A bent wheel can do more than just ruin the look of your alloys, it can compromise the structural integrity of your car. It’s important you fix a bent alloy wheel properly for your own safety.
If you want to try and straighten your wheel yourself, this article should help you, but we can’t guarantee a satisfactory result. If you don’t feel confident with this, we recommend using a professional.
To get a quote from the best alloy wheel straightening service in your area, just enter your car registration number here or click on free quote above.
How to Repair a Bent Alloy Wheel
Step 1. Apply lubricant around the outside edge of your alloy rim.
Make sure you cover the entire circumference of the wheel rim with lubricant, right where the rim meets the tyre. If you buy a spray-on lubricant, then hold it 2-3cm away from the surface whilst spraying, or follow the directions on the product
Step 2. Remove the tyre.
Make sure you’ve let out the air from your tyre, then place the wheel flat on the ground with the rim facing upwards. Sit on one side of the wheel for stability, and insert a tyre lever into the gap between the rim and the tyre at the farthest point from you. Then push down on the lever until the tyre pops off from the rim, and continue to do this all the way around the wheel.
Step 3. Place the wheel rim onto the tyre for stability.
Put down a mat or some cardboard, preferably on a concrete surface, and lay the tyre flat. Then place the wheel rim on top of the tyre and push down slightly until the rim partially inserts itself into the tyre. The tyre acts to stabilise and support the wheel rim during the repair.
Step 4. Use a blow torch to heat the up the bent area.
Make sure there are no flammable substances near by. You’ll need to heat the bent area to around 150 °C. Aim a blow torch at the damaged area from the inside of the wheel, with 2- 3cm distance, and move the flame back and forth until the area has reached the required temperature.
Step 5. Obtain a curved piece of wood that fits into the dented area.
The curve should match the dented area as closely as possible. Curved sanding blocks work well for this step, or any other type of curved wood. Any other material will likely not work as well, but the second-best option would be rubber.
Step 6. Position the wooden block over the dent and hit it with a rubber mallet.
Make sure the bent area is hot enough when you carry out this step, and be sure to use a rubber mallet not a metal hammer. Fit the wooden block into the bent area with the curve in line with the inside curve of the rim, then hit the block from the inside with the rubber mallet until the dent disappears.
If you don’t feel confident with this procedure, or if you’re not happy with the end result, then get a professional to repair your bent alloy wheel. Just enter your car registration number below and we’ll send you a quote from the best wheel repair service near you.
Looking for an alloy wheel straightening service near you? Get your FREE quote from a pre-approved, local alloy wheel refurbishment specialist today. Just enter your car registration number below and answer a few quick questions. Wheel do the rest for you!