Steel wheels Vs aluminum

[scottmandue]

Over a year ago I put some inexpensive aluminum wheels on our econobox to replace the OEM steel wheels.

So out of the blue the other day wife asked me "why did you change the wheels?"

Me: "Because they weight less and you get better gas mileage."
Her: "Riiiiiiight, it is because they look cool right?"

I was about to launch into an explanation of unsprung weight but figured she would just think I was BS'ing her.

Me: " Aluminum has better heat transfer and it keeps the breaks cooler."
Her: "Riiiight..."

To be honest, the above statement I have always assumed to be true, but are they?

Merry Christmas folks!

[sc_rufctr]

Steel wheels are stronger. (They bend instead of cracking) Our local cops mostly run steel wheels.

But Alloys are lighter and they do reduce unsprung weight which is always a good thing.

[GH85Carrera]

And aluminum wheels look cooler.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You're not going to win. Just say "yes dear" and move on.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You're not going to win. Just say "yes dear" and move on.

Wise words from a married man. I second the motion.

[tharbert]

I replaced steelies with aluminum on a 98 Explorer way back. Of course, it was to get rid of the wobbly wheel (that didn't seem to affect the steering wheel or ride) but they looked WAY cool!

Just say one was bent or maybe about to be...

[scottmandue]

The car was only a few months old

I am still new to this marriage thing and learning a thing or three...

But seriously... aluminum is obviously lighter that steel but not as strong so I would think has to be thicker... therefor are they actually lighter?

Yes, I have seen many pictures of shattered aluminum wheels so I know they break and don't bend like steel.

Why yes dear, you know you are right dear, whatever you say dear!

[Tobra]

Tips for domestic tranquility.

Try to nod your head and look like you are paying attention when she is talking.

Practice this phrase, "I must have been mistaken."



This is what I know about steel vs aluminum wheels on a 914

The lug bolts for steel wheels are made out of steel.

The lug bolts for aluminum wheels are made out of some sort of precious metal

[teenerted1]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Wise words from a married man. I second the motion.

you might mention how much you like her new hair cut too

[Flieger]

The answer, as with most things, is "it depends".

Forged aluminum alloy wheels will be stronger than cheap steel. Cast aluminum wheels are not nearly as strong, however. They are also more brittle. So, cast aluminum wheels can be very heavy.

However, wheel safety margins on yield and failure will vary by manufacturer (since we are not in Germany). So, in general aluminum wheels are lighter. Lighter wheels will give better handling generally speaking. Heavier wheels actually are better over certain high frequency bumps. We could go into the rotational inertia as well, but lighter is better there.

Aluminum will generally be stiffer than steel if there is equal strength, because aluminum has a lower density and so it has a better section modulus (it is thicker and that gives the metal more leverage in a sense).

As for brake cooling, the conductive properties of the wheel do not matter. Wheels that cool better have more open spokes or even spokes shaped to scoop air in towards the brakes (like 986 Boxster S wheels used to be I think).

[A930Rocket]

You're not married are you?

The answer, as with most things, is "it depends".



Forged aluminum alloy wheels will be stronger than cheap steel. Cast aluminum wheels are not nearly as strong, however. They are also more brittle. So, cast aluminum wheels can be very heavy.



However, wheel safety margins on yield and failure will vary by manufacturer (since we are not in Germany). So, in general aluminum wheels are lighter. Lighter wheels will give better handling generally speaking. Heavier wheels actually are better over certain high frequency bumps. We could go into the rotational inertia as well, but lighter is better there.



Aluminum will generally be stiffer than steel if there is equal strength, because aluminum has a lower density and so it has a better section modulus (it is thicker and that gives the metal more leverage in a sense).



As for brake cooling, the conductive properties of the wheel do not matter. Wheels that cool better have more open spokes or even spokes shaped to scoop air in towards the brakes (like 986 Boxster S wheels used to be I think).

[Flieger]

Nope, free as a bird!

[Nostril Cheese]

My wife turns aluminum and also works with titanium.

[trekkor]

I wonder how steel wheels would have held up in place of the aluminum cookie cutters on our LeMons VW Bug?









Mild contact took out both front and rear driver's side wheels.


KT

[masraum]

Freebird
Freebird

[Flieger]

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by teenerted1

you might mention how much you like her new hair cut too

Unless she gets it cut into a style that you absolutely cannot stand on her. In that case, tell her multiple times how it makes her look older than she is, it's wrong for her shape of face, etc.

They REALLY appreciate the honesty.

[campbellcj]

My father-in-law actually replaced alloys with steelies+hubcabs on one of his cars. I'm pretty sure it was purely for aesthetics and not performance or durability. We're talking street-driven grampy/grammy car. I did my best to avoid that WTF conversation.