I checked for magnets…

[Achlys]

The Ford dealership 18 year employee “his words” didn’t know what a pin-plate balance is. So I went to Costco because I know the crew, I use to manage the shop. From the factory every wheel was off by .50 ounce, which is why I felt the front end was off. Then the tech calls me over and shows me a wheel that’s bent! 5K miles and a bent wheel, not what I was expecting. So in your opinion, I’d it better to get a new wheel or change them all?

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[Sofa King]

If the wheel was actually bent by you (not in shipping or other mishap), then you probably need stronger wheels. Are they factory wheels or ? I must confess, not sure I've heard the term "pin plate balance"... I assume it is to balance lug centric as opposed to hub centric.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Just replace the wheel. But the question is, how was it bent and for how long?

 

[Achlys]

About 5100 miles. Took it on a trip to Texas in June, many road issues. That’s my guess for the cause. Really surprised that a OEM wheel would be affected by a hit I should remember. I’m old, so there’s that.
Pin-plate balance is coned on the back side of the wheel with pins that mimic stud/nut connection to the balancer on the front of the wheel. This in turn creates an accurate connection to the balancer, giving a more accurate balance.

 

[mthx]

Honestly, if the wheel is only slightly bent and hasn't cracked, I'd at least get a quote from a reputable wheel repair shop before buying a new one. There are many places that specialize in straightening wheels, and they can often restore them to factory specs for much less than the cost of a replacement. I'd only replace it if it's cracked, severely bent, or can't be brought back within spec. It's definitely worth checking before spending the money on a new wheel.

 

[D/\rK•650]

Honestly, if the wheel is only slightly bent and hasn't cracked, I'd at least get a quote from a reputable wheel repair shop before buying a new one. There are many places that specialize in straightening wheels, and they can often restore them to factory specs for much less than the cost of a replacement. I'd only replace it if it's cracked, severely bent, or can't be brought back within spec. It's definitely worth checking before spending the money on a new wheel.

If it's bent a certain way it can't be repaired. One of my 370z wheels was bent and when I asked if it could be repaired because it was at a wheel resurfacing place, they said no because it was bent "out of round",? I want to say. It wasn't severe but not repairable.

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