Most tire safety incidents occur during inflation, due to over-inflation, improper procedure, or improperly seated, mismatched or damaged tire/wheel components. During tire changes, the lock ring should be visually inspected for wear, corrosion, flat spots, circularity, warping, fatigue cracks or damage. No damage or corrosion of the lock ring is acceptable., and lock rings with any signs of damage should be scrapped. Lock rings are available in one- and two-piece designs, in a wide range of sizes.
One-piece Lock Rings
One-piece lock rings are manufactured with a minimum 2” overlap (the exact amount will vary slightly by size and type). Over time, lock rings lose their ‘spring’ and the amount of overlap will reduce. Regular visual inspections of the lock rings need to be performed to ensure they haven’t stretched beyond the recommended guidelines.
Download the RIMEX One-Piece Lock Ring Safety Sheet.
Two-piece Lock Rings
Every 500 hours, the fasteners and lock ring halves should be checked to ensure they still fit securely. All components must be inspected for wear or damage before assembly, and the lock ring groove must be clear of dirt and debris. The ends of a mounted two-piece lock ring must not touch – there should be a minimum 3/16” gap. All bolts should be hand-tightened and then re-tightened after tire inflation.
