Wheels and Rims

The wheels on today’s vehicles are made of steel, aluminum, or aluminum alloy (a combination of two or more metals). Steel wheels are the least expensive to produce, which is why they come as original equipment on many passenger cars and light trucks. The center section includes the bolt circle, or mounting holes, and is used to attach the wheel to the vehicle. The flange is the outermost lip of the rim, and is the area typically used for attaching wheel (balancing) weights. The rim is formed by rolling a strip of metal and then welding the two ends together.

The interior section of the rim has a smaller diameter section called a drop center. This area provides the means for removing and installing a tire, since the bead is not designed to stretch. During removal or installation, most of the tire bead is pushed into the drop center so that the exposed portion can be pulled over the rim. The edges of the rim are flared to form the bead seats, which hold the tire and provide the airtight seal.

Many rims include safety humps. These are small elevations on the inside of the bead seats. Safety humps help prevent the tire from falling into the drop center during a blowout. This allows the driver to maintain better directional control of a vehicle running on one or more deflated tires.

WARNING: Mounting a regular tire on a high-pressure compact spare wheel is not permitted. Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of a different diameter or flange type may result in serious injury or death. Mount tires only on approved rim widths. If the wheel identification stamp is not legible, or cannot be found, do not use the wheel until the size and type have been properly identified. Load, cold inflation pressure, and tire construction forces imposed on the rim/wheel must not exceed the rim/wheel manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the tire is approved for a higher load or inflation. Wheels of different diameter, offset, or width cannot be mixed on the same axle. Bead seat tapers cannot be interchanged.


Condition


Code


Procedure

Bead leaking, caused by wheel

A

Require repair or replacement.


CAUTION:
Do not attempt to correct a bent rim.

Bent hub mounting surface

A

Require replacement.

Bent rim, causing vibration

2

Suggest replacement.


CAUTION:

Do not attempt to correct a bent rim.

Broken

A

Require replacement.

Cast wheel porous, causing a leak

A

Require repair or replacement.

Clip-on balance weight is incorrect type for rim
flange

2

Suggest replacement of weight.

Corrosion, affecting structural integrity

A

Require replacement.

Corrosion build-up on wheel mounting surface

A

Require repair.

Cracked

A

Require replacement.

Directional/asymmetrical wheels mounted incorrectly

B

Require remounting and/or repositioning.

Load capacity less than OEM specifications

B

Require replacement.

Mating surface distorted

A

Require replacement.

Offset mismatched on same axle

B

Require replacement.

Rivets leaking

A

Require replacement.

Run-out beyond OEM specs

B

Require replacement.

NOTE:
Some wire-spoke wheels may be repaired.

Stud holes elongated

A

Require replacement.

NOTE:
Inspect wheel attaching hardware for damage.

Welded or brazed repair

2

Suggest replacement.

Welds leaking

A

Require replacement.

Wheel centering (pilot) hole incorrect

B

Require replacement.

Required
A – Part No Longer Performs Intended Purpose
B – Part Does Not Meet A Design Specification (Regardless Of Performance)
C – Part Is Missing

Suggested/Optional
1 – Part Is Close To The End Of Its Useful Life
2 – To Address A Customer Need, Convenience Or Request
3 – To Comply With Maintenance Recommended By The Vehicle’s Original Equipment Manufacture
4 – Technician’s Recommendation Based On Substantial And Informed Experience

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All Around Automotive Repair Inc. is a full-service automotive repair and detail shop—but with a unique calling: to provide affordable service to the entire community regardless of financial circumstances.

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