MOUNTING & ROAD FORCE BALANCING
Our Equipment Specifications
Shown here in our service department is the Hunter TCX550 Series Tire Changer is the same equipment used in the Indy 500 races! Able to accommodate up to 30 inch wheels the TCX550 also has enhanced high-performance wheel clamping, bead loosening and tire mounting for many high-performance and custom reversed drop-center wheels. We use the same exotic, high-performance equipment in all of our fully self-contained service vehicles.
The difference is in the details
One of the most important features of the TCX550 machine, is its “no-touch” tire mounting arm. The arm and guide head take the forces applied by the tire as it is mounted into place over the wheel.
Shown here is the Hunter GSP9700 Computer balancer with road force measurement. Very few facilities have the capability to test the tire and wheel assembly against a simulated ground force. This better matches the wheel and tire assembly to ensure the best balance on today’s high-performance applications.
What's the best mounting lubricant to use with Chrome Wheels?
The image to the right is unfortunately a common problem that people experience with chrome wheels which have been mounted using a cheap water based tire lubricant. This corrosion occurs because inexpensive tire lubricants are water based (and often further diluted) and traps moisture in the contact area between the wheel and tire on your vehicle as well as inside the tire itself. Through normal use of the vehicle this moisture over time corrodes the chrome plating and can eventually cause separation of the chrome from the wheel. This often leads to a wheel leaking air beneath the chrome, even though the tire is perfect.
The good news is, it is completely preventable! For years performance and luxury car manufacturers as well as aerospace and racing industries have used wax based, paste lubricant for tire mounting. The reason? There is no water in the solution to promote corrosion between the tire and the wheel. In fact, modern tire paste lubricants have added rust inhibitors to further protect against oxidation and ensure a long life for your chrome wheels!
To get the ultimate in protection against atmosphere based moisture for your wheels, insist on Nitrogen tire inflation as well as European Tire Paste mounting lubricant. Because nitrogen is dry and does not carry moisture, oxidation is reduced almost completely. When a normal compressor is used, the humidity in the air condenses in the form of water vapor in your tires, which can lead to the the same type of corrosion to the inner wheel or tire as outlined above.
