Repairing Guides

how to repair bent alloy wheels

by Cory Nicolas Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Repair a Bent Alloy Wheel

  1. Apply lubricant around the outside edge of your alloy rim. ...
  2. Remove the tyre. Make sure you’ve let out the air from your tyre, then place the wheel flat on the ground with the rim facing upwards.
  3. Place the wheel rim onto the tyre for stability. Put down a mat or some cardboard, preferably on a concrete surface, and lay the tyre flat.
  4. Use a blow torch to heat the up the bent area. Make sure there are no flammable substances near by. ...
  5. Obtain a curved piece of wood that fits into the dented area. The curve should match the dented area as closely as possible.
  6. Position the wooden block over the dent and hit it with a rubber mallet. ...

Part of a video titled DIY Straightening a bent alloy rim in your driveway - YouTube
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4:49
To try to protect the rim a little bit as we're straightening it we'll see how that goes if thatMoreTo try to protect the rim a little bit as we're straightening it we'll see how that goes if that doesn't work I'm going to throw this away and just smack right on the rim.

Full Answer

How to fix a bent alloy wheel at home?

How to Repair a Bent Alloy Wheel. Step 1. Apply lubricant around the outside edge of your alloy rim. Make sure you cover the entire circumference of the wheel rim with lubricant, right where the rim meets the tyre. If you buy a spray-on lubricant, then hold it 2-3cm away from the surface whilst spraying, or follow the directions on the product.

How to properly repair a bent wheel?

  • The Outer Lip - This is the rim portion out from the center on the vehicle exterior. ...
  • Inboard and Outboard Flange - All rims have both of these components, as they help in preventing the tire from slipping off of the rim. ...
  • Bead Rests - Modern tires have what’s known as a bead running in them. ...

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How to straighten alloy wheels?

  • 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 torchand a block of wood.
  • Get the Bend on Your Wheel Hot Heat up the bend on your wheel with a blow torch. ...

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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.

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Can a bent alloy rim be fixed?

Upon the discovery that your rim is bent, you might first wonder, “Can a bent rim be fixed?” Almost always, a professional tire expert will be able to restore the shape of your rim. For more serious damages, the rim may need to be replaced entirely.

How much does it cost to repair a bent rim?

Often, with a shop that can repair the bend, it can cost less than $150 in most cases, according to Rim Blades USA. When comparing that to the cost of wheel replacement, it's pennies on the dollar. According to Repair Pal, rim replacement can cost anywhere from $698 to $710.

Can you fix a bent Aluminium rim?

The answer is yes, again as long as the structural integrity of the wheel is not compromised. That goes for both steel and aluminum alloy wheels, although repairing aluminum alloy wheels is more cost effective (in some cases, it costs less to replace a damaged steel wheel with a new one than it does to repair it).

Can you hammer out a bent wheel?

Air down your tire. Put one end of the block of wood along the inside of the rim. Pound on the other end of the block of wood with the 5lb hammer until the rim appears to straighten. Clean out any debris and air up the tire to spec.

How do you fix a bent rim at home?

1:064:49DIY Straightening a bent alloy rim in your driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo try to protect the rim a little bit as we're straightening it we'll see how that goes if thatMoreTo try to protect the rim a little bit as we're straightening it we'll see how that goes if that doesn't work I'm going to throw this away and just smack right on the rim.

What happens if rim is bent?

One of the most obvious signs of a bent rim is shakiness and vibration that gets transmitted up the steering column. When a rim is bent and damaged, it will cause your tire to make uneven contact with the surface of the road. In turn, this leads to “shakiness” and vibration when you're driving.

How do you straighten bent aluminum?

2:247:36Annealing and Bending Aluminum Plate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna use my blowtorch to heat it up until that black disappears. There you go.MoreI'm gonna use my blowtorch to heat it up until that black disappears. There you go.

Is it safe to drive with a bent 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 do you repair alloy wheel damage?

6:3615:00How to Repair Wheels with Curb Rash and Scratches - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo perfect step 2 of using the metal reinforced body filler to fill all the little scratches on theMoreSo perfect step 2 of using the metal reinforced body filler to fill all the little scratches on the surface.

Do alloy wheels bend easily?

The main disadvantage of alloy wheels is their durability. When impacted by the road, alloy wheels tend to bend and even crack more easily than tougher steel wheels. The aesthetic appearance of alloy wheels is also threatened as they are more easily prone to cosmetic damage.

Does a bent rim affect alignment?

When a rim is bent, it also can get out of alignment with the other wheels of your car and can cause steering issues, which can result in difficulty handling and controlling your vehicle.

Can I drive with a slightly bent 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.

Can Firestone fix a bent rim?

Bent rims may also be on the agenda. That's where professional technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care come in. Correcting the havoc? That's what we do.

How much does it cost for 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.

How much does a wheel rim cost?

Typically, the rim will cost around $90. Yet, it will also increase depending on the size and materials used to upgrade, such as steel, alloy, chrome. If you want to learn about related issues, such as why their prices are so high or what factors affect the price, read on our sharing below!

How to fix a scratched wheel?

Wipe some spot putty onto the scratched region. Squeeze a coin-sized dab of putty onto a 2 inch (5.1 cm) putty knife. Drag the knife at a 45-degree angle over the scratched area and press it down until it's as level with the alloy wheel as possible. The spot putty will start to set within a few minutes, so work as fast as possible.

How to repair a sagging wheel?

1. Clean the area surrounding the damage with paint thinner. Purchase a non-acidic cleaner and apply it to a clean microfiber cloth or soft-bristled detailing brush. Scrub the damaged areas of the wheels with your cloth or brush by moving it in small circles.

How to sand a putty block?

Sand the putty with 400-grit sandpaper until it's flush. After the putty is dry, place 400-grit sandpaper over your sanding block and sand the damaged areas a final time. Continue sanding until the putty looks level with the rest of the rim.

How to clean corroded wheels?

Spray the cleaner onto your wheels and focus on the corroded areas. Afterward, let your wheels sit for about 10 minutes. Once the pre-cleaner has had enough time to set in, brush the corroded areas with a wheel brush. Wipe in circular motions and focus your efforts on the areas with the highest amount of corrosion.

How to clean a wheel?

2. Dry the wheel using a microfiber cloth. Firmly scrub the surface of the wheel until it is completely dry. Always use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid damaging the finish of your wheel, and avoid air-drying your wheels to prevent spots from forming.

How to prevent oxidation on alloy wheels?

6. Apply wheel wax to prevent further oxidation. Dip your foam applicator into wheel wax and rub it directly onto your alloy wheels. Be sure to apply a generous amount and spread it evenly over the entire alloy surface.

How to dry a fireman's wheel?

Attach a fireman's nozzle to your hose to improve its stream. Dry the wheel using a microfiber cloth. Firmly scrub the surface of the wheel until it is completely dry. Always use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid damaging the finish of your wheel, and avoid air-drying your wheels to prevent spots from forming.

How to straighten a bent wheel?

After the wheel has been spun with a gauge and marked where all the bends are located then the bent wheel can be straightened out. The first wheel-straightening machine that the bent wheel is attached to is used for taking out larger bends. With the wheel secured to the machine, heat can then be applied to the bent area of the wheel. Depending on the make of wheel and type of alloy used we usually heat the wheel to somewhere between 250 – 350 degrees. When the wheel is hot enough the bend is literally massaged out. In some cases this may take a few attempts since the aluminum wheel has “memory” and sometimes wants to return to its starting point. The use of a measuring gauge is critical here because when the bent wheel is being straightened out there must be an indicator as to what is “back in round” – you cant just press the bend in wheel until it looks round (because it probably isn’t).

Why do you have to remove a bent tire from a wheel?

First, the tire must be removed from the wheel because there is no way to accurately fix a bent allo y wheel with the tire on. Also, because it is necessary to use heat while repairing a bent wheel, leaving the tire on while the wheel is being straightened could cause damage to the tire.

How much variance can you have on a bent alloy wheel?

All wheels are allowed a certain amount of variance (usually hundredths of an in ch) but the necessary last step when straightening a bent alloy wheel is to have a good balancer. With the use of a balancing machine (after the tire has been re-mounted) then the last bit of variance can be trued out using weights.

How hot should a wheel be to bend?

Depending on the make of wheel and type of alloy used we usually heat the wheel to somewhere between 250 – 350 degrees. When the wheel is hot enough the bend is literally massaged out.

Can you see if a wheel is bent?

It is true that just spinning a wheel on a balancing machine, for example, can help you see the wheel is bent but when it comes time to repair a bend in an alloy wheel properly then a gauge is a necessary tool to see where every bend is located (most bent wheels have more that one bend in them). After the wheel has been spun with a gauge ...

How to fix a bent tire rim?

In order to fix your bent rim you will need a dead blow hammer, blow torch and a block of wood. Heat up the bend on your wheel with a blow torch. However, be careful not to over heat and get your tire hot. Hold the piece of wood over the bend. To clarify, a piece of wood curved like your wheel will be more sufficient.

How to bend a wheel?

Place your piece of wood over the bend. Hold the piece of wood over the bend. To clarify, a piece of wood curved like your wheel will be more sufficient. Hammer the bend on your wheel. Hammer on top of the piece of wood on your wheel to try to bend it back.

How to find bent rims?

Find the bent rim. Look at the inside of your rim for any bends or dents. Taking your wheels off might help you to find the bent wheel. In addition, rolling your wheel could even show the bend in your rim. For instance, your wheel may not roll strait, can dramatically change direction, or hop. Get the right tools for the job.

Can you fix a steel wheel?

If you have steel wheels you can usually fix it. However, if you have alloy wheels, there is typically no way to repair it.

Can you crack a rim yourself?

In addition, you can even crack your rim trying to repair it yourself. Being bent or broken is okay, seek God for He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Tweet. So, when in doubt it’s best practice to just bite the bullet and buy a new rim. However, understandably, rims can be costly so trying to repair it may be your only option.

Can you fix a bent rim?

Learning how to fix a bent rim has never been so easy. Fixing your bent rim will not make your wheel perfect, but it may improve your driving comfort. However, fixing your bent wheel can make your wheel more fragile from the repair. In addition, you can even crack your rim trying to repair it yourself. Being bent or broken is okay, seek God ...

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