Bent Wheel
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 62
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From: Thompsons Station TN
Jerri and others, thanks for your comments and advice.
I don't have the equipment to remove a wheel w/o risk. (I do change my fluids, though, on friend's drive-on lift - that and cleaning is the extent of my mechanic work on this car)
The Balancing shop (local Firestone) had the wheel off the car, and checked for dirt; also said it's the wheel, not the tire (Michelins). Unfortunately, I wasn't available to see for myself.
The tire has about 8K miles, and didn't show abnormal wear, which leads me to suspect don't fix it may be the way to go.
I've talked with the recommended wheel shop, who will check both the wheel and tire (separately, off the car) and make a recommendation. Wheel shop said if wheel can't be straightened, or after attempted straighten, isn't in spec, there's no charge.
I'm not trying to be **** about this. I occasionally drive brief bursts over 100, but I want some piece of mind. And, I don't want to replace the wheel, unless absolutely necessary.
I'll report back on what I learn - maybe this experience will help someone else.
I don't have the equipment to remove a wheel w/o risk. (I do change my fluids, though, on friend's drive-on lift - that and cleaning is the extent of my mechanic work on this car)
The Balancing shop (local Firestone) had the wheel off the car, and checked for dirt; also said it's the wheel, not the tire (Michelins). Unfortunately, I wasn't available to see for myself.
The tire has about 8K miles, and didn't show abnormal wear, which leads me to suspect don't fix it may be the way to go.
I've talked with the recommended wheel shop, who will check both the wheel and tire (separately, off the car) and make a recommendation. Wheel shop said if wheel can't be straightened, or after attempted straighten, isn't in spec, there's no charge.
I'm not trying to be **** about this. I occasionally drive brief bursts over 100, but I want some piece of mind. And, I don't want to replace the wheel, unless absolutely necessary.
I'll report back on what I learn - maybe this experience will help someone else.
Here's the update - may help someone else.
Wheel shop confirmed the wheel was bent , but could be straightened.
I was asked if I could feel the vibration while driving - I said no, as I assumed the very subtle vibration and noise was normal road conditions and road noise.
Wheel was straightened on shop straightening equipment. There are no scratches or apparent damage to the wheel - I was in the shop for less than an hour, paid $100, then back on the road - the same road I drove to the shop. And, the very slight vibration/noise I experienced, was gone completely. Smooth as glass.
I am a satisfied customer - glad I had the wheel checked, before just replacing.
The shop is Hubcap Heaven and wheels, Murfreesboro Rd in Nashville, TN. Based on my experience, I recommend them.
