Toughest & Weakest Aftermarket Wheels

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So a 'wheel repair specialist' is coming to conclusions based only on brand, just by what he sees come into his shop? What about the brands that he never sees? Those must be pretty good then, eh?
 
Weakest: Rota.

They are knock off that copies the style of the stronger, forged rims but use casting or lower quality forging instead. Search Rota Slipstream and see how many of them just shatter when you hit a pot hole.
 
Tire installer broke my Enkei Saruwatari Racing wheel.

What would he have done to one of the 3 "not recommended" wheels?
 
This is why none of my stable have aftermarket wheels, not a single one.

Only 2 with alloys, and they are forged. No one sweats the details like the factory. I have heard many tales of woe about aftermarket wheels.
 
It is an interesting article, but not very "controlled" or "scientific". It would be neat for CR to perform a controlled test by hitting a pothole & curb at the same speed -- on the same car (same tire as well). I'd like to see that test of major aftermarket players vs. OEM wheels.
 
Admittedly I knew very little about aftermarket wheels when I decided to purchase a set for an 01 Civic with some oe rusting black steelies. Discount Tire was having an extraordinary local store grand opening promo with the purchase of 4 wheels, worked out less expensive than replacing with a set of similar oe steel.

Because of the age of the car I didn't want to go real expensive, but wanted something that looked good. Ended up with a set of DT's exclusive brand MB Wheels, the Seven X with Silver machine finish. Had a year warranty on finish and lifetime on workmanship and structural problems. All I can say is I've been very satisfied the quality and durability of the wheels, and they clean up easily and look sharp. Based on the fact that DT stands behind them, I'd have only been surprised had it been otherwise. As a footnote and not as endorsement, the MB Seven X happen to be made in China.

Of the wheels mentioned, I have seen BBS on some new car models at the Toyota store.
 
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
.... No one sweats the details like the factory. I have heard many tales of woe about aftermarket wheels.


Like Mitsubishi did with the 2000-2001 Eclipse GT wheels? If one is within 5 feet of a pothole, it bends.

Or like Chrysler did with the 16" chrome plated PT Cruiser wheels that the plating corrodes off at the bead and causes air leaks?
 
Originally Posted By: Finklejag
I stopped reading after I read the word, rims.

grin.gif
 
I have Konig wheels on 2008 xB... Love them! No air pressure leakages, no problems at all with them. Powdercoating is very good, fitment is perfect, etc... Could not ask for better for what my budget allowed!
 
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
.... No one sweats the details like the factory. I have heard many tales of woe about aftermarket wheels.


Like Mitsubishi did with the 2000-2001 Eclipse GT wheels? If one is within 5 feet of a pothole, it bends.

Or like Chrysler did with the 16" chrome plated PT Cruiser wheels that the plating corrodes off at the bead and causes air leaks?


I have seen MANY chrome rims with issues. Even very high priced ones.
 
I have two sets of aftermarket wheels: one is a set of 16x7 white-spoke Armstrongs on my F-350. They are probably 20 years old, I got them at a swap meet about ten years ago. The others are old chrome Cragars, I think 15x8, on my Gremlin...no problems, though they are HEAVY.

Liz has a set of 17" alloys on her Grand National, though I have no idea who made them. AR, maybe?
 
snapped 2 Cragars off my old firechicken in 1980, never used another aftermarket wheel after that.

My son has had a parade of big Fords and Lincolns that he spruces up and resells, most have at least a set of 22's or larger on them. He has had more problems than I could stand. Bent, bad chrome, leak air, can't balance...

Very few of his high dollar choices have been trouble free.

I was initially very apprehensive about the factory 20's on my Chrysler, but they have proven themselves well.
 
Ronal makes great wheels as does BBS.

Buy good wheels and they usually will hold up better. AMG, Brabus, etc.

Get Pepboys specials, and well you get what you pay for.
 
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