BRIDGESTONE | TRUCK AND BUS RIMS
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RIM AND A WHEEL? Yes, there is a difference – the rim is a component of the wheel. When it comes to heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses there are basically two types of wheels: disc wheels and cast spoke wheels. For cars and other light vehicles, wheels are also made from a single piece of casted aluminium or even carbon fi bre. These types of wheels are much lighter than steel but unfortunately they are not robust and strong enough to be used on heavy vehicles.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DISC WHEELS AND CAST SPOKE WHEELS? To form a disc wheel, we need two components: a disc and a rim. The disc
DISC WHEEL
and rim are welded together to form a single piece. Disc wheels also have two variants – a single piece disc wheel suitable for tubeless tyres; and a multi- piece rim which contains a removable side ring to enable a tube type tyre to be fi tted. (see images below) To form a cast spoke wheel we need detachable rims and a hub and spoke assembly. The hub and spoke is secured to the rim using bolts and cleats. Detachable rims can come in one single continuous piece suitable for tubeless tyres and also in multi piece format made up from three segments. The multi segment rim will only be suitable for a tube type tyre since it will not be able to form an airtight seal. (see images below)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2 AND 3 PIECE SIDE RING ASSEMBLIES? In 2-piece assembly, the side ring retains the tyre on one side of the rim. The fi xed fl ange supports the other side. The split side ring is designed so that it acts as a self-contained locking ring as well as a fl ange. In 3-piece assemblies, the fl ange supports the tire on one side of the rim. The fl ange is, in turn, held in place by a separate split lock ring. Please remember that both of these types of locking rings are only suitable for tube type tyres.
CAN I FIT A TUBELESS TYRE ON A TUBE TYPE RIM? No, defi nitely not. Tube type rims are not designed to be airtight – they are designed completely differently and the
Disc CAST SPOKE WHEEL
Rim
Disc Wheel
Detachable Rims
Hub & Spokes
Cast Spoke Wheel
16 JANUARY 2012 real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS
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