Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Southwest Good place to get tires balanced/wheels inspected?

I'm in Aurora, but if you guys know of a place that actually gives a damn 'bout what they're doing, I would appreciate you letting me know. I've tried Firestone, Discount, Gemini/Goodyear. I don't know if I just need a reliable balancing or if I have a bent rim. The vibration changes as to where it appears everytime I get the tirews balanced. It'll be at 45, get 'em balanced, then it'll be at 75, get 'em balanced. Now, it seems like it's coming from 40-45 mph and up, getting worse with speed (like a bent rim)! I am wondering, though, if it wasn't this Gemini/Goodyear place at Miss. & Havana. I wonder if they mis-balanced all four wheels?! Any help would be appreciated!

where did you buy the tires? won't they help you out?

I bought two from Discount Tire @ Havana & Iliff (October 2002) and two from Gemini/Goodyear @ Mississippi (last month). All four are Dunlop SP Sport A2, or something like that. I have tried both places, and they did re-balance them, but I don't trust that they are doing a good job of it. I tried Discount twice, gave up and tried Firestone, didn't like it and tried the Gemini place. Now it seems like all four are out of balance. I don't think it's a bent rim because they didn't rotate the tires and every time I got them balanced the vibration would seem to move. First it was from the front, have tires balanced, then vibration from the rear, have tires balanced, now vibration all over. I'm just looking for a place that people have had good results with and may actually be able to inspect the tires/wheels for some sort of damage.

The discount tire on Smoky Hill RD and Buckley is really good. I have a few buddies who work there. They are GOOD in my opinion. If you go by there, ask for BEN, tell him David sent ya

I have to agree with you... Discount Tire on Smokey Hill is a great place for troubleshooting... they do what it takes !!

Have you watched them balance the wheels? If not, make sure they take ALL the weights off, spin the wheel, place the weights, and re-spin the wheel. A lot of places don't bother to re-sping the wheel.
I've balanced wheels before (long ago...but I've done it), and I've placed the weights slightly off, which translates to a big vibration. So, make sure they're doing it right.
Also, any respectable place will rebalance if they didn't get it right the first time.
Good luck!

Are you one of those guys like me who don't like the weights on the outside? If you are, you may NEVER get proper balancing. Sometimes, they just have to put them on the outside to get it right. JUST A THOUGHT...

I deal with mine though.....

I could care less where they put the weights. It's a nice crappy day, I think I will visit that Discount tire. Thanks for the advice guys. One other question: Do drums ever wear funny and cause a balance issue?

Thanks again!