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What are some signs that I have a bent rim and not tire problems. I've inspected my rims and see no dent anywhere. My steering does not vibrate past 60mph. However, as I slow down for a stop sign, I hear this noise that sounds like a alternating humming noise which increases and decreases depending on speed. Its not audible at high speed because its probably alternating to fast for me to hear the noise. I am hoping its just a bad tire.

 
Rep Power: 320

Humming = tire noise or brake pad noise?

 
Rep Power: 424

Put the wheels on a balancing machine. You may have lost a wheelweight.
The rim can still be bent even if you can't see it, but I would err more towards something minor.
It could also be your alignment.

 
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Well its not really a humming noise. Just imagine this. Take a perfectly round object and then turn it into an oval. It would not make a uniform noise if it could make a sound. It would have a short interval and a long interval. Did that make sense? I am hoping it is the tire, because I got a nail in the sidewall recently and had to replace one of the tires. I took it to sears and of course I think they didnt even bother to balance since I don't see any weights stuck in the inner side of the rim.

 
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anyone else have any suggestions?

 
Rep Power: 811

well what makes you think its bent? did you go over a huge pothole?

 
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Nothing massive..just the usual potholes here and there. I hardly drive the car since i take the subway most of the time

 
Rep Power: 811

well its prolly not a bent rim. worn tires however can make strange noises. i had bad luck with my crap firestones and actually they only lasted 20k. by the end they were vibrating and making all kinds of noise. all messed up... and by themselves. alignment and everything was fine it was the tire and how it was worn.