Well, as I suspected, when my new tires got installed, I was informed three of my 18" OEM wheels were bent. Like it's a revelation or something.

Surely I know what to do about it, but I am now quite curious how many people running 19's and 20's are finding the same issue. Those tires have even less sidewall than the 18s.

Three out of four bent in 34,166 miles is disappointing for sure. It has me thinking about a good set of 17" wheels. Also, seeing the TS-X beat the IS350 and the G35 around Willow Springs big track makes me believe those 17" tires and wheels on the TSX work better than the 18" tires and wheels on the G35 and IS350. A two second lap difference is a LOT especially when the winning car is a little short on power and significantly heavier than the other two. I've been thinking about this ever since I saw that video...

 

Eh, just hope on ebay and get a new set for like 400-500 bucks. The OEM rims are easy and cheap to get. You might even be able to get a set on the cheap from another CL member in the classifieds section.

 

damn where you been driving?

I know atlanta doesnt have that bad of roads. I drive them all the time with my accord on 19's and the roads are as good as roads in FL.

I've been riding on my 19" Axis 7's on my accord for 8 years with 215/35/19 and never bent a rim before. I've even had a few blow outs where I ended up riding rim to road and those wheels are solid.

Makes me wonder how well made the ISx50 OEM wheels are.

 

i have a set of OEM 18's for $375 if you're interested..
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=299720

 

WOW... three out of four is startling to say the least, Lance.

Javier

 

i bent a 19 and snapped off my TPMS sensor at the stem, it sucks bending a rim no matter Aftermarket or OEM

 

Wow, thats pretty crazy that you bent 3 of 4 wheels??? I wonder how much stronger forged are??? I mean I know its a lot stronger and all but still.

 

I wasn't surprised. I've bent the OEM 17's on my Supra twice in the front and once in the rear bad enough to crack the inner lip. I half expected all four to be bent.

I wouldn't buy used rims. I can buy brand new OEM rims from finishline for $162 each. Used are likely to be just as bent as mine are.

[EDIT]Their prices have gone up - $225 now...sux rox[/EDIT]

 

i am glad that i got the ding/rim insurance

 

Well a lot of it depends on the driver. Also, did they turn off the VDIM? what tire type did they have. IMO, Dunlops have always felt "loose" to me.

If you were to switch to 17's I'd go with 235/45/17 front and 245/45/17s in the back. I'd also suggest a lighter weight wheels as well as lighter weight tires.

When I shopped for my 3000GT's tires(245-40-18), I found that tire weights ranged from 24lbs to 32lbs, which is pretty signifigant. Of the lighter tires, I like Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Tire rack can tell you the weights of specific tires.

 

^^the details of the test have been hashed over a few times. Suffice it to say, the TSX put 2 seconds on both of the other cars, and it was the only car on 17's. They weren't even special 17's, they were RE030s and they're not very highly regarded anywhere. All cars were driven by Keiichi Tsuchiya, so I doubt driver skill was an issue.

 

So Lobux, what are you going to do? Did the rim/tire shop just balance them out with weights? or are u planning on replacing them?

 

Can't be worse than how the other CL member destroyed his Sevas, is it?

 

I totally agree---this is a pretty big problem in my opinion. Such a mainstream type of car should not have these common high-maintenance types of problems. I would expect it with maybe Corvettes/Porsches, etc., but not an entry level Japanese car.

I bent my first rim after only a couple months of having the car (~5,000 miles). I don't know when/how, but I noticed vibration in the steering wheel. Since my wheels are chromed, it makes it more $$$ to keep replacing the wheels. I might understand if I had gone up a curb or something, but I drive pretty carefully...

 

Our expectations cause the problem to begin with. If we would accept 17" wheels, then we wouldn't have many bent rims. However, 18" wheels with 40 series tires are going to bend more often, as they're subject to increased forces due to less sidewall.

It is what it is. Avoid potholes, and be careful out there.