Bent two wheels today.....need advice

[formula]

Driving through center of town today. Guy comes around corner with boat trailer, all the way on my side of road. No time to stop, had to run over a curb. Hit it square with the front tire BAM, then rear BAM. Bent the crap out of the front, enough to break the bead and make the tire go flat. Rear is bent in about 1/2" or so, still holding air. #@$%! #@$%! #@$%!



Used the "death jack" to change out the front. It's driving just fine. No vibes, no pulling etc. Should I keep an eye out for anything that may pop up as a result of the impact? Maybe take it in for an alignment?



As for the wheels and tires... .....

The tires look pretty much OK. A little bit scuffed, but not cut up at all. Would it be safer to just get new tires? As for the wheels (these are the steel wheels, grey painted) , I'm gonna try to hammer 'em back out and see what happens. Wonder how much two new wheels would cost from the dealer?



Sean

 

[MechanicMike]

A wheel alignment would probably be a good idea. Even if everything looks ok the aligment may still be out enough to eventually cause other problems like premature tire wear.



As for the tires I would inspect them closely to make sure there are no impact bubbles on the sidewalls both inside and outside, and even jack the truck up and spin the tires by hand to make sure a belt didn't shift in the tire causing the tire to become out of round.



If the steel wheels resemble a taco in anyway its better to just replace em. Try a junkyard or even a reputable tire shop can probably get you replacements at a good price.

Hope this helps. Mike

 

[klenger]

You shoud be able to find some "take offs" from someone who's upgraded to aftermarket wheels, but would probably be hard to find the ST style wheels as ST owners are not likely to upgrade. A set of the SLT chrome steel wheels should be pretty easy to find. You could file an insurance claim if it's worth it depending on your deductable.

 

[formula]

Thanks for the speedy replies guys



I just went about hammering out the bends. Fortunately they didn't reach the "taco" stage :-laf (I would have taken pics but dad borrowed the digital camera) A couple of whacks with the 10# sledgehammer and they're looking pretty good. Aside from the hammer marks, they're very close to before they met the curb. I just re-inflated the tires and will check for leaks as well as spin them around when on the truck and check for any other problems.



Decided to pass on the insurance route. It's a $500 deductible and I'm a step 9. It would cost more in the long run. argh



Sean

 

[Tony T.]

I believe I've seen the ST wheels on E-Bay at a pretty reasonable price. So if the damaged ones end up causing you problems later on you might try there if you don't find them local.



Tony

 

[Beer Man]

If you have the chrome steel wheels i just replaced mine with aftermarket and would be willing to sell cheap enough. There is a u shaped ring that goes around the very outer edge that 5 or 6 inches have broke off on 2 of them. Not sure why. Its pretty hard to tell unless you look close.

 

[WhiteSheep]

The stock chrome steel wheels go for $300 at my local Phoenix dealer. The full size spare came with a black rim. Wanting to rotate all 5, I spent the $ for a 5th chrome rim. I considered take-offs and junk yard parts. I rather like to know what has been done to the rims I drive on the freeway at 75 MPH with my family and TT in tow. $300 seemed expensive until I checked funeral costs.



I would stay away from any take-offs with hammer marks on them.