Bent wheel

Bought my tuck in late 2015, 2nd owner with 34k miles. I had the tires replaced in 2016 by a reputable shop. I brought it back to them 3 times because it had the shakes on the highway. The old tires never had that problem. Finally it seemed resolved and smooth.

Now a year later, I rotated the tires front to back and the shake returned. I brought it back to the same shop today and they told me I have a bent wheel. They moved the bent wheel to the back so I wouldn't feel it but said it will need replacing.

I've never hit anything and I'm surprised a because a truck has so much tire profile it's hard to believe that it can bend a wheel. That said, this may have been there throughout my ownership and I never knew until the tires were replaced and that particular wheel moved to the front. Does this sound feasible?

It's a 13 access cab with 6 lug 16" steel wheels.

 

It's possible your tire shop hit something on the test drive when you got new tires last year...

 

Suppose thats possible but obviously I wouldn't have any proof of that. I'll likely buy a used wheel on eBay and hope that I don't get someone else's bent wheel!

 

Since you're 6 lug, take a look at a set of used stock Tacoma alloy wheels, lot's of them out there...

 

I don't think you have any other choice, but to buy a new set of SCS wheels.

 

Steel wheels are soft, heavy, and bend easily. Aluminum alloy are far stronger and lighter. Your steel wheels should be repairable, but I’d recommend switching to aluminum alloy. As me tinned earlier you should be able to find some TRD OR alloy wheels for cheap that are much lighter and stronger.

 

I highly recommend using this as an excuse to get yourself a nice new set of wheels.

In the meantime I would run your spare and take the bent wheel off. I wouldn't run an unbalanced and bent wheel.

 

I had a tire that had a broken belt in it. I would have bet anything the wheel was bent it felt just like a wheel or axle was bent .........check

 

I concur.

 

Hi everyone, thank you for the feedback. Don't judge me too harshly, but I did just purchase a single steel wheel from a 2015, supposedly a new takeoff and guaranteed straight. The price was right. I should have it in early October. Until then, the bent wheel is on the truck in the rear where it isn't felt.

 

I'd have them mount that tire on the new wheel and put it on the front of the truck.

'Cause if it's the tire, you'll know right away.

I'm not saying your wheel isn't bent. But. As you point out, odds are against it.

And did they show you the bend by doing a run out with a dial indicator?

 

A Hunter Road Force balanced determined the wheel to be bent. I agree, I'll have them mount that one in the front to be certain the issue is resolved by the new wheel.