How to Repair a Truck Rim
You can do two types of damage to steel truck rims; cracks and bends. Both types mostly occur from off-road driving, hitting potholes or riding onto curbs. Cracks in steel wheels require professional repair, or replacement. The cost of each are about the same. A repaired crack has potential to reappear if you strike some form of road hazard, so your truck is safer with outright replacement. Bent steel rims require heat and force to be repaired; you can do it yourself in about 30 minutes to an hour, if you know how.
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Things You'll Need
- Hand-held propane torch
- Hammer
- Rim straightener tool
- Straight edge
- Metal file
- Steel wool
Instructions
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1
Take the wheel to a professional to have it dismounted from the rim. You can remove the tire from the rim yourself using pry bars, but the process is very difficult without prior knowledge.
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2
Heat the damaged section of rim using a handheld propane torch for two to three minutes. Do not apply heat to the visible aspect of the rim if you have some form of coating or finish that you wish to protect. You will have less scorching on the rim if you use a blue flame on the torch.
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3
Hammer the area using short but forceful swings until the bend is repaired. You will likely have to reheat the area several times to get it into the proper shape. Use any type of straight edge, such as a ruler or flat piece of wood, to gauge the repair. You can use a rim straightener tool like a set of pliers. The tool attaches to the damaged section, and you pull out and down on the bend to repair it.
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4
File off any burrs or scratches using a metal file and steel wool. Clean the area with steel wool once complete.
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Take the tire and rim to a professional to have it mounted and balanced. Then put it back on the vehicle.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear safety equipment, such as glasses and heat-proof gloves, when handling hot metal.
References
- Photo Credit George Clerk/Photodisc/Getty Images
