Wheel Balancers

[Michael White]

We are experinecing quite a few complaints about vibrations in our truck line. We have a moderatgely old computerized wheel balancer. Have been told the Hunter 9700 is the best on the market. It apparantly can simulate tire balnce on the road by putting a force on the tire. Does anyone have one of these units and if so, how is it working and is it worth the bucks??
Thanks
Mike White

[R.BETTON]

WE HAVE HAD A 9700 FOR ABOUT A YEAR. MACHINE HAS BEEN FOOL PROOF AND TROUBLE FREE. MACHINE
IS QUICK TO USE AND TO EASY TO LEARN. IT WILL
SHOW MISMATCH WHEEL TIRE ASSY,OUT OF ROUND
CONDITION OF WHEEL OR TIRE,AND TIRE CONCERNS.
TIRE MANUFACTURERS STILL HAVE A HARD TIME ACCEPTING INPUT FROM US IN OUR AREA WHEN WE FIND A BAD TIRE.

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R.BETTON

[This message has been edited by R.BETTON (edited 06-14-99).]

[jrcal]

We don't have the new wheel balancer but like you, we are having vibration problems on the new trucks. We send out the wheels to another dealer that has the new machine and so far the indexing and balancing have been very accurate. This machine spots bad tire/wheel problems.

The real problem on the new GMT 800 trucks with vibration problems is due to the tire tread specs being too stiff. If you call tech assistance, they will tell you to call the tire manufacturer hot line and they will ship you a screened set of new tires.



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JC

[Michael White]

I have investigated the price of the Hunter 9700. It is currently listed in the GM catalog at $10,010, and is "on special" now for around $9600. the Hunter rep told me today the price is droppig to $9000 July 1. BUT IT IS STILL $9000!!!! We will be ordering one next month. There must be quite a commision in it because Hunter is responding real fast!. He's a good guy and I appreciate his assistance.

Have talked to quite a few techs and here outstanding reviews from all of them on the machine. I'm waiting until July 1.

Also on truck vibrations, my DCM told me today a bulletin is being issued on the tires for the new truck. However, did not know much about a common vibration on Yukons and Denali's at 65MPH or so.It is very slight, but it is there. We have spent many hours making improvements, etc, but have not fixed one yet 100%. Very fustrting to tell a Denali customer there is nothing mucmore we can do about it. Granted the customers complaining about it are hyper sensitive, but if you spend $44k for a truck, it should be smooth!!

Mike White

[RMARTIN]

Have not had many complaints re:vibration in our gmc truck line but we are a small dealer. I wonder how many balances your advisors have to sell to cover a $9,000 wheel balancer? Question..Is the cadillac escalade have a better ride than the denali? Perhaps our cad dealers out there could clue us in on what cad does to correct concerns of vibration (if they have any). thanks

[Michael White]

The Escalade has also had the vibration problems. I understand a bulletin is coming out soon that may recommend replacing all the tires.

Mike