Wheel Straightening in Tyne and Wear

Hit a pothole or clip a kerb hard enough and the rim of an alloy wheel can bend. You may not see it. What you feel is a shake through the steering wheel or seat, often more noticeable at certain speeds.

Wheel straightening is one of the alloy wheel services we offer at Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn. This page covers the signs, the process and, importantly, the limits.

Signs of a bent wheel

Bent wheels often show up as vibration, a wobble that comes and goes with speed, or a car that drifts or feels unsettled. Sometimes tyre pressure falls because the bead no longer seals against the rim.

Vibration can also come from tyre damage, balance problems or worn suspension parts, so a bent wheel is not always the cause. That is why inspection comes first. If a vehicle feels unsafe, stop driving it and get it checked.

• Steering wheel shake at certain speeds
• Vibration felt through the seat
• Repeated loss of tyre pressure
• Visible flat spot or kink on the rim
• Uneven wear on one tyre

What the job involves

The wheel is removed and the tyre taken off so the rim can be checked properly. The wheel is measured to see how far it has moved, and inspected for cracks, which is critical before any force is applied.

If it is suitable, the rim is carefully brought back to true using specialist equipment, then checked again. Any damaged finish can be addressed afterwards, which is where our refurbishment and painting services come in. We then refit the tyre and check the wheel runs true.

When straightening is not the answer

Not every bent wheel should be straightened. Cracks, severe distortion or damage to the spokes or mounting face can mean a wheel is beyond safe repair. Alloy can be brittle, and a wheel that has been weakened is a risk at speed.

If we find that, we will say so plainly and talk about replacing the wheel. We will not promise a repair before inspection. Whether it is possible depends on what we find.

What affects the outcome and the cost

The depth and location of the bend matter most, along with the wheel design and material. Impact on the inner edge of the rim may not be visible from outside.

The cost is also affected by whether the finish needs repair afterwards and by how many wheels are involved. We explain this at the estimate. Mention any tyre damage too, since a hard impact can harm the tyre as well.