
Typical Rim Repair Costs
Type of Rim | Wheel Is Scratched or Scuffed | Wheel Is Bent | Wheel Is Gouged or Cracked |
Steel Wheel | $50-$150 for sand, putty, and paint, onl ... | If bending back the wheel weakens the me ... | Steel wheels can’t really crack, but a g ... |
Aluminum/Alloy Wheel | $50-$150 for sand, putty, and paint. Ori ... | Bent alloy wheels usually can’t be repai ... | A cracked or gouged alloy wheel should b ... |
Chrome Wheel | Repairing damage and then re-plating can ... | Most chrome-plated wheels are steel unde ... | A cracked or gouged chrome wheel will us ... |
Plastic clad wheels | There aren’t any good ways to repair pla ... | A bent plastic clad wheel probably has a ... | Gouged or cracked plastic cladding can n ... |
How much does it cost to repair a cracked rim?
How much does it cost to repair one rim? This means that a gouged or cracked alloy wheel should be replaced immediately. This can cost upwards of $500 but not less than $200 because it will involve repairing and re-plating. How much is a rim for a car? Depending on the materials used and their size, alloy rims usually start from $50 per wheel.
How to fix a bent rim at home?
How to Fix a Bent Rim Step by Step
- Steel or Alloy? ...
- Find the Bent Rim Look at the inside of your rim for any bends or dents. ...
- Get the Right Tools for the Job In order to fix your bent rim you will need a dead blow hammer, blow torch and a block of wood.
- Get the Bend on Your Wheel Hot Heat up the bend on your wheel with a blow torch. ...
Can you fix a cracked aluminum rim?
“It’s either cracked or been welded,” Bryan said. He bought the kit to repair it. Another is the Panhard bar that runs across from the rearend housing on one side to the frame on the other and was prone to tear loose. “A lot of them fell out and are lying on the freeway,” Bryan wryly observed.
How can you repair a scratched rim?
Look carefully at the tire’s sidewall and check for damage:
- A bulge or blister in the sidewall indicates serious damage to the structure of the tire. ...
- Scuffs and scratches may only be superficial, but it’s a good idea to get them looked at by a tire professional as soon as possible.
- Tears in the sidewall of your tire – or gouges that have removed rubber – are usually a big concern. ...

Can cracked rim be repaired?
Yes and no. Whether or not you can repair your cracked rim depends on if the weld will restore enough stability to the car. An experienced technician can repair short, hairline cracks without issue, but the longer and broader the crack grows, the greater the risk that your repair won't last over time.
Is it worth it to repair a rim?
Cost Savings of Rim Repairs The primary reason many drivers choose rim repair is the cost savings this service provides. With rim replacement, you have to pay for both the new rim and the installation. Rim repair is more affordable with a flat service fee—while providing the same great results.
Is a cracked rim a big deal?
Driving on a cracked rim should be avoided because it can be dangerous. A cracked rim can affect the performance of the tire, and can potentially cause a blowout. This is a hazardous condition to yourself and other vehicles near you.
Can cracked aluminum rims be repaired?
Most cracked aluminum rims can be welded if the damage is not too severe. Our team will ensure the crack is sealed and that the repaired wheel provides stability to your vehicle. Our team can also paint or powder coat your rims restoring them to their original condition, or to give them a more customized appearance.
Is it better to fix a rim or replace it?
Sometimes rims can get damaged beyond repair. If your wheel has minor damage, such as curb rash, then you may be able to repair it. If the damage is severe enough to compromise the wheel's structural integrity, then you need to replace it.
Can I replace 1 rim?
You should be able to replace the one rim on its own, however depending on the wear of the tyres on the same "axle" i.e. the one opposite it, you should maybe consider replacing both tyres to maintain even grip characteristics.
Is welding a cracked rim safe?
An easy-to-repair crack is one on the inboard side of the wheel or the back. A crack on the inside of the barrel or front face may compromise the wheel's structural integrity, hence not advisable to weld. Cracks that appear near the base of the spoke and the lug area are non-repairable in most cases.
How much does a rim cost?
Factors That Affect CostType of RimPrice per RimBasic steel rims$90-$100Aluminum alloy rims$110-$130Painted finish rims (black/white)$100-$280Bronze coated rims$100-$3002 more rows
How can I fix a cracked rim?
2:234:07Cracked Car Rim What To Do - How To Fix It or Shop Fix It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're going to actually drill a hole right. In front of the crack to stop the crack. And then whatMoreThey're going to actually drill a hole right. In front of the crack to stop the crack. And then what they're going to do is they're actually going to weld on both sides on the outside.
Can you weld a crack in an aluminum rim?
The direction of the crack: Most of the time, a crack on the back side of the wheel will cross the flange and bead area at right angles to the direction the wheel spins. This type of crack can be welded because it can be opened up to accept the weld.
Can you JB weld a cracked rim?
1:0513:39How to fix a cracked wheel/rim using JBweld - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we use some jb weld the good old-fashioned jb weld with hardener. So both separate chemicals youMoreAnd we use some jb weld the good old-fashioned jb weld with hardener. So both separate chemicals you can buy the GPL that has both in one tube.
Why do my rims keep cracking?
The first and honestly one of the most likely causes of rim damage is working with tires that are too low for the roughness of the road. Every time you go over a bump, the springiness of well-inflated tires absorbs that bump and keeps the hard metal of the inner wheel and rim safe.
How long does it take to repair a rim?
Most painted wheels take 30mins - 1 hour to complete. RGX Rim Repair stands behind a 100% Customer Satisfaction policy. We can restore scratched, gouged, curb rash damaged wheels back to their original finish.
How often do rims need to be replaced?
"The lifespan can fall within a pretty huge window," he explains. "In the worst cases, riders may experience rim lifespans as short as 1500 miles, and in the best cases perhaps up to 12000 miles!
How much is a new rim?
Changing and replacing your tire rims can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per wheel, or $800 to $2,000 for your entire car. The exact price of the service will depend on the kind of car you drive and the shop that you choose, but it's unlikely that you'll find a shop that will replace them for less than $200.
Can you drive with a dented rim?
Can I Still Drive If I Have a Bent Rim? Here at RGX we never recommend driving on a bent rim as this can lead to further damage to the wheel, tire, & steering. Bents rims will usually have a hard time maintaining a proper seal with the tire, this will lead to a loss in air pressure.
How much does it cost to replace a bent alloy wheel?
This means that a gouged or cracked alloy wheel should be replaced immediately. This can cost upwards of $500 but not less than $200 because it will involve repairing and re-plating.
Why is it important to replace a bent wheel?
Bent- When this type of wheel is bent, it’s advisable to consider a possible replacement because this type of damage cannot be bent back to its original shape. Cracked – Just like a bent rim, replacement is recommended for protection reasons.
What does it mean when you nicked a bump on the road?
If you mistakenly nicked a bump on the road and realised that there is a rattle or it drives differently then it’s possible that this could be a signal that one of your rims is damaged or bent. Alternatively, it can also be a sign of an alignment issue, flat tire or a damaged wheel.
How much does it cost to fix a bent rim?
Whenever you notice a bent in your rim, engage the services of a mechanic to get it to fix. This often cost $75 or less which is cheaper than replacing a rim. Always check with your mechanic to inquire if it’s something they can do before making any purchase.
What is the benefit of steel wheel?
Steel wheel – One of the benefits of a steel wheel is their ability to prevent lots of damage. It remains a durable material for rims. If your steel wheel is bent in any way, it can be fixed.
How to tell if you pumped up your tire?
The primary sign is whenever you feel or see a warp in the edge of the wheel, and if you can see it with the untrained eye, its easy to tell if you’ve pumped up your tire and there is a bumping feel when you are driving. In most cases, these types of damage can occur in the inner part of the wheel, making it very difficult to detect.
Can a bent rim cause a blowout?
Aside from this, they can cause your tire to leak air which in turn result in decreased fuel economy. In some cases, it can also cause blowout of your tire if it’s not repaired or replaced.
TIG Welding and Wheel Repair
Sturtevant Auto has used replacement rims for your car, when your rims are beyond repair.
Dangers of Driving on a Cracked Wheel
Cracked wheels are more than just a nuisance. They are also a safety hazard for multiple reasons. Unlike bike tires, car tires are physically sealed around the rim in order to retain air. Cracked and bent rims break this seal, causing your tire to leak.
Why Rims Crack
Most modern vehicles come equipped with alloy rims that are a blend of aluminum and magnesium. These rims typically last longer than traditional metal rims, are less prone to rust, and can be upgraded with aftermarket parts and add-ons.
Milwaukee-Area Junkyard Carries All Kinds of Used Auto Parts
Aside from used replacement rims, Sturtevant Auto also has a variety of other auto parts for affordable prices. Whether you need a used engine part, car battery, or headlight, our junkyard has it all. Our inventory is always changing - contact us today for more information!
AFFORDABLE CAR PARTS FROM OUR AUTO SALVAGE
Sturtevant Auto has you covered with a large selection of salvageable alloy wheels and accessories for any vehicle. Contact our pick and pull junkyard today for more information on parts availability!
Wheel and Rim Repair Near Me
If you are looking for “Rim Repair Near Me” or Wheel Repair Near Me”, the map below has your options…
Rim Repair Near Me: Additional Costs and Services
You may run into some shops that will charge an extra $10 for unmounting the tire.
Dangers of Driving on a Damaged Rim or Wheel?
Driving on a damaged wheel or rim can decrease your air tire pressure over time. Low tire pressure can then lead to a flat or a total blowout. Bent rims can also lead to misalignment, which can make the car difficult to steer safely.
Can YouRepair a Bent Rim or Wheel Yourself?
In some instances you can depending on the level of damage. Scratches and curb rash may be fine to deal with on your own.
Where to Get a Wheel and Rim Repair Near Me
Most big box brands only deal with tires and they won’t deal with fixing rim and wheel damage. Aside from doing a google search for “Rim Repair Near Me” and “Wheel Repair Near Me”, There are some places you can particularly look for.
Wheel and Rim Repair Near Me – Conclusion
Driving around on a damaged rim is dangerous. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs of damage to the wheel or rim, you should have a mechanic look at it immediately. It would be better to seek a tire shop, but having any auto mechanic assess the issue is a great start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The cost to fix a rim will vary depending on the type of damage and the material the rim is made out of. For curb rash on a steel rim $50-$150, on a aluminum/alloy rim $50-$100 (the original color is hard to match, chrome requires replating $200-$500 and often it’s easier to replace, Plastic rims need to be replaced.
So, Should you repair the Rim or replace with a new one?
Well, honestly- as long as you can make sure what is the grade of cast aluminum & choose a suitable matching welding consumables, you are good to go with a welding repair.
First, which welding process is best for repair?
To be precise and cut the long story short- I will recommend to use only Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or also called TIG welding. The obvious reason is- TIG produces weld joint of very high quality and highly clean welds although very slow welding process. But, finally what matters is the welding quality in critical weld repairs.
TIG Welding Rod for cast aluminum rim or wheel repair
In the USA, Canada, Europe and Japan AlSi7Mg0.3 is used mainly as the cast aluminum alloy material. ER5356 TIG wire is best suited for welding these grades as well as many other cast aluminum & forged aluminum rim grades used for the rim & wheel making.
Steps for repairing the crack in cast rim
First most important step before you commence the repair work is to identify the crack by its origin point and end point. Next, arrest the crack by drilling small diameter holes (let say around 4 to 5 mm) at these points so the crack will not propagate further due to grinding or any hammering stresses as shown in the below picture.

First, Check For Possible Tire Damage
Estimating Rim Damage Repair Costs
- More often than not, the rims take the brunt of curb-car encounters. The type of rims you have and the extent of the damage are the two factors that will determine the cost of repair or replacement. The more exotic or upscale the rim, the more a repair is going to cost.
But What About Repair Kits?
- If you have an aluminum alloy wheel with light scratches or scuffing, there are DIY repair kits available for $30-$50. However, a few things to keep in mind: 1. These kits are only as good as the user. If you don’t have much experience with sanding down metal, applying putting, sanding that down, and then applying a finish, you might not be happy w...
The Best Way to Save Money – Prevent Curb Rash
- Aside from unrealistic preventative measures, like never parallel parking or controlling all outside forces of traffic, there are other options to save your rims and prevent the high cost of curb rash repairs. RimBlades and RimSavers were created to improve the appearance of your vehicle and save you money. RimBlades stick to your alloy wheels and conform to protect easily. RimSavers…