Re: Soft wheels feedback & conclusion

[VWMikeLVW@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/18/01 2:54:03 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
scirocco_16v_1987@yahoo.com writes:


> I had a set of 15" Ronal Wheels on my '87 16v.  3 out of 4 of them were bent
> or even cracked.  I eventually had to buy a set of new wheels and tires.
>
> Now... When I first had my Ronal Wheels (with BF Goodrich Euro T/A's
> 195-50-15), I never ran the tire pressure very high (28-30 psi).  Now on my
> new wheels and Tires (MB Motorsports Borbet Type-C style with BF Goodrich
> Euro T/A's 195-50-15) I run a higher tire pressure (36-38psi).   I have yet
> to bend or even touch these wheels at all.  Tulsa's roads are not that
> bad... but I'm not that great of a pothole dodger. :)
>
> My take on the whole soft wheels issue:
>
> A pothole has to go through the tire before it hits the wheel.  If your tire
> pressure is too low, there isn't anything standing between the pothole and
> the wheel.  If your tire pressure is higher (too high?)the tire will take
> the jolt and act as a cushion for the wheel.   Isn't that what tires are
> supposed to do?
>
> OK... so that's my 2 pence... and then some.


That is a good point. I have a set of 16x7.5's on one Rabbit. I have had 
these wheels for a few years now and haven't bent any of them. I have hit 
bumps and ruts in the road where it felt like the car was airborne....still, 
nothing. I run pressure at about 38psi.

Mike
http://www.geocities.com/vwmikel - trust me, a replacement is on the way!
'84-Arkay Turbo Rabbit GTI
'84-Rabbit GTI - future DCI drag car
'77-Rabbit - project
'80-Scirocco S - (um... to be:1.9L crossflow, turbo, 6 speed, widebody?)