Misaligned seam on rims braking surface
12-15-20, 02:31 PM
#1
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Misaligned seam on rims braking surface
Picked up a $40 trek 950 to use as a winter beater/ grocery getter. One side of the seem on the rim is a tiny bit lifted, and i can hear it catch my brake pads under braking.
How do I fix this? It's an aluminum rim. should i file it down?
How do I fix this? It's an aluminum rim. should i file it down?
12-15-20, 02:36 PM
#3
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If it's a front wheel, you can often fix this by simply turning the wheel around so the edge is trailing rather than leading when it meets the brake pads. Otherwise, careful filing will work.
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12-15-20, 03:33 PM
#4
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12-15-20, 06:46 PM
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A few swipes with a flat file (which hits only the high spots) should even it out. I don't need to see the point in polishing with wet/dry because the road grit on your brake pads will do it for you.
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12-15-20, 11:06 PM
#6
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filed down the high spot, braking smoothly now. thanks everyone for the help.
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12-16-20, 10:49 AM
#7
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If by chance it is a new wheel, it'll probably take care of itself after a few rides. But if you want to file or sand it down go ahead.
However since this sounds like a used bike then I'd have to wonder what else might be going on if this is not a new wheel.
However since this sounds like a used bike then I'd have to wonder what else might be going on if this is not a new wheel.
12-16-20, 04:08 PM
#8
Junior Member
Is the brake track on the rim badly worn? It will look and feel concave if it is, and this may be the first indication that the rim is failing at the seam, as there's no longer enough welded aluminum there to hold it together against the pressure of the tire.
12-16-20, 08:59 PM
#9
Senior Member
If the rim joint is not welded, then you can fix this with a small adjustable wrench. Deflate the tire. Use the adjustable wrench to twist the two ends of the rim so that they are in alignment.
12-17-20, 11:54 PM
#10
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it doesn't seem super worn, but I'll keep an eye on it.
12-17-20, 11:55 PM
#11
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12-18-20, 12:54 AM
#12
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Would this be visible on both sides of the rim, or can one side flex a bit to cause a misalignment? I am working on my first ever aluminium wheel at the moment, so I am still learning.
12-18-20, 01:44 PM
#14
Senior Member
I have seen rims where just one side has 'flexed' a little causing the misalignment. No big deal; use the wrench fix as I previously described.
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