The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 3 piece rim dangers

Ok, I have read through some of these threads and I know we've covered a lot of territory here but I am tired of being a chicken!@%$ about these rims. I have 6 of them sitting on the back of a flatbed that I had to move today. I was handling them like loaded weapons and felt like an idiot. When do we have to be cautious of these things?

If they take air and hold, are they then safe?

If they later go flat, do they become dangerous again?

If there is no air in them at all, is there any snap left in them?

Inquiring minds would like to know so I can stop walking on egg shells, or at least not feel stupid doing so if need be.

The three piece rims are not as dangerous as the true split rims which split in the center. The more modern rims with only a outer split ring are safer. I've only seen 1 split rim taken apart and that was years ago so don't rememmber the method. The the main danger with the 3 piece or modern 2 piece outerlock ring wheels comes during the airing up process. If the lock ring isn't properly seated when the air is added it may pop the lock ring (And outer ring on 3 piece wheels) off. they can come off with a great deal of force bending metal occasionally causing serious injury or death. Tires with no air should pose no threat.If a tire goes flat check to see if the lock ring has lost it's seat. If you have a flat while driving some times the lock ring will pop off before the truck stops if you don't catch the tire before it goes completely flat. Best method for airing is to remove them from the truck and use a tire cage when airing. even if you use a tire cage air from side opposite lock ring and keep hands clear. also a locking air chuck would be adviseable. If no tire cage wrap wheel and tire with chains to contain lock ring etc when airing tire.

My 54 shop manuel covers both split (widowmakers) and the three piece wheels as well. might check yours if you've gotten one yet.

Just throw a few chunks of chain around the tire and rim and youll be set.

Better safe then sorry. Dont know to much about these either. Whats that about an ounce of prevention???

Jeff

Thats what the guys at work do when changing tires on the three piece rims I have never seen one seperate while being aired up but I bet it wouldn't be pretty.

Hi All,
I think most of the stories about wheels exploding and taking heads off are passed on stories that gain a little each time they are told. Yes, of course, these rims can be a problem if you don't know what you are doing, or are not paying attention. If you are aware, awake, and don't try to use damaged parts, they are not as bad as the stories say. Use chain, or a cage if you have one, and you should be all right. Respect the fact that you could get hurt but don't let it stop you. I am a "shop" teacher and I can not tell you how many times I have heard the story of the finger being cut off and the circle of blood on the ceiling. 25 years and I have never seen it nor have I known any shop teacher who has. And yes, I have changed many a split rim. I was in the Navy Seabees and have changed tires from duce and a halfs to our trucks.
Rick

Doug West Trailer sales Salisbury Md. Mechanic was killed when a tire he was changeing came apart. What part failed or which type of rim it was I don't know it was in the early eightys when I first started driving trucks.