Bent Wheel

[joker11]

I searched for "Bent Rim" and the search feature told me that the minimum search word is 4 letters. Rim is only 3 and it would not search. So I tried....

Anyways,

What is the best way to straighten a bent rim? I am going to try that first before buying a new one. It bent just enough to let the air out on impact.

Anyone ever heat it up and maybe tap it back round?

Put it in a 50 ton press and reshape it?

Put it in a lathe and force it round?

I can do all three because I have the tools. But I have never tried.

let me know guys!

Joker

[rob_990]

im not sure about the rim but for three letter words you can put a * at the end of the word and it works fine.

[tyman2395]

dont hit it will a hammer use a rubber mallet because aluminum bents easy thats how i always bend mine back if not maybe try tubes in each tire

[joker11]

This is the wheel my buddy bent.

[tyman2395]

ya thats a pretty bad bend but i can be fixed cause take your time on it

[buck440]

if you can put it in a lathe try it as far as heating it up aluminum dont work like that, unlike steel you stick a torch to it it'll prolly melt cause it doesn't glow and flex like steel, correct me if im wrong. it would be best to buy one fore like $30

[buck440]

oh heck just pound it out good enough

[joker11]

Buck,
you are right that aluminum doesn't glow when it's hot. But since I am a welder....I know it gets wet when it melts. You can see it when you TIG weld.
Anyways....you can heat up aluminum easily...well, actually, I do it a lot to pre-heat before welding. It's easier because aluminum conducts heat quickly and dissipates the heat. Preheating is a common trick.

I have just never attempted to straighten a wheel and was looking for someone who has.

Thanks for the replies....it's nice to know SOMEONE reads my posts....hehehehe

I'm such a noob when it comes to ATVs.

[CJM]

Take the tire off if possible and go to town. Cant really make it any worse than ya got now..

[hondaguy20]

just throw it in the scrap barrel and buy a different used rim. it will be less of a headache and you will be able to get back to riding sooner. also you will have a "true" rim.

[joker11]

I decided to say fuggit.

i took a rubber mallet, beat the heck out of it till it was as good as I could get it.

I took a ratchet strap, wrapped it around the tire, pulled the schraeder valve core out, inflated the tire and boom, the bead was seated.

I put the valve core back in, aired it up and gave it back to my neighbor. He put it on and ran it. Seems ok.

I mean....you know....beat it up till it breaks. Then buy a new one.

who cares?

[casiey400ex]

Originally posted by buck440
if you can put it in a lathe try it as far as heating it up aluminum dont work like that, unlike steel you stick a torch to it it'll prolly melt cause it doesn't glow and flex like steel, correct me if im wrong. it would be best to buy one fore like $30

dont heat the wheel up if it is aluminum you will make it soft and will bend again

[casiey400ex]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii78/casiey52/SANY0495.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii78/casiey52/SANY0500.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii78/casiey52/SANY0504.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii78/casiey52/SANY0513.jpg
and i fixed this wheel