Bent wheels, flat tires and slow leak blues...

[CMolinaro]

Concerning bent wheels, flat tires and slow leaks, I can empathize with Slipangle's thread. My 2003 SVT Focus has been a royal pain the last two months. I'm tired of changing flats and wasting my time at the tire store and my dealer's service department. It appears my original wheels are made of aluminum foil as all four are bent or warped. I'm seriously contemplating the purchase of aftermarket wheels.

On another annoying and somewhat related issue, my dealer has told me repeatedly that my alignment is perfect, yet the tire store tells me different and backs it up showing evidence of wear on the inside edge of my tire.

I like the aesthetics of my SVT wheels, and I’m not a bling-bling wheel person, but I really need to do something about this problem. I've lost patience.

Anyone have any thoughts? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on high quality aftermarket wheels? Would they be an upgrade? Would the Euro package wheels be a better bet? Are the 2003 SVT wheels just duds?

One side note... I replaced my Contis with PZero Neros. After a couple of snowfalls, I have to say I prefer the original Contis.

Thanks! :barfy:

[SonicBoy]

You are correct that there's been a lot of talk about the 2002-2003 SVTF wheels. When I got my 03, there were several on the lot that had bent wheels. I remember the dealership saying it was something about how the cars were tied down in shipment from Mexico that did something. Also, it would seem that even replacement 02-03 wheels get bent easy.

I ended up using my 03 wheels for the winters as I did not have any major problems and purchased 04 SVTF wheels from FRPP. The price was reasonable but I'm sure aftermarket wheels can be had for cheeper.\

I'd get your allignment checked at another dealership if you don't trust your current shop.

[CMolinaro]

SonicBoy, thanks for your feedback. I'm getting the impression the '03 wheels were duds. I'm wondering if the '04 factory wheels addressed this and whether they're stronger or an improved design. I'd buy them if that was the case. Otherwise, I'd like some opinions on aftermarket wheels that would be an upgrade from what I had. I'm tired of flats... Thanks again!

[SVTfocusO3]

I have the euro wheels, they've stood up to some harsh mishaps I must say, but if I were to get a different color, I would.

[SonicBoy]

I have the 04 wheels on my 03 and so far so good without any issues. Perhaps the 6 spoke adds more durability over the 5.

Check out:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/wheel_main.asp

They have some FORD tuner wheels that should fit not to mention the 18" RS wheel. You can also see the Euro wheels in different colors.

Primary reason why I went with this wheel was I knew it would fit 100% without the need to match bolt patterns, back spacing and the like. Also, I didn't have to rely on some of those plastic hub spacers.

I'm sure there are better aftermarket wheels out there with correct fit however I did not have the time to seriously shop.

[Euro_SVT]

Have you tried running higher air pressure?

[easytarget]

I had two of mine bent in a hard to see pot hole. Ford wanted $298.00 for replacements while Tire Rack wanted $125.00 for the same Ford Racing parts. I think next time I might go to 16" rims to give more cushion through side wall height increase. I don't run mine on the track so I won't be hurting much on performance.

Just a thought.

[indysam]

I went through so many Contis on my 03 ZX5 SVT that the tire dealer would start writing the order when he saw me pull up. Also one severely bent rim. Been driving a long long time, so I know it's not me. I put on 16" rims and haven't had a blister since. But the offset of the rims is only 42mm, so I get body rub wherever the road dips. Learned about offset too late. Anyone got any recommendations for a 16x7-7.5 rim with 49m offset?

[SVTfocusO3]

Does this help?


http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterWheels.jsp?display=alloy#results_top

[Gumby]

I currently have the euro wheels on my 04 SVTF and after purchasing it and driving it to the border in Michigan (going to Canada) I hit a serious pot hole. This thing was probably a foot deep, a swear its the last time I complain about the roads in Canada.

This was a serious hit, one that would have probably annihilated any wheel with fewer than 15 spokes. Anyways the outside of the wheel came out without a mark, however on the inside there is a noticable bend on the bead lock and a slight bend in the shell. I have been watching pressures and over the last 3 weeks I haven't lost one pond.

As for replacing the wheel, I talked to my local dealer and a replacement euro wheel would only run me $168 CAD. And for that price I might as well get a spare set :)

Hope this helps

[SonicBoy]

Gumby, I notice you are located in Toronto, ON, Canada as well. As replacement wheels can be sourced through Ford Racing Parts, did you try getting a quote form Meadowvale Ford?

I got my 04 SVTF wheels from them at a good price and they may be able to help you out.

[Gumby]

I haven't seriously been looking to replace the wheel yet. I've rotated the damaged wheel to the rear and that's probably how it will stay until next spring when I put new rubber on as well. I'll be watcking the tire to make sure it doesn't start leaking but as long as it doesn't become a problem I'll leave it alone for now.

[deactivated]

the Euro wheels are tough, and funny enough, they are lighter than the stockers. you do get more feedback through them though. When I first got them after driving on stockers I thought there was something wrong with the supension.