buying used rims, what to look for? Options

[Rider]

Just wondering, since often you can find used rims in good condition for a lot cheaper than new rims, is there any way to make sure there is nothing wrong with them? Is a visual inspection good enough?

[96bluevert]

yeah, since there's nothing electrical or mechanical about wheels, just give them a good look over and you should be fine.

[goferris]

not really much to check for other than curb rash and bends or cracks.
if they have tires on them do they keep air? other than that happy shopping
i got my rims used and i love them. saved a boat load of money on them that way.
edit: typo. sometimes i'm a perfectionist LOL

This post has been edited by goferris: Apr 6, 2008 - 3:36 AM

[808celica]

camber wear on the tires. umm bubbles........leaky valve stem........common sense stuff

[Kustomizor]

have a good look and see if theres any sign of damage on the sides, the curb can eat into a rim that has too thin a tire on it. never buy rims on ebay, pictures hide imperfections. ask where he got them, always nice when you can get a replacement if you hit a pothole, you wont get anything for 3 rims

[Rider]

not really much to check for other than curb rash and bends or cracks.
if they have tires on them do they keep air? other than that happy shopping
i got my rims used and i love them. saved a boat load of money on them that way.
edit: typo. sometimes i'm a perfectionist LOL

So if tires are already installed is it possible for them to hide any bends in the wheel or would they all be noticeable?

[Valo666]

if you can, try and get the rims spun on a tire balancer. There are rims that can get damaged and not noticeable. Like on Keroppi's car, we got a set of Borbet rims, they looked fine, no damage, just the coating was wearing out. When we went to install em, the whole rim was bent and had tons of runout. But with no visable damage.

[xs94st]

i agree with valo..if u can get em spun on a balancer you can make sure that they aren't slightly warped. i remember my gf had hit a curb and when we took the rim off it lookd alright but when the guy put it on the balancer it wobbled :\

[njccmd2002]

it is only good if you get a good deal. really good deal. if they sell for 400 and new are 600, is it really worth the risk.

Bad wobbly rims would make tires uneven. If unsure ask the seller to let you try the wheels on your car. I did ths once, and my car shook like a blender. I said no thanks..

having them balanced, can get costly. I know samsclub chages 15 for all 4, but i dont know where you live