Rims vs. Wheels

[Daves69]

I believe "rims" to be like a slang term for wheels.
ex. pot or grass can mean - marijuana
Last century, back in the bicycle days, we always referred to the wheels on bikes as "rims". Everyone knew you talking about the wheels. We were led astray at an early age.
Of course, in today's world, long standing definitions of words are changing as you read this.

 

[pishta]

I used to think rims were alloy, wheels were stamped steel. "I got a set of rims for my car....and got rid of those ugly wheels" Meh, maybe a California thing.

 

[413]

Yes that’s what they all say these days. Like when they are going to do a car repair, they say “Rip” it apart.

The rim is what the tire mounts to, the disc is the flat part that bolts to the hub. Connect them together they make a wheel.

 

[rustycowll69]

If not they should be. Had them on a 69 GMC pickup. What a cheap, dangerous cluge. Just one reason I hate Chevrolet.

I had 'em on my 67 gmc pickup I bought from the repo lot. I think at that time, they used split rims for HD usage, like for trucks hauling camper shells.

 

[RustyRatRod]

The entire assembly is the "wheel". "Rim" refers to the outer ring that the tire mounts on. I refer you to this diagram from Chrysler.

 

[pauly]

I’ve got a couple old spots lit rims off a 3/4 or 1 ton Dodge truck.

 

[75slant6]

People calling a “wheel” a “rim” is equivalent to people calling “mags” “clips”

 

[oldkimmer]

Growing up all the steel wheels were always called rims. Aluminum mags were called wheels as in mag wheels. I still go by that. Kim

 

[67Dart273]

Today the terms "wheel" and "rim" are used interchangeably.
But years ago, the "wheel" consisted of two parts; the rim and the center (or spider). That's because they were separate pieces- the center could unbolt from the rim.
View attachment 1715855666
In the picture, notice the bolts around the perimeter of the rim- to change a tire, you would unbolt the rim, leaving the center mounted to the hub (In many instances, the front and rear had different center sections, which would have required carrying two different complete wheels). That's why when you see a spare on an antique vehicle, it is just the rim and tire, no center.
Semis and HD trucks, and some Ag and construction equipment may still use separate rims and centers.
View attachment 1715855667
So, the "rim" and the "center" (spider) are the two components that comprise a "wheel".

THIS

 

[72Dinger]

Rims are rent-to-own, wheels are paid for in full.