how can you tell that you have one? or is it going to be obvious like you will see physically cracked rim(s)? or can you tell by how one side shakes then the other half of the vehicle? any pics?

 

1. Put the car up on jack stands.
2. Take the car out of gear and release the hand brake.
3. Rotate each wheel, paying attention to trueness (side the side wobble) and concentricity (up and down wobble). Focus on the rim only. You should not be able to see any apparent deviation from being round and true. Make sure to crawl under the car and use a light to inspect the inside of the rim as well as the outside.

Newer tire balancing machines have the capability for checking rim trueness and roundness quite accurately.

Tips:
A. Having a helper spin the wheel while you look at it makes the inspection easier.
B. Using a tool such as a screwdriver in a fixed location relative to the rim will make it easier to see any deviation.
C. Once you have determined that the rims are true and round, you can use this same procedure to inspect the tires for out of roundness and for bulges.

Cracks may not be obvious, so pay attention to warning signs such as loss of air pressure. To properly inspect a rim it is necesary to remove it from the car and dismount the tire.

 

The first sign to you would be a vibration. If you are not having a problem I wouldn't worry about it. Unless you are racing the car. In a racing application I would check the wheels before each track weekend for cracks. If they are bent you will know it.

 

okay, thanks guys! i could be just too paranoid. since yesterday i hit a certain dip at a faster speed then i normally would. i thought i would affect my rims.