Wheel Parts Are Few But Vital

One of the six simple machines in physics, the wheel is the unsung hero of the automobile, and it just so happens to be one of those replacement parts on a car that just about anyone can replace. That is certainly good news for those born with ten thumbs and a natural adverse reaction to anything mechanical.

The basic components of a wheel are the following:

• The tire: this baby basically provides a cushion for the weight of the car or truck. Usually made of rubber, tires also provide traction and they also protect the rim from wear and tear. What type of tread on a tire determines the amount of friction between tire and road, how much water is displaced on a wet surface, and how well the vehicle will stop and handle different road surfaces. The tire is filled with pressurized air to provide a cushion. The amount of air pressure is always printed on the outside of the tire and needs to be checked periodically to assure that the car will respond properly. For the novices out there, different size tires are needed for different size vehicles.
• The rim: Think of the rim as the skeleton of the tire. In other words, it supports the tire, which wraps around it. Rims are made of strong materials, usually steel or aluminum, and like the tires come in different sizes (width and diameter) depending on the vehicle in question. The rim also houses the hub, which we cover next.
• The hub: this little baby attaches the wheel to the axle and the braking system. In other words, the axle fits into the hub, is bolted down with lug nuts, and the brake assembly rests against the wheel hub.

The good news about wheels and tires is that they are available anywhere that sells used parts, and they are readily available at you pull it salvage yards. Why would anyone pay top price for a wheel or tire when they can go to a junk yard and get one dirt cheap? A set of new tires will run you at least $400 at a used parts store while at a salvage yard they will cost you a small fraction of that price, and they are so easy to remove and replace that practically anyone can do it, as long as you don’t mind getting a little grease on your hands.

Considering that the basic wheel has been around literally for centuries, not much has changed. From covered wagons to today, the structure and function are about the same. They really are very simple machines.