Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General New Tires and Proper Balancing

Since I am getting new performance tires (KDW), I have been reading up
on balancing and it seems like many do it wrong. It would be convenient
for me to buy the tires from my local TiresPlus and have them install
them. I also came across the GSP9700 balancer/vibration sensor that
seems to be quite an advancement especially as applies to performance
tires. Is the GSP9700 worth it to find a shop with one? If so, is it
guaranteed that the shop will use the GSP9700 right? What about
TiresPlus competence?

Dan E1

Let's put it this way, I won't go to a tire store that does not use a GSP9700.

This spring I had a brand new set of Bridgestone Pole Position S03s put on by a shop with no GSP9700 and the whole car shook really bad with the new tire. Worse than it did with the old tires after 50k on them.

The shop checked the balance again and told me it was all in my imagination, thus losing my business forever.

I took the car to a different shop that uses a 9700 and guess what? The wobble was gone (along with $71 more). From now on, I have the job done right the first time.

I'm gonna send this over to the tire and wheel forum, you should have better luck over there.