Kawasaki Discussions about Kawasaki ATVs.

Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 01-04-2004, 01:45 PM
2lman's Avatar
Pro Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

I have a pretty substantial dent in one of my stock V-Force rims. I recently had a pair of mudder tires mounted so that I could stud them up for winter. As soon as I catch a little traction this tire just blows off the bead. The opposite bead holds and the other wheel/tire have no problem at all. I've heard of having to screw through the rim into the bead to hold it in place. I don't mind doing this, but I don't want the hassle of flat tires if I don't have to. Any comments/suggestions much appreciated.

 
  #2  
Old 01-05-2004, 04:50 PM
2lman's Avatar
Pro Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

bump
 
  #3  
Old 01-05-2004, 04:53 PM
KGB's Avatar
KGB
KGB is offline
Pro Rider
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

Can you swing a rubber mallet?
Can you swing it harder?
Can you swing a sledge hammer?
 
  #4  
Old 01-05-2004, 05:38 PM
camo700's Avatar
Trailblazer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

I bent a rim back into place on my 300ex and it worked fine. I used a Brass (soft metal) punch and a hammer. If you just beat on it with a steel hammer your gonna ding the hell out of the rim and probably make the bend worse. You probly wont get enough force with a rubber mallet. HTH.
 
  #5  
Old 01-05-2004, 09:40 PM
rockrider's Avatar
Pro Rider
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

I dented the rear rim on a 250X so bad that the tire wouldn't hold air. I dismounted the tire, heated the rim with a propane torch and beat on it with a rubber mallet, dead blow hammer and a 2x4. I couldn't make it perfect but it was functional and held air.
 
  #6  
Old 01-05-2004, 09:41 PM
mastrblastr's Avatar
Pro Rider
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

Are the rims on a V-force aluminum? If they are, you need to take care in taking the dent out. Aluminum work hardens, which means the more you pound on it, the harder it gets, and then it cracks. If you have access to an oxy-acetylene torch, start the acetylene only, and wave the torch over the dented area. It will turn the rim black. Turn on your torch as you normally would for cutting, and heat up the dented area. As the rim warms up, the black soot(carbon)on the rim will start to burn off. This is the perfect temperature for beating your rim back into place. Use a 2x4 or wooden mallet to pound it back into shape and then let it cool off. Done.
 
  #7  
Old 01-11-2004, 03:15 PM
2lman's Avatar
Pro Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?

Thanks for the help guys. I went the propane torch method, used a brass block and beat it with the hammer, only took two good whacks.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bmxatv10
Yamaha
58
10-14-2022 06:23 PM
STLyamwar
Classifieds, Garage Sale & Swap Shop
1
07-25-2020 04:44 AM
Todd C Wadas
2) Chassis problems..
0
09-23-2015 11:31 PM
MikeyBoyesq
ATV Racing
1
09-22-2015 10:02 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Can you straighten out a dent in a rim?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:42 AM.