#TechTip: What Are Multi Piece Wheels?

09 Mar 2016

Everyone’s heard of “2 piece wheels” or “3 piece wheels”, but if you’re the average person, you’ve never even touched a set. A huge majority of wheels you see/can buy are a single piece setup, so what are these mystical multi piece wheels, and what are the advantages?

What are they?

Multi piece wheels are, as the name would imply, are made of multiple pieces. For 2 piece wheels, the center section connects to an outer barrel of the wheel. A 3 piece wheel uses the same basic idea, but there is an inner and outer section to the barrel which is sealed to be air tight.

What are the advantages?

Standard wheels that come in a single piece generally come in specific offsets and sizes which someone would pick and choose from. Multi piece wheels tend to be more customizable in terms of offsets and widths, and this creates greater fitment possibilities. Also, because the wheels are composed of multiple parts, it is possible to replace individual components of the wheel, rather than having to repair the wheel or replace the entire thing. Wheel strength will also be higher than a cast wheel.

From an aesthetics standpoint, it is much easier to paint or coat the separate components of the wheel, which opens up the possibility for unique designs.

What are the disadvantages?

The advantages of multi piece wheels come with a price tag. You’ll be hard pressed to find a set that doesn’t cost 2 to3 times the price of a standard set of 1 piece wheels. For this reason, many choose to stick with single piece wheels.

What wheel type do you prefer?

Comments

I guess single piece wheels are lighter and stronger though, especially forged ones.

I think you would be surprised. :)

When I buy wheels, I am going to only buy forged single pieced wheels

That be around 2to5k

i love 3 piece wheels

If you have to ask you can’t afford them

easy to make it look like new while they are over 25 years old

Is that AC Schintzer wheel?

3 piece is the best, so many ways you can personalise your rims and make them look just the way you want them! Here is my oz futuras👌

Looks good!

beatiful mate! on which car?

Just bought a cheap set of 3 piece wheels as a test. They’re a bit damaged but ill probably repair them and sell OR buy new lips and fit them on the S13.Three piece wheels are almost necessary when it comes to RB kits and all that. Couldn’t find any nice 1 piece wheels with that low of an offset.Crazy lip inc.

You can make ridiculously wide wheels too! lol These are my forgelines, normal size? 19x9.5, fits under a stock suspension with no fender rolling. Well not like this, in normal configuration!