highEasy 1 hour (shop) Community experience3,646 views
Source: Widely reported by owners. Not a GM statement. Confirm with a qualified technician.
When to stop driving
Stop driving on a wheel with a visible crack or a tire losing air quickly. A wheel failure at speed can cause a loss of control.
Symptoms
- Slow air leak from one tire
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Visible crack on the inner barrel of the wheel
- Steering wheel shake
Likely causes
- Pothole or road impacts
- Low tire pressure reducing protection
- Wide, low-profile tire and wheel package
What to check
Diagnostic steps, in order. Stop if any step needs tools or skills you don't have.
- 1Check tire pressures cold; note any tire that keeps losing air.
- 2Have the wheels inspected on a balancer; ask the shop to check for bends and cracks on the inner barrel.
- 3Spray soapy water on the wheel to find slow leaks.
- 4Look at the inner barrel with a flashlight when the wheel is off.
Possible solutions
- Replace cracked wheels; welding a cracked wheel is not recommended
- Have a bent wheel professionally straightened only if a specialist says it's safe
- Consider forged wheels as replacements
Parts commonly needed
- Replacement wheel
- Tire (if damaged)
- TPMS sensor service kit
Warning signs
- Tire that needs air often
- New vibration after a pothole
- TPMS warning for one corner
Prevention
- Keep tire pressures correct
- Avoid potholes where safely possible
- Inspect wheels at every tire rotation or change
Information here combines factory data and owner experience and may not apply to your exact car. For brakes, steering, suspension, fuel or anything safety-critical, consult a qualified mechanic. Read the full disclaimer.
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