I have recently bent one of my wheels and noticed that the tire continues to leak air. A leaking tire could be one of the many signs of a bent wheel. Please note that throughout this article, I will use 'wheel' and 'rim' interchangeably. That being said, some of these bends are not easy to spot. Mine, for instance, was on the inside and definitely not obvious to a visual inspection without lifting the car. Let's discuss bent rim repair.
The wheel disc is one component of the car's wheel. It attaches the tire and transfers the torque from the drive shafts. There are many types of wheels, depending on the technology and material used. Some wheels are formed from a single piece of metal, while others are assembled from separate metal parts by applying pressure.
It is well-known in the car community that inexpensive wheels can crack fairly easily; therefore, opting for more expensive ones or OEM equipment is usually a better idea. In my case, I bent a factory BMW wheel. The good news is, it's not cracked, just bent. I noticed that my wheel was bent because I had to keep using a tire inflator to inflate my tires every few days due to the loss of air pressure.
Is a bent rim possible to be fixed?
Yes, a bent rim can often be repaired, depending on the severity and type of damage. The repair process typically involves:
- Heating and Hammering: The bent area of the rim is heated and then hammered back into shape.
- Hydraulic Pressure: Some repair shops use hydraulic machines to apply pressure and reshape the rim.
- Checking for Cracks: The rim is inspected for cracks after reshaping. If cracks are present, welding may be necessary; however, severe cracks may render the rim irreparable.
- Rebalancing: Once reshaped, the wheel is rebalanced to ensure smooth operation.
It's essential to note that not all bent rims are repairable, and safety should be the priority. Severely damaged rims might need to be replaced. Also, the repair should be done by a professional with experience in rim repair to ensure the integrity and safety of the wheel.
Bent Rim Repair Cost
The truthful answer is, "it depends." However, to give you an example of what a bent rim repair might cost, my brother just paid $175 in the Chicago area to repair a 21" Audi RS7 bent rim. This included painting as well.
Curb rashes, bends, and cracks are the most common problems car owners can face. It is more cost-effective to repair cracked wheels than to buy new ones. This type of work is very common in repair shops. The cost can range from $65 to $400. It is possible to repair a rim in your garage. This will allow you to save money, as fixing your rims costs $20 or less.
The average price to repair a bent rim is around $75. While the range of repairs depends on the severity of the bend, its location, and the wheel type, wheel bend repairs typically cost under $100.
How do I know if my rim is bent?
You could have bent or damaged your rims if you hit a bump on the road. You may also have a flat or alignment problem, a bent wheel, or another service requirement. How can you tell if your wheel is bent? There are a few signs that indicate your wheel is bent. Let's go through them quickly:
- Visual Inspection: Check for any visible bends, cracks, or damage on the wheel. This is often noticeable on the rim.
- Vibration or Wobbling: A bent wheel can cause a noticeable vibration or wobble, particularly at higher speeds. You might feel this through the steering wheel or the car seat.
- Uneven Tire Wear: A bent wheel can lead to uneven tire wear. Check if one part of the tire wears down faster than the rest.
- Handling Issues: If the car doesn't handle as smoothly or feels unstable, especially during turns, it could be due to a bent wheel.
- Strange Noises: Listen for unusual noises, such as clicking, scraping, or rubbing, when the car is in motion, which may indicate a wheel issue.
Bumpy driving, reduced fuel efficiency, loss of tire control, and other symptoms can all be signs of a bent wheel. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be similar to a tire balance problem, making it difficult to diagnose rim or tire issues. For a professional inspection, take your rim to an automotive expert if you are unsure if it needs servicing. Tire experts utilize their expertise and modern machinery to diagnose and repair tire, rim, and wheel issues.
What is the Seriousness of a Bent Rim?
If you don't fix a small bend in your wheel, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Changes in driving habits and road vibrations can damage your tires and lead to issues with your vehicle's axles. These damages will be more expensive than fixing your bent rim. Therefore, it is essential to bring your wheel in for service immediately if you notice a problem with its structure.
Rim Scratches?
Rim scratches are cosmetic issues that typically do not raise significant concerns regarding vehicle safety or performance. However, they can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your car and potentially affect its resale value. If the scratches are deep or extensive, they could expose the underlying metal to environmental elements, leading to rust or corrosion over time. Consider having them repaired or repainted in such cases to prevent further damage. Regularly inspecting your rims for signs of more serious damage, like cracks or bends, is a good practice.
I can count on one hand the number of curb rashes I have caused in any of the cars I have driven; however, each one was painful. It's ok if you do it on your beater, but not so ok if done on your weekend or show car. In that case, you are somewhat compelled to fix it, whether you want to or not.
Some cars are more susceptible to rim damage than others. A lot of this has to do with a few variables:
- Type of the wheel
- Thickness and material density of the wheel
- The size of the tire sidewall
- How much was the tire inflated at the time of impact
- And much more
An expert can help determine if your rim has been damaged or bent. Additionally, an expert can determine if your rim requires repairs or if it is simply cosmetic.
Is it unsafe to drive with a bent wheel?
Nearly every car now has alloy wheels. Although there are fewer potholes than in the past, it is still possible to bend a cheap wheel into some potholes. Is it possible for a car to be driven with damage?
After driving on bumpy roads, the wheels of a car won't always break or crack. If you see cracks in the wheel, it is not safe to drive. Likewise, vehicles with flat tires are also unsafe to drive. Bent wheels can cause the air to leak out of the tires. The amount of air that leaks out depends solely on the side of the bend and the gap created between the tire and wheel.
Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, uneven tire wear, and accelerated wear on suspension parts. The extent of the damage to the alloy wheels will determine whether you drive or not. Therefore, it is important to use common sense when evaluating them.
You can drive with a bent wheel if your tire still holds air and the dent isn't as large. However, if the tire leaks and the dent's linear size exceeds 2 inches, you should contact a professional.