduce airdown time, your airdown tools and pressure gauges are perfectly compatible with Equal. So long as the AirX Filtered Valve Core is not removed, your tools and gauges will not become contaminated by the Equal Granules.

Is Equal Compatible With My Power Tank?

Yes, Equal is perfectly compatible with the Power Tank. The Power Tank is filled with CO2. CO2 vapor is perfectly safe for tires fitted with Equal. CO2's thermal expansion rate is similar to air (~1 psi change per 17 degree F temperature change). CO2 is classified as a "wet" gas because it liquefies when contained at high pressures (such as inside the Power Tank) but the amount of moisture content per cubic foot of CO2 vapor is less than the air emitted from the average air compressor. The pressures inside any automobile tire will never reach the levels required to liquefy CO2 and the Equal will remain unaffected by the presence of CO2 inside the tires.

In fact, we often utilize the versatility of the Power Tank to install Equal. This enables us to install Equal in the field on customers' vehicles or when we're just being lazy and don't want to set up the air compressor and air hoses.

So go ahead and air up your tires with the Power Tank without fear of affecting your Equal-balanced wheels.

Equal Tire Balancer Product Page
Michelin Product Page
Staun Tire Deflators Product Page
Power Tank Product Page
Frequently Asked Questions About The Power Tank
Air Fittings And Accessories Product Page

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