Tyre shop says I have Rims problem

[samsamwch]

Hi,

I just went to change my rear 2 tyres at Stamford. 225/55/16, Falken at $220 each (didn't think it was cheap, just for the convenience). I am driving a E 200.

The mechanic ran the wheel alignment tes. As the wheel was spinning, he showed my that one of my Rims has uneven curves on the circumference (inner side of the wheel). He then adviced me to purchase a 17" tyres+rim package at $2.5k. He warned that if I don't change the rims, my drive shaft and suspension will be worn out quickly and affect safety. I told him I need to think about it and the mechanic got quite upset. I think he is concerned for my safety.

Any opinion on this? What should I do to confirm? He also told it is almost impossible to find 16" rims in Singapore and therefore should not waste money to change two 225/55/16. Should just go for the $2.5k package.

Any help will be appreciated.

[kepiting1sg]

Go see another doctor for 2nd opinion!

Terminal cancer can wait a few more days to see doc!

Go to LS, South East, Hurry, Ray, etc!

[SkyHawk]

What you mean by "uneven curves"? Do you offend need to pump pressure for your tyre?

[kepiting1sg]

Think he meant he went to change tyres and during wheel balancing they found 1 of his rims is bent!

[samsamwch]

kepiting1g, yes I went to change tyres and during wheel balancing, the mechanic says one rim is bent. How bad is the situation?

[samsamwch]

No need often pump tyres.

[pacman]

Yes, go for 2nd opinion. Sounds like he is too desperate to sell you the package!!

[kepiting1sg]

kepiting1g, yes I went to change tyres and during wheel balancing, the mechanic says one rim is bent. How bad is the situation?

Like I say it will not affect your safety overnight unless U go chiong high speed on the NSHW!

Go to another reputable tyre shop for a 2nd opinion.

I normally go to South East or Leong Seng.

[Tigershark]

from an intended $440 job to an unexpected job of $2,500, you definitely should recheck (unless he's your regular tyre guy). If your rims are warped/bent badly, the rim cannot be balanced. Did he managed to balance for you?

Meanwhile, drive within SG speed limits and you should be fine. If you get bumpy shakes during driving (after your tyre change), especially at high speeds, it means your wheels are unbalanced.

Get the 2nd opinion. If you need to change... hey! time for new bling bling rims! Cheers!

[nightfly]

After you have sought a 2nd opinion you could replace your defective rim with the spare one. Assuming you have one this would be the cheapest solution.

[samsamwch]

TigerShark, the mechanic told me that the rim cannot be balanced... Do you think there is any shop that would sell me just ONE rim? I am not the 1st owner, I think the rim is original that came with the car.. Got second hand one?

[Tigershark]

those shops uncle batam mentioned should have option to buy just 1 rim. however, the main challenge is getting the same rim as what u originally have. on the other hand, as nightfly mentioned, check your spare tyre. if u have the same rim type, your quick fix is to replace your 2 tyres, as originally planned, but using 1 rear rim and the spare rim. then, u can take a longer time in hunting for that 1 rim replacement or changing the entire set.

[samsamwch]

The tragedy is that I don't have a spare tyre..

[samsamwch]

If I were to hunt for second hand full set 16" rims, must I only go for those Mercedes brand? Any special features, besides 5 nuts, I should be looking out for?

[Tigershark]

rims don't have to be strictly mercedes band but should fall within guidelines of your original rims specifications. i'm guessing your stock rims profile should be 7.5 x 16" 5 x 112 PCD & +41 offset.

unker mentioned shops shud be able to give u something to consider.

[xaba]

Is it the Stamford Tyre along Macpherson Road?

The last time I went to change tyre, they told me the same thing. That the rim is warped and can be dangerous.

I changed the set of rims. Luckily it was a 15" set. Damage was $700.

I started finding it fishy after the change because the drive felt the same.

Were you standing there watching them remove the rim and do the balancing? Or did they ask u to go have kopi at the kopi shop nearby?

[samsamwch]

It's Stamford at bukit batok. I was ushered to the waiting lounge for kopi. Told me the problem and showed me the bent while the wheel was spinning on his machine. Will go for second opinion.

No 16" rims set from Stamford. Only got 17" set, at $640. But 4 tyres and rims is $2.5k.

[leftfield]

Stock rims are made by Ronal I believe. Heavy yes but very hardy too. These are not cheap Taiwanese rims that get warped easily.

Unless you have hit a big rock or curb at high speed, it's very unlikely that they get warped from normal day to day driving.

Very fishy if u ask me and I agree with Unker that u shld get a 2nd opinion. If there's a need to change the rims and tyres, it has to be for vanity reasons and nothing else!

[Cloud]

Stamford as a business entity, and those ppl running the business are most probably employee and incentive based. Hence, the more they can squeeze out from the customer the more they are incentivise. So, the proposal may be very $$ driven rather than a true case of warp rims...

Nevertheless, as per the forumers suggested, just get another opinion from any of those recommended. Personally, will go south East.

[VBlaster_W211]

While it is true that even forged rims like Rays may be bent after long usage over bad roads with potholes, I observed Stamford tends to push for rims and tyres package often. Check with others. Also, you can also judge for yourself, if on spinning on the wheel balancing machine, you can observe a clear uneven spin on the wheel.

If it's true, then change.

[ShaneL]

AEZ has a 3 years warranty against potholes. Similar for DoTz.

[samsamwch]

Thanks for all the tips. I'll go some tyre shop, pay for 2nd opinion.

[samsamwch]

Btw, this relates to one of the rear wheel. If I don't chiong NSHW, what bad things will happen if I leave this wheel unbalanced.

[ShaneL]

Why not go hurry tires.

Upper bukit Timah. Next to serene center. Uncle nice and honest

[SlowStig]

"my drive shaft and suspension will be worn out quickly and affect safety"

Thank him for his advice. Go and get a second opinion.

Since he's an expert on drive shafts and suspensions, you might want to ask him his opinion on the global financial crisis.

He'll probably say the financial wheels need re-balancing too!! ....