FKR does not create balance problems if it is corectly installed in the tyre and the recommended dosages are used. In the case of vehicles from high speed category ( > 50 km/h), the tyres must be balanced before FKR installation.
Aspects related to balance / imbalance of tyres at high speeds, using sealants, are frequently asked questions.The study of phenomena related to the influence of tyre sealant on the level of vibration at high speeds has been our concern, in order to identify causes that may produce these phenomena. Our contribution to their learning has been recognized by The Tire Society at the annual Conference held in September 2004 in Akron, Ohio (USA) where we presented the paper, “Investigation of the Influence of Safe Tire Sealant Inside the Motor Vehicle Vibration on Behavior”
In order to avoid balance problems, it is important that sealant distribution to be under the form of a uniform film inside the tyre. FKR sealant was thus designed to spread evenly inside the tyre. By its rheological nature (thixotropic system), its viscosity decreases as the spin speed and temperature increases (implicitly the speed of the vehicle), forming in motion a uniform film. Under static conditions and normal temperature, FKR sealant returns to its original high viscosity. This allows the sealant to adhere to the inside surface of the tyre and not be collected on the bottom of the stationary tyre.
By installing FKR sealant in the tyre, the dynamic balance is favored due to the ability of the thixotropic system to distribute evenly on the inner wall of the tire tread and to constantly redefine the center of gravity in line with the axial moment of inertia.
It is known the fact that not all vibrations of a vehicle are related to tyre balance. A lot of these come from other sources as steering problems, suspension problems, dampers problems, or tyre irregularities.
In the case of pre-existence of such problems, using a sealant may even lead to their amplification. These problems must be identified and corrected (if possible) before installing FKR. The causes may be the following:
- Excessive vibration (Up-down direction): excessive flat spots on tyres, out-of-round tyre or rim, worn-out shock absorbers, tread separation, shifted belts.
- b) Excessive lateral movement (side-to-side wobble): bent wheels/rims and axles, shifted belts, improper wheel installation, loose or worn out front-end components.
After their remediation, you can proceed to FKR installation. If the problems can not be solved, the installation of FKR is not recommended.
After installation, during the first 10 to 15 km, you may feel slight vibration, until the sealant spreads evenly. It is recommended that on this course to run with a moderate speed (< 50 km/h).
Over 90% of the vehicles shall have after installation a confortable drive, without vibrations at high speed.
Particular situations:
- In case you opt for the recommended dosing for severe conditions (column OUTSIDE DRIVEWAY from Dosage section), the vehicle operating both on-road and off-road but a high frequency of flats is expected, running at high speed vibrations may appear (eg. for ATV).
- If the tyres had lead wheel weights , you will feel vibrations even after FKR installation ( this thing is not neccessary to happen), remove the lead wheel weights on both tyres from the axis that you experience vibrations. Drive at high speed and you will find that vibration problems disappear (90% of cases). FKR creates dynamic balance of the tyre, without being neccessary to add lead wheel weights which will bring extra weight on the tyres.
- If the tire shows large ribs on the inside (concave or convex), it will impede the sealant from forming a uniform film on the inside and so vibrations can occur. In this case it is necessary to add an additional amount of FKR, the total amount being intermediate between recommended dosages on road and off-road. FKR will get through the ribs and evenly cover the entire inner surface from the tread area. This situation (large ribs on the inside) appears at a low number of tyres.
- FKR installation in tyres with ribbs orientated in ,,V’’ or ,,Z’’ shapes is not recommended. These types of interior design will not allow evenly distribution of FKR on the entire inner surface of the tread area, causing vibrations. A low number of tyres have this interior design.