Bent rims...a big problem?

[Greg W]

Anyone,

I bought 4 new Sport Pilots for my '94 RT/10 last week. When they were being balanced, the tech waved me over to watch. He said both rear rims were "significantly bent". I could tell on the spin balance machine that there was some woggle as the tire was spinning. The tires were balanced as "best as possible". The tech said the rims appears to be bent from the hub, no way to straighten them.

At freeway speeds the car feels safe, but I think I do detect some uneven-ness or vibration at certain speeds. I don't track the car, but I want to be safe. Short of new rims as a solution, should I be concerned with the driveablity? I have a feeling the rims have been bent for years, but I always assumed new tires would correct any vibration problems I have noticed in the past.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Greg -

In all my years of working with Vipers, I don't think I've come across a 3-spoke rim that didn't have a slight wobble to it. I think Dodge may have put a touch of the wobbles in it so the tires would heat up quicker (j/k).
I recall my days of R/T10 ownership and dealt with the same issues you are referring too. I just kept the wheels balanced as best as possible and drove with a dignified smile. The older R/Ts do have an inherent slight vibration at speed so don't worry terribly about your wheels. It's just part of the exciting nature of the legend!

Regards,
Doug

 

[Greg W]

Thanks Doug. I figured the chances that both rims were bent, might mean that this was pretty commom for Gen I at least. Now I have to work on the dignified smile thing.

Greg