Tire imbalance is a common issue that most vehicle owners face at some point. Tires can become imbalanced for a multitude of reasons.
Driving over rough roads and potholes can wear out your tires and make them imbalanced. Leaving your car parked for too long can also cause your tires to become imbalanced.
One of the ways to fix tire or wheel imbalances is by installing a wheel balancer. Two of the most popular wheel balancer brands are Centramatic and Master Balancer.
The main difference between them lies in the materials they use in their balancers as the weight.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Centramatic Wheel Balancers | Master Balancer Wheel Balancers |
| Free Moving Weight Material | Durametal and Synthetic fluid | QuickSilver or Mercury |
| Number of Different Wheel Balancers Offered | Wheel balancers are offered for 5 different kinds of vehicles, (Heavy trucks, Light Trucks, Buses, Trailers, and Motorbikes) | Wheel balancers are offered for 7 different kinds of vehicles/devices, (Aircraft, Driveshafts, Flywheels, Hummers, Motorcycles, Motorhomes, and Trucks) |
| Type of Warranty Offered | 5-year unlimited miles warranty offered | Lifetime factory warranty offered |
| Price Range | $503.00-$106.50 | $329.95-$109.50 |
In-depth Comparison of Centramatic And Balance Masters
The main and most common symptoms of a tire that is out of balance are uneven and faster tread wear, shaking steering wheel, and uncomfortable vibrations especially when driving at high speeds.
After going through the comparison table, you should have a pretty good idea about all the characteristics and differences between the two different wheel balancers.
Now, let’s go a bit more in-depth into the characteristics of the balancers and really break down and discuss each characteristic of Centramatic and Master Balancer wheel balancers separately.
- Free Moving Weight Material/Active Ingredient Used
Wheel balancing is done using simple physics.
Both Centramatic and Master Balancers work in similar ways to balance out the tire they are attached to.
Both balancers use centrifugal force to place the free-moving weight in the balancer exactly where it is needed.
The weight freely and smoothly moves to the required area that needs balancing.
This way, the balancer actively the wheel is attached to for a smooth and comfortable ride.
The material/active ingredient of this weight is where the main difference between Centramatic and Master Balancer wheel balancer lies.
The wheel balancers by Centramatic have durametal and synthetic fluid sealed in them.
Durametal is the primary balancing media. It is a hardened alloy that is similar to shot except 10 times as hard. As a solid, it does not change its form or shape under centrifugal force. So, it remains exactly where needed under high speeds.
The synthetic fluid is the secondary balancing media. The fluid is a proprietary synthetic oil that is designed to operate in very extreme environments.
The balancer is around one-third full of this synthetic fluid. The main function of this fluid is to lubricate the balancer, dampen any vibrations and help keep balance.
However, since any liquid alone would easily be moved around inside the balance under any centrifugal force at high speeds, it is used in combination with a solid.
On the other hand, Master Balancers do not use any steel, oil, or sand in their wheel balancers.
The main component of the free-moving weight is Quicksilver, which is another name for the element Mercury.
It is all-natural and 3 1/3 times heavier by volume than steel. Extreme cold or hot temperatures have no effect on it whatsoever. It also is not easily forced around the balancer under extreme centrifugal force.
The Mercury or Quicksilver within the wheel balancer easily and smoothly reaches the locations that require balancing. While it’s doing its job, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Number of Different Wheel Balancers Offered
The next difference we will look at has to do with the number of different types of wheel balancers both companies offer.
Centramatic sells wheel balancers exclusively for ground vehicles. The kinds of vehicles they sell wheel balancers for are Heavy trucks, Light Trucks, Buses, Trailers, and Motorbikes.
On the other hand, Master Balancer sells a more varied range of wheel balancers. Not only do they sell wheel balancers for some ground vehicles, but they also sell balancers for aircraft as well as for some devices.
The types of wheel balancers sold by Master balancer are Aircraft, Driveshafts, Flywheels, Hummers, Motorcycles, Motorhomes, and Trucks.
- Type of Warranty Offered By Both Companies
A factor that is very important for many customers is the warranty on the product.
Since wheel balancers are fairly pricey, depending on the kind of vehicle it is for, most people will understandably want a good warranty deal on the product.
Centramatic offers a 5-year warranty on their wheel balancers. The warranty does not have a mileage limit on it.
The warranty will remain valid for an unlimited number of miles as long as it is within 5 years.
On the other hand, Master Balancer offers a lifetime factory warranty deal.
A factory warranty guarantees the repair or replacement of any damage from defective materials or craftsmanship.
- Price Range of The Wheel Balancers
The last point we will look at is the difference in the price range of the wheel balancers of both Centramatic and Master Balancers.
Centramatic’s balancers range from between $503.00 and $106.50 in price, depending on the type of vehicle.
On the other hand, wheel balancers from Master Balancer go for between $329.95 and $109.50 depending on the type of vehicle or device.
Which Wheel Balancer Should You Buy?
We now come to the ultimate question. Which wheel balancer should you buy? The answer to this question depends entirely on your preferences and requirements.
Centramatic would likely be more suitable if you are looking for wheel balancers specifically for land vehicles.
However, Master Balancer also sells balancers for aircrafts as well as some devices. So, if you require one of those, you should choose Master Balancer.
Also Read: Differences Between Alcoa And Accuride Wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Balance Master wheel balancers work by using centrifugal force to move its Quicksilver free weight to where it needs to be.
Centramatic manufactures wheel balancers for various land vehicles.
Conclusion
A properly balanced ride is essential for every vehicle. A vehicle with imbalanced wheels is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous too.
The best way to fix an imbalanced wheel is to attach a wheel balancer to it.
Hopefully, this comparison of Centramatic and Master Balancer wheel balancers helps you choose the best wheel balancer for your vehicle.
