Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Questions tagged [wheels]

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Questions relating to a vehicle's roadwheels - e.g. questions about balancing, wheel types, and damage to wheels.

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32
votes
8answers
13k views

Is it necessary to have the wheels of a car aligned with the body when parked, due to weight on the axle? [duplicate]

My uncle says a driver advised him that whenever the car is parked, the wheels have to be aligned with the body of the car, or else there will be un-necessary weight on (I think) the axle or wheel, ...
24
votes
2answers
6k views

Strange metallic stickers on rims after repair shop visit

These appeared on my rims after taking my bike to a repair shop. Does anyone know what these are and how to remove them?
24
votes
4answers
33k views

What are the benefits of low profile tires?

I have yet to find anyone that knows of any benefits of low-profile tires. All of the pros that I've asked have said there is no benefit. Naturally, the number of pros that I have available to ask is ...
23
votes
1answer
6k views

Why are wheels labeled “R16” when the 16" is actually the diameter?

Just wondering about this, unless the R doesn't mean "Radius" it doesn't make much sense.
22
votes
7answers
33k views

Grease on wheel bolts or not?

My father (an engineer, but not an auto mechanic) taught me to use a tiny dab of machine grease on the thread (not the rim) of each wheel bolt. This would help against corrosion, and help when ...
20
votes
2answers
28k views

What is the small metal square attached to the wheel or tire?

I found that this small metal square labelled "1/4 FE" had come off my car's wheel yesterday. I am wondering what it could be, and whether it's important to put it back on.
20
votes
11answers
184k views

Wheel stuck or fused to drum

1997 Chevy 1500 My right rear wheel is stuck or fused to the drum. I can get the lugnuts off, but no luck getting the wheel off. I took it to a tire place and they couldn't remove it either, and said ...
17
votes
1answer
17k views

What are these metal clips where my wheel rims meet the tires and what are they for?

I had a leaky tire, so I took it in to be checked for a puncture. The guy found no puncture but found it was leaking air where this clip met the tire: That clip had been there since I bought the ...
17
votes
6answers
40k views

How to fix leaky tires after 2 shops couldn't

I have an SUV with factory 16" steel wheels and P235/70R16 tires. The tires have just under 30,000 miles of gentle driving on them. Two of the tires have been leaking quite a bit (about 10 psi per ...
14
votes
4answers
6k views

Why nitrogen and not carbon dioxide is used in critical tire applications?

In critical applications tires are inflated using pure nitrogen (link). But carbon dioxide (CO2) is a larger molecule (will leak slower from the tire), as well as inert (will not oxidize rim and will ...
14
votes
5answers
70k views

Differences and Recommendation between Steel and Alloy Wheels for Winter?

There are many discussions regarding steel vs. alloy wheels in Winter on multiple forums. It would be good if someone could lay out full facts and help scale these differences (questions below). For ...
13
votes
5answers
189k views

Why do some tuned cars have very inclined tires?

I've seen photographs of cars with strange inclined tires like the one in the picture I pasted here. They seems to be Japanese cars. Is it for drifting? Maybe for appearance? Do the tires get ...
13
votes
1answer
4k views

Front left controller arm corroded and broke on my 2002 Hyundai Elantra

I was driving home, heard a crunch, and then my entire steering wheel felt loose and turned a quarter turn to the left even though my car was still going straight. I was about 10 feet from home so I ...
12
votes
7answers
46k views

Should the inflation pressure for low profile tires be the same as for regular tires?

I always thought that even if you go the large wheel + low profile tire route one should keep the pressure to what's recommended by the manufacturer. However I noticed that some people swear by ...
12
votes
3answers
18k views

Is it safe to fix a bent motorbike wheel?

Long story short my front wheel took a hit and the rim is now slightly bent. Now, since this is a forged aluminium wheel, replacing it costs the best part of 1500EUR. Being on a budget I thought of ...
11
votes
5answers
18k views

Why are spare wheels smaller than normal wheels?

I want to purchase a VW Ameo Highline. It comes with stock tyres (185/60 R15), and alloy rims. The spare wheel, however, is a standard steel rim (non-alloy) with 175/70 R14 tyres. The dealer explained ...
11
votes
2answers
12k views

What are the pros and cons of having “summer wheels” and “winter wheels”?

I bought a lightly used VW GTI last year, and it has alloy rims I have been in SoCal, so the weather is pretty fine, but we're moving to the midwest :(. Should I plan on buying steel crappy-ugly-...
11
votes
4answers
59k views

How can you change a pressed wheel bearing without a hydraulic press?

Is there a good way to change a pressed wheel bearing without a hydraulic press? Clearly it's better to do it the right way, which I'm doing (well, a mechanic is doing), but I was wondering if a ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views

How to ensure nuts holding wheels are properly tightened?

I'll need to help put wheels on a sedan that is currently parked on bricks near a building after some bad guys had stolen previous wheels. I'll likely have only a basic wrench that was shipped with ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views

Correct fitment of wheels using hubcentric rings

I have a US 2007 Yaris sedan. I'm still on the original wheels and they've had a very rough life. The ride is suffering for it and I'm looking for a new set of wheels and tires while trying to be ...
10
votes
2answers
6k views

What are the advantages of filling nitrogen instead of “normal” air in the car tyres?

As the question says, does filling pure nitrogen has any significant advantages, given the fact that normal air is ~80% nitrogen? Thanks for your time.
10
votes
2answers
990 views

Wheel rim chrome repair

I recently bought a used vehicle which has some aftermarket rims on it. For whatever reason the previous owner failed to take good care of them and there are areas of them (some are 2 or 3 inches) ...
10
votes
1answer
906 views

What type of Ferrari's came with wire wheels?

I always thought wire wheels was a British thing but recently I saw a very neat looking Classic Ferrari with wire wheels. Was this odd for an Italian car? Did they come stock with these or was it just ...
10
votes
4answers
6k views

Can I balance my wheels at home?

My 2003 Opel Agila steering wheel shakes and the car vibrates from 65-80mph, and I think it's because my wheels aren't balanced as I have had new tyres, tracking and wheel balancing about two months ...
9
votes
6answers
20k views

Does wheelspinning damage my car?

Apart from the tires, if I pull off quickly and I wheel spin, do I cause any damage to the internals of the car? Obviously I don't mean reving it to 4k+ and then dumping the clutch, I mean speeding ...
9
votes
3answers
232 views

Buying Car Parts Online

It's clear to me that car parts are cheaper when purchased online rather than through the mechanic. I've been buying tires and brake pads online for years with few problems. Now the wheel bearings on ...
9
votes
1answer
1k views

Alloy wheel really stuck fast to the hub, any practical avoidance steps?

Last night, in the wee small hours, I set about changing the brake discs (rotors) and pads on my 2012 VW Golf. I lifted the car off the ground and removed all of the wheel bolts. I then found that ...
8
votes
3answers
3k views

Why are there no Stainless Steel wheels to prevent Corrosion in Winter?

Steel wheels are often used in Winter due to its low cost, however, it is very prone to rust. Why are Stainless Steel wheels, more specifically 316 Stainless Steel not being more popular as the ...
8
votes
3answers
44k views

Hit a curb today, taking a chunk out of the tire and some damage to the rim. Is it still safe to drive? [closed]

Pictures: As you can see, it took a good chunk out of the tire, next to the rim. Unfortunately there's also quite a lot of scratch damage on the edges there. Is this still safe to drive, or should I ...
8
votes
3answers
6k views

Do I need to lift my car up before adjusting lug nut torque?

I recently put new wheels on my car. I don't have off-street parking, much less a garage to work in, so I had the wheels installed by a mechanic. Since they were installed, they have been driven ...
8
votes
6answers
51k views

Uneven rotation sounds when my car gets to 50-60 MPH

My 2005 Mazda 3 with 73K miles (roughly 20K on the tires) on it starts to make a sound, just like your washing machine does when all of the clothes go to one side and its still spinning, when I get to ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views

Should one fit the least-worn tires to the rear wheels?

According to the Owner’s Manual Saab 9-3 M2001 (front-wheel driven cars): WARNING When fitting just one new pair of tires, these should be fitted to the rear wheels, as these are more ...
8
votes
1answer
377 views

Fixing wheel runout after “detour” through ditch

I recently took a detour through a ditch on the way to work. There was a lot of snow there which made itself known - my car and it got along pretty well but as far as I'm concerned, they need to ...
8
votes
2answers
3k views

Winter rims have rust patches. Should I leave them or remove rust and repaint? Any recommendations for rust remover and paint?

There are a set of winter tires on there already, but I'm not worried about getting paint or rust remover on the tires -- I've ordered some new tires already (going studded this year) and will be ...
7
votes
3answers
21k views

What is this wire in my tyre?

On my car there are these strange wires sticking out my tyre. They are wedged in the tyre at one end, and I pulled a few out before taking the photos below, before getting one stuck in my finger... ...
7
votes
5answers
20k views

Is it normal for the wheels to be over 100C hot after a few kilometers of driving?

I drove my car from my parking to a spot where I can wash my car 3.5 km away. I thought it might be a good idea to clean the rims, so I splashed water towards the front wheel. To my surprise, steam ...
7
votes
4answers
2k views

Should I not drive with this huge chipped rim?

Slid while turning and hit a curb. I am pretty sure I shouldn't drive with this but wanted to get opinions.
7
votes
4answers
3k views

Is this a wheel spacer?

I just swapped my aftermarket winter alloy wheels&tires, for original summer wheels & tires. The steering wheel feels wobbly after I did that. I read this thread here on mechanic exchange ...
7
votes
2answers
3k views

Cast or Forged Wheels, is there any real-world difference?

One-piece alloy wheels can be either cast, or forged and milled from a billet. The latter process supposedly makes for a slightly denser and stronger structure and eliminates any bubbles that may have ...
7
votes
3answers
825 views

What to take into account when looking for rims

I'm mostly an OEM kinda guy. But the original hubcaps on my Citroen BX are horrible from any point of view. I was thinking of replacing them with rims but I have no idea what I should be looking for. ...
7
votes
1answer
994 views

What should one do to reduce the HP lost at the wheels on an automatic transmission?

I have a 1990 Toyota Supra Turbo 4 speed auto. I've done some research about automatic transmissions and manual transmissions and what are the positives and negatives of each. (For example, MT is said ...
7
votes
4answers
14k views

I damaged 1 rim. Should I replace 2 rims?

I hit a rock and it destroyed my tire and damaged the (steel) rim. Should I replace 2 rims (matched pair), or is it ok to replace just the one damaged rim? Is the car going to be balanced? It is the ...
7
votes
3answers
839 views

Are generic steel rims bad for car/tires?

I was looking into buying a set of steel rims for my '97 Camry (for winter tires). I was talking to a guy, who worked at an auto shop, who said generic steel rims aren't exactly good for cars (...
7
votes
2answers
54 views

93 325i E36 - help with tires

So I have 2 different rims in the back. One is wide and the other is thinner, along with two different size tires. It pulls hard to the left. Is there a way to fix this without having to get ...
7
votes
2answers
3k views

Motorbike rear wheel hub reassembly

I want to get a new tire fitted on my 2003 Suzuki DR650 and removed the rear wheel. Following the manual I took the chain guard off, removed the axle, made the wheel free of chain and brake caliper ...
7
votes
2answers
5k views

What is the effect of changing rim diameter while keeping wheel width constant?

Which advantages or disadvantages would I obtain by changing the rim size while keeping the overall diameter of the wheel and the thread width constant? For example, in http://www.tyresizecalculator....
7
votes
2answers
2k views

Slow speed crunch/pop sound?

Having this issue that started recently. Hearing and feeling in the steering wheel and pedals crunch/pop sound when rolling slowly. On/off brakes doesn't seem to matter. In gear/off gear doesn't ...
7
votes
2answers
879 views

Out of round wheel?

I have a '99 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS that has a terrible vibration problem that occurs at all speeds, with it being very bad on the highway. During turns, it gets worse then better, as if both front ...
7
votes
2answers
259 views

Rumble strip noise on 1999 F250

I have the "sounds like driving on a rumble strip when I hit a bump" problem. I've read through the many threads about it on other sites and I'm trying to narrow down the cause for mine. There are ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views

Wheel change/balance leading to continuous braking

So I go to get my wheels changed and balanced and I leave with the driver side rim heating up unnaturally even after driving just a few miles. The car stops unusually quickly. It's quite clear that ...

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