Hello, I just got a used front wheel for fairly cheap and noticed something really strange.
One side of the rim surface seems to be severely worn whereas the other side seems to have normal wear.. what could have caused this? Is this wheel safe to use or should I let my LBS put in a new rim? Thanks for your help 🙂
by WilliPiWallaPo
4 Comments
that rim is done like years ago. get replaced!
Uneven pad adjustment, causing more wear on one side. No, it’s not safe anymore, the rim wall on that side has been considerably thinned. It might actually be the worst I’ve even seen that was still in one piece. It might split apart at any moment, and when it does, it will do so catastrophically. Get a new one.
That’s pretty deep wear in the rim brake track. I’d be looking to replace that ASAP, the rim requires a minimum thickness and they generally have a wear line or wear indicators.
Damage that can result from this includes the rim splitting apart due to pressure from the tyre + tube, or the brake pad getting lodged in the rim under a crack/weak spot.
Both of these are not issues I want on a front wheel.
Pad ran to zero, ran metal on metal, then buffed smooth later. I would put these on my indoor bike.
Rim brake rims are a consumable. Slowly.