Steel Wheel: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Outback and 2006 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Deformation or damage to the rim may cause air leakage. Check the rim flange for deformation, cracks or damage, and repair or replace as necessary.
Jack-up the vehicle until wheels clear the floor.

Slowly rotate the wheel to check rim "runout" using a dial gauge.

Fig 1: Checking Wheel Rim Runout Using Dial Gauge

Rim runout:

RIM RUNOUT CHART

Axial runout limit	Vertical runout limit
1.5 mm (0.059 in)

If the rim runout exceeds specifications, remove the tire from the wheel and check runout with the dial gauge attached to positions shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Checking Rim Runout
If the measured runout still exceeds specifications, replace the wheel.