Sunday, I hit a chunk of concrete and bent a rim bad enough that the tire went flat. Can an alloy rim be straightened?

On ebay, I found a new aftermarket rim for $130 and a used stock rim for $155. http://www.ebay.com/itm/390867717358?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

What do you recommend?

Thanks

 

An alloy rim can only be straightened in rare cases. For example, if the inner lip of the rim is slightly bent, a whitesmith should be able to drill that section out and replace it. However, finding a good whitesmith can be tough, and it can only be done in certain cases. I know a lot of whitesmiths won't touch wheels.

Since an OE (original equipment) wheel is only $25 more, I would get the OE as long as it was in good condition. A lot of aftermarket rims don't seem to be as durable as OE rims are, at least in my experience.

 

Also, if you hit hard enough to destroy a rim you should have a through inspection of the suspension for damage.

 

the ones from ebay are usually replicas....I would check out to see if anyone is selling in the classifieds...

 

And alignment.

 

I agree with Carver and lex_rx. If you hit something hard enough to bend a rim, you need have the suspension and alignment checked.

 

We were on the road and continued on. I didn't feel anything, except the front end may be out a little. I bought a used stock rim on ebay and hope the tire is okay.

Anyway, I'm putting it in the shop Wednesday to check the alignment, suspension, tire, and undercarriage.

As always, thanks for your help and wisdom.

David

 

We're back on the road and good to go.

Bought a used stock rim on ebay and had the tire and TPMS sensor installed, balanced, and mounted. All of that is good.

Took the RX into an indy for inspections and repairs. He found a torn passenger side boot on the rack and replaced it then had it aligned.

By the way, what is average labor cost for the r&r of a boot?

Thanks again for all the advice.