How to Check if the Wheel Rim is Deformed?

[DeAlan]

Here are several methods to check if the wheel rim is deformed: 1. Steering Wheel Vibration Observation Method: If the driver experiences steering wheel vibration when driving at high speeds, it is likely that the wheel rim of the car tire has deformed. 2. Tire Air Leak Inspection Method: If the tire is leaking air but shows no visible damage, it can be concluded that the wheel rim is largely deformed. This is because a deformed wheel rim cannot tightly seal with the tire, leading to air leakage. Note: After inflating the car tire, the outer edge of the tire should tightly fit with the flange of the wheel rim to prevent gas leakage. If the flange of the wheel rim is deformed due to impact, it will affect the tightness with the outer edge of the tire, causing a slow air leak.

[DelBarrett]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and wheel rim deformation is quite common. The most reliable inspection method is to lift the car and let the tire spin freely in the air. Use chalk to mark the edge of the rim and slowly rotate it while observing the gap changes between the rim and a fixed reference point. If there's deformation, the gap will vary in size, almost like it's dancing. Rim deformation usually occurs at the junction of the spokes or the edges, so carefully check those areas for any dents or bulges. When driving on bumpy roads, it's best to slow down, as hitting potholes at high speed is particularly damaging to rims. If possible, you can directly use a rim runout gauge for measurement—if the runout exceeds 1.5 millimeters, it's time to take action.

[ElisaMarie]

I've personally experienced wheel rim deformation. The simplest self-check method is to walk around the car when it's cold in the morning, squat down and look horizontally at the wheel rim edge to see if it's perfectly round. If the steering wheel vibrates like a mobile phone when driving above 60 km/h, it's most likely due to wheel rim deformation or unbalanced wheels. When washing the car, you can feel the inner side of the wheel rim with your hand to check for any uneven spots. Once I noticed severe unilateral tire wear, and it turned out to be caused by wheel rim deformation after taking it to the repair shop. Avoid frequently scraping against curbs when parking, as side impacts are the most common cause of wheel rim deformation.

[Davis]

Those who are into car modifications know that wheel deformation can affect overall handling performance. The most intuitive method is using a dynamic balancer, where the screen directly displays the radial and axial runout values of the wheel as the machine rotates. For a DIY check, you can remove the wheel and place it on a glass plate, then use a vernier caliper to measure the distance from the wheel rim to the glass. If the variation exceeds 2 mm after a full rotation, there's an issue. The interior of the wheel should also be inspected, as deformed areas often show paint cracking. Experienced modification shops might use a hydraulic press to fix minor deformations, but repaired aluminum alloy wheels lose strength, so replacement is recommended.