What should I do I have a 2003 sc430 with 8000 miles...I drive into the city alot and I just got my car checked and it has 2 bent rims. They want 1600 to for new rims and realign the car. I dont know what to do. Obviously if i keep the car I have to get this fixed but is the problem going to come up again. Should I trade it in for an SUV which i really dont want to do...Please all advice is much appriciated. Thank you!


NYU02

 

I'd first try to see if you can get it fixed. Not sure if something with SC430 rims makes that extra difficult or not (runflat, sensors, etc). Check these threads as well.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=bent+rim

I list some places here when I bent all four of mine:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=bent+rim

Got them fixed at this place http://www.wheelcollision.com/

They did a great job and were fairly reasonable (think about $80 - $100 per rim depending on bend). Fast turnaround. They may want pictures to quote you an estimate.

 

I doubt if SC430 rims are worth getting fixed at that price. You can buy them in near perfect condition for around $100 each. If you're willing to accept a little rash or paint chipping, then think in the $50-75 range.

George

 

Wow, didn't realize the going rate for SC430 wheels used was so cheap! Absolutely agree if you can get a lightly used set at that price, go for it. Heck, get two in case you bend more.

 

Yes, I've been trading in them some lately and actually have some for sale in the classifieds. But I think the best solution here is to move to the stronger TRD wheels, and they're not nearly so cheap!

Now for the next question. With potholes big enough to bend wheels, you must be paying a fortune in replacement RFT tire costs. Or have you gone to conventional ones?

George

 

Also consider forged wheels such as iforged, HRE, BBS, Centerline etc. They are much stronger, and in the case of the HREs, they are MUCH lighter. I bent all four of my wheels (L-Sportlines) and replaced with HRE 540Rs. Be sure to have your tie rods checked too. I had one of those bent slightly as well that needed to be replaced. Everywhere I went, the tire/wheel shops blamed the RF tires for that. They have such a stiff sidewall that more energy is transferred to the wheel than with conventional tires. I mean, you can bend any wheel, any time with any tire, but they just said the RFs are a little more likley to have that result with all factors being the same. The HREs are expensive, but they are a 3 piece wheel, so if you bend a part of the wheel, you can have just that part replaced and not the entire wheel. Also, have your tires evaluated. Most places I went to said if the impact was hard enough to bend wheels, it was probably hard enough to separate the belt in the tire. Just something to consider, especially if your insurance is going to cover it. I would strongly suggest Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or Goodyear regular tires. They perform better and are much quieter with a better ride. Just $.02 from an old guy that has been through what you're going through. Good luck!!!

 

Thanks for everyone's information, much appriciated. I do have RFT and I think what i'm going to do is look into repairing them first and if thats to much of a hassle or doesnt work out look into HRE rims and new tires...I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks again

NYU02

 

I agree with Doc C. Get rid of the RF's and get some high quality forged wheels. You'll be happy with the improvements in handling & ride too.