Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for the installation of wheels. In one embodiment, a brake drum and wheel mounting tool assists in the mounting of wheels and brake drums onto wheel hubs. The brake drum and wheel mounting tool comprises an elongated body and a threaded bore. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received through a stud hole of a wheel. The elongated body has first end and a second end. The first end of the body is dimensioned to apply pressure to a brake drum when the body is threaded on a wheel stud. The second end of the body is tapered and dimensioned to accept a socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wheel rim that is able to accommodate both clip-on balancing weights and stick-on balancing weights are disclosed involving a wheel rim having a wheel rim area comprising an outboard tire bead retaining flange, an outboard bead seat, a rounded axial protuberance, an outboard deep well side wall, a deep well, an inboard deep well side wall, an inboard bead seat, and an inboard tire bead retaining flange. The length of the outboard bead seat is equal to twice the length of the outboard bead-retaining flange. In addition, the length of the inboard bead seat is equal to twice the length of the inboard bead-retaining flange. Clip-on balancing weights are affixed to outboard tire bead retaining flange and/or the inboard tire bead-retaining flange. In addition, stick-on balancing weights are affixed to the outboard bead seat and/or the inboard bead seat.

Abstract: A multi-piece safety wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interlocking bosses and tabs on the inner rim portion and outer rim portion. In the event of improper disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon, any failure of the wheel assembly fasteners will result in the outer rim portion separating from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air pressure from within the tire, at which point the interlocking bosses and tabs resist further movement of the outer rim portion. The outer rim portion is thereby resisted from becoming a potentially dangerous projectile. A method of safely deflating the tire upon improper disassembly of the multi-piece safety wheel is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a forged aluminum vehicle wheel includes forging a low copper bearing 7000 series aluminum alloy into a wheel workpiece followed by initial cooling and machining and surface treatment. Aging which may be natural aging, artificial aging or both may be provided after cooling and before or after machining. Corresponding forged aluminum wheels are disclosed. The low copper bearing 7000 series forged aluminum wheel has superior fatigue properties. An alloy suitable for use in the method and wheel is disclosed.