A figure eight on a wheel is a defect that almost every car owner encounters. It occurs after a strong impact on a hole, curb, or during careless parking. Even a slight curvature of the disc leads to steering wheel wobble, vibrations at speed and uneven tire wear. But don’t rush to go to a tire repair shop: in 80% of cases, the figure eight can be fixed yourself with the help of available tools.
In this article we will look at three working methods straightening the figure eight - from the simplest (with a hammer and a wooden block) to professional (with a special machine). You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes, and when you should still turn to the experts. And at the end there is an FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
1. Reasons for the appearance of the figure eight and how to recognize it
Eight is local curvature of the disc rim, in which its edge moves relative to the central axis. Most often the defect occurs due to:
- 🚗 Hitting obstacles: holes, curbs, rails. Even at a speed of 20–30 km/h, the disc can become deformed.
- 🔧 Incorrect wheel installation: if the nuts are tightened unevenly or askew.
- ❄️ Extreme temperatures: sudden cooling of a hot disc (for example, after braking) with water.
- 🔨 Manufacturing defect: cheap cast or forged wheels can “drive” even without impacts.
How to understand that you have a figure eight, and not an imbalance or damage to the suspension? Look out for these signs:
- 🔄 Steering wheel beating at speeds of 60–90 km/h (especially noticeable on the front wheels).
- 🌀 Body vibration, which increases with acceleration.
- 🔍 Uneven tire wear: If “spots” or wave-like marks appear on the tire.
- 🛠️ Visual deformation: Place the wheel on a flat surface and spin it - the curvature will be noticeable.
⚠️ Attention: If the beating is accompanied by a knocking or squeaking sound, the problem may not be in the disk, but in wheel bearing or shock absorber. In this case, adjusting the figure eight will not help - you need suspension diagnostics.
Before starting repairs, assess the extent of damage:
| Deformation degree | Signs | Can I fix it myself? |
|---|---|---|
| Light (up to 1–2 mm) | Weak runout at high speed, almost invisible visually | Yes, with a hammer or jack |
| Medium (2–5 mm) | Strong vibration, noticeable rim bending | Yes, but you will need a puller or machine |
| Heavy (more than 5 mm) | Disc “egg”, cracked, impossible to balance | No, only replacement or professional repair |
2. Tools for editing figure eight: what you need
The list of tools depends on the chosen method, but minimum set like this:
- 🔨 Hammer (preferably with a rubber or polyurethane striker).
- 🪵 Wood block (length 30–40 cm, cross-section 5×5 cm).
- 🔧 Jack and car stands (if you remove the wheel).
- 🔩 Balloon wrench and secret (if any).
- 📏 Ruler or caliper to measure curvature.
- 🛠️ Wheel puller (if the disk is severely deformed).
For advanced repair may be useful:
- 🔧 Special machine for editing disks (for example, No-Mar or Hunter GSP9700).
- 🔥 Gas burner (for heating metal under severe deformation).
- 🧲 Magnetic indicator to accurately determine the location of the curvature.
⚠️ Attention: If you have alloy wheel, do not use a metal hammer - it can split the rim. Only a rubber or polyurethane striker!
Where can I get the tools?
- 🛒 Hammer and block sold in any hardware store (cost up to 500 ₽).
- 🔧 Jack and balloon usually included in the basic configuration of the car.
- 🔧 Straightening machine can be rented at a car service center (about RUB 1,000–1,500/day).
Before work, remove the wheel and thoroughly clean the rim of dirt and rust. This will help to more accurately determine the location of the deformation and avoid additional damage.
3. Method 1: Correcting the figure eight with a hammer and a block (for slight deformations)
This is the easiest way and is suitable for steel and some alloy wheels with curvature up to 2–3 mm. Main rule: you need to hit not on the disk itself, but through a wooden block, so as not to damage the metal.
Step by step instructions:
Remove the wheel from the car and place it on a flat surface (for example, two bricks).
Spin the disk and mark the place of the figure eight with chalk or marker. Usually the defect is visible to the naked eye.
Apply a wooden block to the curved area from the inside of the rim.
Apply several targeted blows with a hammer to the block, starting from the edges of the deformation and moving towards the center.
Check the result by spinning the wheel. If the eight remains, repeat the procedure.
Important details:
- 🔨 Impact force should be moderate - too strong blows can aggravate the deformation.
- 🔄 Direction: Hit at a 45° angle to the disc surface, not perpendicular.
- ⚖️ Control: After each impact, check the disc for runout.
Remove the wheel and clean the rim|Mark the location of the figure eight|Use a wooden block|Strike from the edges to the center|Check the result after each step-->
⚠️ Attention: If after 3-4 attempts the figure eight does not disappear, do not continue hitting the disc - you risk breaking it. In this case, move on to more serious methods or contact a tire shop.
4. Method 2: Straightening with a jack (for medium deformations)
This method is suitable for discs with a curvature of 3–5 mmwhen the hammer no longer helps. Here it is used jack forceto gradually level the rim.
What you will need:
- 🔧 Jack (preferably hydraulic).
- 🪵 Two wooden bars (5-10 cm thick).
- 🔩 A strong board or metal plate.
Step by step instructions:
Remove the wheel and place it on a flat surface rim up.
Place two blocks on opposite sides under the disk to secure it.
Position the jack so that its support rests on the convex part of the figure eight.
Place a board or plate between the jack and the disc to prevent damage to the rim.
Raise the jack smoothly, controlling the force. Stop as soon as the disc begins to level.
Check the result by spinning the wheel. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ More controlled forcethan when struck with a hammer.
- ✅ Suitable for cast and forged disks (with the right approach).
- ✅ Can be straightened several eights in one approach.
What to do if the disk “springs” back?
If, after removing the jack, the figure eight returns, it means that the metal is “tired” and has lost its elasticity. In this case you need:
1. Heat the deformed area with a gas burner (up to 200–300°C).
2. Repeat the straightening with a jack.
3. Allow the disc to cool naturally (do not cool with water!).
5. Method 3: Professional straightening on a machine (for difficult cases)
If the figure eight is strong (more than 5 mm) or previous methods did not help, you will need special equipment. In car service centers, they use machines like Hunter GSP9700 or John Bean, which allow you to straighten the disc with an accuracy of 0.1 mm.
How the machine works:
The wheel is fixed on a rotating table.
A laser or mechanical sensor determines the location and degree of curvature.
A hydraulic press or roller mechanism applies point pressure to the deformed area.
The process is repeated until the number eight is completely eliminated.
Cost of editing on the machine in the service:
| Disk type | Cost (₽) | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 800–1 500 | 30–60 minutes |
| Cast | 1 500–2 500 | 1–2 hours |
| Forged | 2 000–3 500 | 2–3 hours |
Pros of professional editing:
- ✅ High accuracy — the beating is eliminated completely.
- ✅ Disk Security - no risk of cracks or chips.
- ✅ Warranty (most services give 1–3 months).
⚠️ Attention: If the disk has cracks or deep dents, editing on the machine may not be possible - replacement will be required. Also, not all services undertake forged wheels due to the high hardness of the metal.
Straightening on a machine is the only reliable way to eliminate figure eight on forged wheels and castings with thin spokes. Self-indulgence here often leads to cracks.
6. Typical mistakes when editing figure eight and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that aggravate the problem. Here are the most common:
Error 1: Editing “by eye” without measuring runout
Many people start hitting the disc without determining the exact location and degree of deformation. The result is that instead of one eight, two appear.
How to avoid: Use ruler and chalk or laser indicator for precise marking.
Mistake 2: Using a metal hammer on alloy wheels
Alloy wheels are fragile - a direct impact with metal almost always leads to cracks.
How to avoid: Use rubber or polyurethane striker, or better yet, a wooden block.
Error 3: Editing “on the fly” without removing the wheel
Some try to straighten the figure eight without removing the wheel from the car, relying on the suspension. This causes damage wheel bearing or shock absorber.
How to avoid: Always remove the wheel and work on rigid support.
Error 4: Disk overheating when editing
If you heat the disk too much with a torch (more than 300°C), this changes the structure of the metal and it becomes brittle.
How to avoid: Heat only locally (spotwise) and not higher than 250°C.
Mistake 5: Ignoring balancing after editing
Even after successfully eliminating the figure eight, the wheel needs to be balanced. Otherwise the vibrations will remain.
How to avoid: After correction, be sure to visit a tire shop for computer balancing.
7. When editing the figure eight is pointless: signs of an incorrigible disk
Not all eights can be corrected. There are cases when the disk only needs to be replaced:
- 🔧 Cracks or chips on the rim or spokes (especially dangerous for alloy wheels).
- 🌀 Severe “ovoid” deformity (when the disk is curved along its entire circumference).
- 🔥 Overheating and discoloration of metal (a blue tint indicates a loss of strength).
- 🚗 Damage to mounting holes for bolts or a central hole.
How to check if a disk can be repaired?
Examine it for an item cracks (especially near the spokes).
Check geometry: If the disc does not lie flat on the plane, it “leads.”
Rate degree of corrosion: if rust has eaten right through the metal, editing is pointless.
⚠️ Attention: If the disk is already previously ruled on the machine and the number eight appeared again, this is a sign metal fatigue. It is better to replace such a disk - it can crack at any time.
Cost of a new drive vs. edit:
| Disk type | Cost of editing (₽) | Cost of a new one (₽) | When is it better to replace? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (R14–R16) | 800–1 500 | 2 000–4 000 | If the deformation is severe or there is rust |
| Cast (R17–R19) | 1 500–2 500 | 8 000–15 000 | If there are cracks or the disc has already been repaired |
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to drive with a figure eight on a wheel?
Short term - yes, but this leads to:
- 🔄 Accelerated wear wheel bearing.
- 🚗 Vibrations that are transmitted to steering rack and pendant.
- 🌀 Uneven wear tires (can “eat” the tread in 1–2 thousand km).
Permissible speed when driving with a figure eight - no more 60–80 km/h.
❓ How to check disk runout without a machine?
Methods:
Raise the car on a jack, spin the wheel and bring it chalk to the rim. In the place of the figure eight, the chalk will leave a mark.
Use dial indicator (attached to the stand, and the leg touches the rim).
Take ruler and press it against the disk while scrolling - the gap will indicate deformation.
❓ Is it possible to edit the figure eight on a forged wheel?
Forged wheels you can edit, but only on professional machine with temperature control. Straightening yourself with a hammer or jack almost always leads to cracks due to the high hardness of the metal.
The cost of straightening a forged wheel is from 2 500 ₽.
❓ How many times can you edit one disc?
It depends on the material:
- 🔧 Steel wheels: 2–3 times (the metal gets tired and becomes brittle).
- 🔥 Alloy wheels: 1–2 times (after straightening, the metal structure weakens).
- ⚒️ Forged wheels: 1 time (re-editing is risky).
❓ What to do if there is a beat left after editing?
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔧 Insufficient editing → Repeat the procedure or contact service.
- 🌀 Tire imbalance → Carry out balancing.
- 🚗 Suspension damage → Check wheel bearing and shock absorbers.