Regulation No 124 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of wheels for passenger cars and their trailers
Date: 2006-12-27
Institutions: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Subjects: Ecosoc, approval, commercial vehicle, harmonisation of standards, motor car, technical standard, vehicle parts

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Official Journal of the European Union

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Regulation No 124 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations CON/ECE) 

– Uniform provisions concerning the approval of wheels 

for passenger cars and their trailers 

1. 

SCOPE 

This Regulation covers new replacement wheels designed for vehicles in categories M1, 
M1G, O1 and O2 1/.  

It  does  not  apply  to  original  equipment  wheels  or  vehicle  manufacturer’s  replacement 
wheels as defined in paragraphs 2.3. and 2.4.1.  It does not apply to "Special wheels", as 
defined in paragraph 2.5., which shall remain subjected to national approval. 

This Regulation comprises requirements for wheel manufacture and installation. 

2. 

DEFINITIONS 
For the purpose of this Regulation: 

2.1. 

"Wheel" means a rotating load-carrying member between the tyre and the axle.  It usually 

consists of two major parts: 

(a) 

the rim; 

(b) 

the wheel disc. 

The rim and wheel disc may be integral, permanently attached, or detachable. 

2.1.1.  

"Disc wheel" means a permanent combination of a rim and wheel disc. 

2.1.2.  

"Wheel with demountable rim " means a wheel so constructed that the demountable rim is 
clamped to the wheel disc. 

2.1.3.  

"Rim" means that part of the wheel on which the tyre is mounted and supported. 

2.1.4.  

"Wheel disc" means that part of the wheel which is the supporting member between the 
axle and the rim. 

2.2. 

"Wheel type" means a wheel which does not differ in the following essential characteristics: 

the wheel manufacturer; 

  wheel or rim size designation (according to ISO 3911:1998); 

_____________ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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1/  Categories M and O as defined in Annex 7 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of 
Vehicles (R.E.3) (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2).  

2.2.3.  

construction materials; 

2.2.4.  

wheel attachment holes; 

2.2.5.  

maximum load capacity; 

2.2.6.  

recommended maximum inflation pressure; 

2.2.7.  

method of production (welded, forged, cast,…). 

2.3. 

2.4. 

2.4.1. 

2.4.2.  

2.4.3.  

2.4.4.  

2.5. 

2.6. 

"OE-wheels" means wheels which are authorized to be fitted, to the vehicle model, by the 
vehicle manufacturer during the production of the vehicle. 

"Replacement Wheels" means wheels which are intended to replace the OE wheels during 
the service life of the vehicle.  Replacement wheels may belong to one of the following 
category: 

"Vehicle  manufacturer's  replacement  wheels"  being  wheels  supplied  by  the  vehicle 
manufacturer; 

"Identical  replacement  wheels"  being  wheels  which  are  manufactured  using  the  same 
manufacturing equipment and material as that used for replacement wheels supplied by the 
vehicle manufacturer.  They differ from vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheels only by 
the absence of vehicle manufacturer’s trademarks and part number; 

"Replica replacement wheels" being wheels which are replicas of vehicle manufacturer’s 
replacement wheels but produced by a manufacturer who is not a supplier of the vehicle 
manufacturer  with  the  specified  wheel.    With  regard  to  the  design  (basic  contour, 
dimensions,  inset,  material  type  and  quality  and  so  on)  and  service  life  they  fully 
correspond to vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheels;  

"Pattern part replacement wheels" being wheels produced by a manufacturer who is not a 
supplier of the vehicle manufacturer with the specified wheel.  With regard to the design, 
inset, rim designation wheel fixing PCD and spigot mounting diameter, correspond to that 
of an OE-wheel, but wheel contour, material and so on, may be different; 

"Special  wheels"  means  wheels  which  are  not  OE-wheels  and  which  do  not  fulfil  the 
criteria for wheels described in paragraph 2.4. (for example wheels with different rim width 
or diameter).  

"Inset" means the distance from the attachment face of the disc to the centre line of the rim 
(that can be positive, as shown in Figure 1 below, zero, or negative). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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Figure 1 

2.7. 

2.8. 

"Dynamic  radius"  means  the  dynamic  loaded  radius  defined  as  the  theoretical  rolling 
circumference divided by 2R of the largest tyre to be used on the wheel as specified by the 
wheel manufacturer. 

"International Tyre and Rim Standards" mean documents concerning wheel standardization 
issued by the following Organizations: 

(a) The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2/; 

(b) The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) 3/: 
     "Standards Manual"; 

(c) The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) 3/: 
      "Engineering Design Information - obsolete data"; 

(d) The Tyre and Rim Association Inc. (TRA) 4/: "Year Book"; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(e) The Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA) 5/: 
    "Year Book”; 

(f) The Tyre and Rim Association of Australia (TRAA) 6/:"Standard 
    Manual"; 

(g) The Associação Latino Americana de Pneus e Aros (ALAPA) 7/: 
    "Manual de Normal Technicas”; 

(h) The Scandinavian Tyre and Rim Organisation (STRO) 8/:"Data 
    Book” 

2.9. 

2.10.   

2.11.   

3. 

3.1. 

"Technical crack" is a material separation with a propagation of more than 1 mm occurring 
during a dynamic test (defects caused by the production process are not to be taken into 
account). 

"Wheel calliper" is the rotating profile shape, formed by the internal wheel contour (see 
Annex 10, figure 1). 

"Tyre  size  designation"  means  a  designation  showing  the  nominal  section  width,  the 
nominal aspect ratio and the conventional number that denotes the nominal rim diameter 
(these terms are further defined in Regulation No. 30). 

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL 

The application for approval of a wheel type shall be submitted by the manufacturer, or by 
his duly accredited representative, and shall be accompanied by: 

________________ 

The tyre standards can be obtained from the following addresses: 

2/ ISO, 1, rue de Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1211 Genève 20 – Switzerland 

3/ ETRTO, 32 Av. Brugmann - Bte 2, B-1060 Brussels, Belgium 

4/ TRA, 175 Montrose West Avenue, Suite 150, Copley, Ohio, 44321 USA 

5/ JATMA, NO.33 MORI BLDG. 8th Floor 3-8-21, Toranomon Minato-Ku, Tokio  
    105-0001, Japan 

6/ TRAA, Suite 1, Hawthorn House, 795 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, 
    3122 Australia 

7/ ALAPA, Avenida Paulista 244-12° Andar, CEP, 01310 Sao Paulo, SP Brazil 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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8/ STRO, Älggatan 48 A, Nb, S-216 15 Malmö, Sweden  

3.1.1.  

Drawings, in triplicate, sufficiently detailed to permit identification of the type.  They shall 
also show the position intended for the approval mark and for the wheel markings; 

3.1.2.  

Technical description including at least the following  characteristics: 

3.1.2.1. 

Category of replacement wheels – see paragraphs 2.4.2., 2.4.3. and 2.4.4.; 

3.1.2.2. 

rim contour designation - wheel inset - wheel attachment details; 

3.1.2.3. 

tightening torque for studs and nuts; 

3.1.2.4. 

fixing method of balancing weights; 

3.1.2.5. 

necessary accessories (i.e. additional mounting components); 

3.1.2.6. 

International Standard reference; 

3.1.2.7. 

suitable for tubeless tyre mounting; 

3.1.2.8. 

suitable valves types; 

3.1.2.9.  maximum load capacity; 

  maximum inflation pressure; 

3.1.2.11.  detail of material including chemical composition (see Annex 4). 

3.1.2.12. 

tyre size designations specified for original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer. 

3.1.3. 

Documentation in accordance with paragraph 1. of annex 10 to this Regulation: 

- vehicle characteristics (Annex 10, paragraph 1.2.); 

- additional characteristics (Annex 10, paragraph 1.3.); 

- fitting instructions details (Annex 10, paragraph 1.4.); and 

- additional requirements (Annex 10, paragraph 2.). 

3.1.4.  

Sample wheels representative of the wheel type necessary for the execution of laboratory 
tests or test reports issued by the Type Approval Authority. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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3.2. 

4. 

4.1. 

4.2. 

4.3. 

4.4. 

4.4.1.  

4.4.2.  

In case of application for approval of an identical wheel, the applicant shall satisfy the type 
approval authority that the wheel is indeed an "identical replacement wheel" as defined in 
paragraph 2.4.2. 
APPROVAL 

If  the  wheel  submitted  for  approval  in  accordance  with  paragraph 3.  above  meets  the 
requirements, then approval for this type of wheel shall be granted. 

An approval number shall be assigned  to  each  type  approved.  The first two digits (at 
present 00 for the regulation in its original form) shall indicate the series of amendments 
incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the 
time of issue of the approval.  The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number 
to another type of wheel. 

Notice  of  approval  or  refusal  or  extension  of  approval  of  a  type  of  wheel  under  this 
regulation shall be communicated to the parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this 
regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in annex 1 to this 
Regulation. 

Every wheel conforming to a type approved under this regulation shall bear, in addition to 
the  markings  prescribed  in  paragraph  5.,  a  clearly  legible  and  indelible  international 
approval mark consisting of: 

circle surrounding the letter E followed by the distinguishing number of the country which 
has granted approval (see Annex 2). 9/ 

The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter R, a dash and the approval number 
according to paragraph 4.2. 

________________ 
9/   1 for Germany, 2 for France, 3 for Italy, 4 for Netherlands, 5 for Sweden, 6 for Belgium, 7 for 
Hungary, 8 for the Czech Republic, 9 for Spain, 10 for Yugoslavia, 11 for the United Kingdom, 12 
Austria, 13 for Luxembourg, 14 for Switzerland, 15 (vacant), 16 for Norway, 17 for Finland, 18 for 
Denmark, 19 for Romania, 20 for Poland, 21 for Portugal, 22 for the Russian Federation, 23 for 
Greece, 24 for Ireland, 25 for Croatia, 26 for Slovenia, 27 for Slovakia, 28 for Belarus, 29 for 
Estonia, 30 (vacant), 31 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 for Latvia, 33 (vacant), 34 for Bulgaria, 
35 (vacant), 36 for Lithuania, 37 for Turkey, 38 (vacant), 39 for Azerbaijan, 40 for The former 
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 41 (vacant), 42 for the European Community (Approvals are 
granted by its member States using their respective ECE symbol), 43 for Japan,44 (vacant), 45 for 
Australia, 46 for Ukraine, 47 for South Africa, 48 for New Zeeland, 49 for Cyprus, 50 for Malta 
and 51 for the Republic of Korea.  Subsequent numbers shall be assigned to other countries in the 
chronological order in which they ratify or accede to the Agreement Concerning the Adoption of 
Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted 
and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approval 
Granted on the Basis of these Prescriptions, and the numbers thus assigned shall be communicated 
by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4.5. 

4.6. 

4.7. 

5. 

5.1. 

The approval mark shall be permanent, visible and clearly legible, when the tyre is fitted 
on the wheel. 

Annex 2 to this regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the approval mark. 

The wheel manufacturer's facilities may be used for test purposes provided that the Type 
Approval Authority or a designated representative witnesses the tests. 

WHEEL MARKINGS 

The wheel shall be permanently and legibly marked as follows, in a position chosen by 
the manufacturer, but visible when the tyre is fitted on the wheel: 

5.1.1.  

manufacturer name or trade mark; 

5.1.2.  

the wheel or rim contour designation; 

5.1.2.1. 

It shall be expressed according to the prescription of one International Tyre and Rim 
Standards and includes at least: 

rim size designation comprising: 

rim contour designation nominal rim diameter, 

the symbol "x" if one piece rim, 

the symbol "-" if multipiece rim  

letter "A" if the well is located asymmetrically (optional),  

the letter "S" if the well is located symmetrically (optional).  

5.1.3.  

the wheel inset; 

date of manufacture(at least the month and year); 

5.1.5.  

the wheel/rim part number.  

5.2. 

Annex 3 to this regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the wheel markings. 

6. 

6.1. 

6.2. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

Rim contour shall conform to the International Standard specified by the wheel 
manufacturer. 
Rim contour shall ensure the correct fitting of tyres and valves. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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6.2.1.  

Wheels designed for use with tubeless tyres shall ensure air retention. 

6.3. 

6.4. 

6.5. 

Materials used for the construction of the wheel shall be analysed according to Annex 4. 

In the case of identical replacement wheel as defined in paragraph 2.4.2., there shall not be 
any requirement for physical testing as given in paragraph 6.5. or vehicle fitment checking 
as given in paragraph 2. of Annex 10 to this Regulation. 

The replica replacement wheels and pattern part replacement wheels shall satisfy the 
following tests: 

6.5.1.  

Steel wheels 

6.5.1.1. 

Disc wheels 

(a) 

rotating bending test as per Annex 6; 

(b) 

rolling test as per Annex 7. 

6.5.2.  

Aluminium alloy wheels 

6.5.2.1. 

One piece wheels 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Corrosion test as per Annex 5.  If the process within a production line is 
always the same, only one representative test is to be carried out. 

Rotating bending test as per Annex 6; 

Rolling test as per Annex 7.   

Impact test as per Annex 8. 

6.5.2.2. 

Demountable rim wheels 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

Corrosion test as per Annex 5; 

Rotating bending test as per Annex 6; 

Rolling test as per Annex 7; 

Impact test as per Annex 8; 

Alternating torque test as per Annex 9. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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6.5.3.  

Magnesium alloy wheels 

6.5.3.1. 

One piece wheels 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Corrosion test as per Annex 5; 

Rotating bending test as per Annex 6; 

Rolling test as per Annex 7; 

Impact test as per Annex 8. 

6.5.3.2. 

Demountable rim wheels 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

Corrosion test as per Annex 5; 

Rotating bending test as per Annex 6; 

Rolling test as per Annex 7; 

Impact test as per Annex 8; 

Alternating torque test as per Annex 9. 

6.6. 

6.7. 

6.7.1.  

6.7.2. 

6.7.3.  

Where a wheel manufacturer submits application for type approval for a range of wheels, it 
is  not  considered  necessary  to  carry  out  all tests  on  every  type of wheels in the range.  
Worst case selection may be made at the discretion of the type approval Authority or the 
designated Technical Service (see Annex 6 paragraph 4. of this Regulation). 

Pattern part replacement wheels shall satisfy the following requirements to guarantee 
proper fitment on the vehicle:  

The nominal rim diameter, nominal rim width and nominal inset of ECE-approved 
wheels shall be the same as the manufacturer’s replacement wheel. 

Wheels shall be suitable for tyres of the tyre size designations specified initially by the 
vehicle manufacturer for the particular model concerned.   

The checks and documentation relevant to the wheel/vehicle fitment are described in 
Annex 10. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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7. 

7.1. 

MODIFICATIONS AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL FOR WHEEL 

Every modification of the wheel type shall be notified to the approval authority which 
granted the type approval.  The approval authority may then: 

7.1.1.  

either consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have appreciable adverse 
effects and that in any case the type of wheel still complies with the requirements; 

7.1.2.  

or require a further test. 

7.2. 

7.3. 

8. 

8.1. 

8.2. 

9. 

9.1. 

9.2. 

Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, shall be notified by the 
procedure specified in paragraph 4.3. above to the parties to the agreement applying this 
regulation. 

The competent authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number 
to each communication form drawn up for such an extension. 

CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION 

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 
Agreement - E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2, Appendix 2. 

The authority which has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity 
control methods applied in each production facility.  The normal frequency of these 
verifications shall be once every two years. 

PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION 

The approval granted in respect of a type of wheel pursuant to this regulation may be 
withdrawn if the requirements set forth above are not met or if a wheel bearing the 
approval mark does not conform to the type approved. 

If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this regulation withdraws an approval 
it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties 
applying this regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in 
Annex 1 to this Regulation. 

10. 

PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED 

If the holder of an approval completely ceases to manufacture a wheel approved in 
accordance with this regulation, he shall so inform the authority which granted the 
approval.  Upon receiving the relevant communication, that authority shall inform the 
other parties applying this regulation by means of a communication form conforming to 
the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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11. 

NAMES  AND  ADDRESSES  OF  TECHNICAL  SERVICES  RESPONSIBLE  FOR 
CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS 

The Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying the regulation shall communicate to the 
United Nations secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible 
for conducting approval tests and of the administrative departments which grant approval 
and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, or 
production definitely discontinued issued in other countries, are to be sent. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Annex 1 

COMMUNICATION 

(Maximum format: A4(210 x 297 mm)) 

issued by: Name of administration: 

......... ......................... ......... 

concerning: 2/ 

APPROVAL GRANTED 
APPROVAL EXTENDED 
APPROVAL REFUSED 
APPROVAL WITHDRAWN 
PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED 

of a wheel type, pursuant to Regulation No. XY 

Approval No. ...... 

Extension No. ...... 

  Wheel manufacturer: .............................................................................................................. 
  Wheel type designation: 
  Category of replacement wheels: ............................................................................................ 
  Construction material:............................................................................................................. 
  Method of production: 
  Rim contour designation:   
  Wheel inset:  ........................................................................................................................... 
  Wheel attachment: 
...................................................................................................... 
  Maximum load capacity    
Address of the manufacturer:  ........................................................................................... 
3. 
If applicable, name and address of manufacturers representative:.................................... 
4. 
Date on which the wheel was submitted for approval tests:  ............................................ 
5. 
Technical Service responsible for carrying out the approval test:  ................................... 
6. 
Date of test report issued by the Technical Service:  ........................................................ 
7. 
Number of test report issued by the Technical Service: ................................................... 
8. 
Remarks:  .......................................................................................................................... 
9. 
Approval granted/refused/extended/withdrawn 2/:........................................................... 
10. 
Reason(s) for the extension (if applicable):  ..................................................................... 
11. 
Place: ................................................................................................................................ 
12. 
Date:  ................................................................................................................................. 
13. 
14. 
Signature/Name: ............................................................................................................... 
  Annexed is a list of documents making up the approval file, deposited with the competent 

authority which granted approval, a copy can be obtained on request. 

___________________ 
1/ 

Distinguishing number of the country granting the approval. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2/ 

Strike out what does not apply. 

Annex 2 

ARRANGEMENT OF THE APPROVAL MARK 

.  

The wheel bearing the above approval mark is a wheel that has been approved in Italy (E3) under 
approval number 001148. 

The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the approval was granted in accordance 
with the requirements of Regulation No. XY in its original form. 

The marking of approval mark, the Regulation number and approval number may be at a distance 
from each other respecting the sequence.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Official Journal of the European Union

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Annex 3 

ARRANGEMENT OF THE WHEEL MARKINGS 

Example of markings which shall be applied to a wheel conforming to this Regulation: 

ABCDE     5 ½ J x 14 FH     36     01 99     ab123 

This example of marking defines a wheel: 

manufactured by ABCDE 

having a rim contour designation (5½ J) 

having a one piece construction(x) 

having a nominal rim diameter code (14) 

having a non symmetrical location of the well (no mark) 

having a flat hump configuration of the bead-seat area on one side only (FH) – optional 
marking 

having a wheel inset of 36 mm 

manufactured in January 1999 (0199) 

the manufacturer’s part number (ab123) 

The rim designation shall include in the following order the rim contour designation, the construction, 
the  nominal  rim  diameter  code,  the  location  of  the  well  and  the  bead-seat  configuration, as in the 
example 5½ J x 14 FH.  It is also permitted to reverse the order for the first three elements as in the 
example 14 x 5½ J FH. 

The marking of the wheel inset, the date of production and manufacturer’s name may be at a distance 
from the rim designation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Annex 4 

MATERIAL TEST 

The following metallurgical analysis shall carried out and reported:  

Material 

Aluminium alloy  

Magnesium alloy  

Steel  

Tests 

a, c, e 

a, c, e 

a, b, d 

  Chemical analysis of the raw-material. 

  Check of the following mechanical characteristics (R

, R

, and A) relevant to the materials: 

p0,2

m

- 

percentage  elongation  after  fracture  (A)  :  Permanent  elongation  of  the  gauge  length  after 
fracture (Lu – Lo), expressed as a percentage of the original length (Lo).  

     Where 

     original gauge length (Lo) : Gauge length before application of force. 

final gauge length (Lu) : Gauge length after rupture of the test piece. 

-   proof strength, non-proportional extension (R
) : Stress at which a non-proportional extension 
p
is equal to a specified percentage of the extensometer gauge length (Le).  The symbol used is 
followed by a suffix giving the prescribed percentage of the extensometer gauge  length, for 
example: Rp0,2. 

-  

tensile strength (R

m

) : Stress corresponding to the maximum force (Fm). 

  Check  of  the  mechanical  characteristics  (R

,  R

,  and  A)  of  test-pieces  taken  from  the  hub 

p0,2

m

mounting area and in the disc to rim transition area or in the failure zone if any. 

  Analysis of the metallurgic defects and of the raw material structure. 

  Analysis of the metallurgic defects and of the test-pieces structure taken from the hub mounting area 

and in the disc to rim transition area or in the failure zone if any. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Official Journal of the European Union

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Annex 5 

CORROSION TEST 

1. 

Carry out a salt-spray test as per ISO 9227 for 384 hours. 

1.1. 

Sample preparation 

A surface treated sample, taken from production, shall be damaged by cross engraving and 
stone impact (ISO 565) to represent damaging situations during the normal usage of vehicle 
(damage shall be in the area of the rim flange and inside the wheel). 

1.2. 

Test development 

The  surface  treated  sample  shall  pass  a  salt-spray  test,  in  which  the  sample  and  any 
components with which is normally in contact are put in upright position into the salt-spray 
test equipment.  The wheel is turned through 90° every 48 hours. 

1.3. 

Evaluation 

Individual measures which may affect the corrosion are to be evaluated (covers, crews, zinc 
or cadmium buses, alloy insulating covers, etc.)  

The test documentation shall include photos showing the main corrosion points which have 
been mechanically washed in order to show the material defects. 

There shall not be any significant corrosion after a test duration of 192 hours.  After 384 
hours the wheel functionality, the mounting components and the tyre bead seat shall not be 
adversely affected by corrosion.  This shall be confirmed by a rotating bending test as per 
Annex 6 or by a rolling test as per Annex 7, depending on the location of the corrosion.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Annex 6 

ROTATING BENDING TEST 

1. 

Test Description 

During the rotating bending test, the lateral forces acting on wheel in driving around a curve 
are simulated.  Four wheel samples shall be tested, two at 50% and two at 75% of the 
maximum  side  force.    The  wheel  rim  is fixed rigidly to  the test bench, and a bending 
moment M
 is applied to the hub mounting area (i.e. through a loading arm with a flange 
b

having the same pitch circle diameter as the vehicle for which the wheel is intended).  Light 
alloy wheels are fixed using the internal rim flange by two semicircular flanges. 

Should other fixing devices be used, it is necessary prove their equivalence. 

Screws or fixing nuts are tightened to the torque stated by the vehicle manufacturer and 
retightened after 10,000 cycles approximately. 

2. 

Formula for the bending moment calculation  

Cars and off-road vehicles :   M

 ( o* r
 = S * F
V

dyn

 + d)  

bmaX

M

      = maximum reference bending moment ]Nm_ 

bmaX

        = maximum load capacity of wheel ]N_ 
F
V

r
dyn

       = dynamic radius of largest tyre recommended for wheel ]m_ 

d         = inset ]m_ 

  o         = coefficient of friction  

S         = factor of safety  

3. 

The test is carried out with two percentage values (50 per cent and 75 per cent) of the max 
moment and on the basis of the following standards 

Coefficient of friction  
Factor of safety  
Nominal cycles per minute  

0.9 
2.0 
The number of cycles per minute can be the maximum 
possible but outside the testing rig resonance frequency.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/585

Aluminium / Magnesium  

Steel  

Vehicle category   M1 and M1G 
Min cycles with 75 
per cent M

2.0*10

5

bmaX

6

1.8*10

O1 and O2 
5
0.66*10

6
0.69*10

M1 and M1G 
6.0 * 10

4

5
6.0*10

O1 and O2 

4
2.0*10

5
2.3*10

Shaft displacement less than 10 per cent greater than the displacement measured 
after approximately 10,000 cycles.  
Technical cracks are not accepted. 

- 

Maximum 30 per cent 

Min cycles with 50 
per cent M

bmaX

Acceptance limits  

Allowable loss of 
tightening torque 
initially applied to 
the wheel fixing 
studs and nuts 1/ 

4. 

Test schedule for range of wheel types 

Wheels of the same type (paragraph 2.2.) but with different inset values can be grouped 
using the highest value of test bending moment according to the following test schedule. 
 Wheel versions having a larger centre hole shall be included in the test.  In the case of a 
failure further samples shall be tested.  

Necessary tests: 

Number of wheels to be tested 

Rotating bending test 

Minimum PCD  
Maximum PCD 
if only one PCD 
Inset variations up to 2 mm 

From 2 mm to 5 mm 

@ 5 mm 

Short test 
1 
1 
2 
-- 

1 

1 

Long test 
1 
1 
2 
-- 

-- 

1 

Tests to be carried out should the maximum permitted wheel load subsequently increase.  
____________  
1/ Check loss of tightening torque of wheel fixings by retightening, not by measuring torque to 
loosen fixings.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/586

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page 19 

27.12.2006

If the resulting test bending 
moment increases up to 10 per cent 
max. 

1 

1 

Short test  

Long test  

= 

= 

rotating bending test with 75 per cent of l M
(calculated for the max wheel load) 
rotating bending test with 50 per cent of M

bmax  

bmax

Should the testing moment be increased of more of 10 per cent, when compared to the first 
approval, the whole programme shall be repeated. 

Example of a rotating bending test rig. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
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EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/587

Annex 7 

ROLLING TEST 

1. 

Test Description 

In the rolling test the stress on the wheel when driving straight ahead is simulated by testing a 
wheel rolling against a drum which has a minimum outside diameter of 1.7 m, in the case of an 
external rolling test, or a minimum internal diameter equal to the dynamic radius of the tyre 
divided by 0.4 in the case of an internal rolling test.  Two wheels shall be tested. 

2. 

Formula for calculation of the test load 

All types of vehicles  

F
P

  =  S * F
V

F

P 

F

V 
S 

= testing load [N] 

= wheel maximum load capacity of the wheel [N] 

= factor of safety 

3. 

Tests Procedure and Requirements 
Tests are carried out on the basis of the following specifications: 

Rolling direction  
Factor of safety - S 

Tyres  

Testing speed in km/h 

Equivalent rolling distance 

M1 and M1G 

O1 and O2 

Straight 

2.5 
2.25 1/ 

2.0 

Taken from normal (series) production and, if possible, of the 
maximum nominal section width recommended for the wheel  
The max. allowed by the tyre given by the speed index, usually 
60-100 km/hour  

2,000 km 
1,000 km 1/ 

2,000 km 
1,000 km 1/ 

Normal usage:                 rolling test pressure 
Up to         160 kPa             280 kPa  
More than 160 kPa             min. 400 kPa 
Technical cracks and/or air leakage are not accepted.   

Tyre pressure at start of test (nor 
checked or controlled during the 
test)  
Limits of acceptance  
Allowable loss of tightening 
torque initially applied to the 
wheel fixing studs and nuts 2/  
______________ 
1/  For passenger cars steel disc wheels. 
2/  Check loss of tightening torque of wheel fixings by retightening - not by measuring torque to 
loosen fixing.  

 30 per cent 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/588

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Official Journal of the European Union

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page 21 

27.12.2006

Examples of rolling test rigs. 

 
 
 
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EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/589

Annex 8 

IMPACT TEST 

Test Description  

Wheel strength with regard to the fractures on edges and other critical points when the wheel 
strikes an obstacle shall be checked.  In order to show the sufficient resistance to fractures it is 
necessary carry out an impact test as per Annex 8 - Appendix 1. 

2. 

Formula for the calculation of test load  

D 

=  0.6 * F
 / g + 180 [kg] 
V

=  value of falling mass [kg] 

D 
F
  =  maximum wheel load capacity [N] 
V
g 

2
=  acceleration due to gravity 9.81 m/s

3. 

Test Procedure and Requirements 

Procedure and 
requirements 
Tyre pressure 

Tyres 

Acceptance criteria  

Number  of  samples  to 
be tested 
Impact positions  

M1 and M1G 
As per Annex 8 – Appendix 1  

The tyre pressure recommended by the tyre manufacturer based on the load 
index and the max. vehicle speed, but at least 200 kPa. 
Tyres  taken  from  normal  (series)  production  with  the  minimum  nominal 
section  width  and  minimum  rolling  circumference  on  the  range  of  tyres 
recommended for the particular wheel. 
The test shall be considered satisfactory if there is not any visible fracture 
penetrating through the wheel surface and if there is not any loss of inflation 
pressure within one minute of completing the test.  Fractures and indentations 
caused by the direct contact with the falling weight are acceptable. 
In the case of wheels with demountable rims or other components that can be 
dismantled, if threaded fastenings that are close to the spoke or ventilation 
holes fail the wheel is to be considered as having failed the test. 
One for each impact position. 

One in the area connecting spokes to rim and further one in the area between 
two spokes, very close to the valve hole. 
If possible, the impact direction shall not coincide with the radial line between 
a fixing hole and the wheel centre. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/590

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

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page 23 

27.12.2006

4. 

Tests schedule for range of wheel types  

Tests necessary: 

Wheels to be tested 
Minimum PCD of fixing holes 
Maximum PCD of fixing holes 

Impact test 
One for each impact position 
One for each impact position 

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
page 24 

EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/591

Annex 8 - Appendix 1  

PASSENGER CARS - LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS - IMPACT TEST 

1. 

SCOPE 

This annex specifies a laboratory test procedure to evaluate the axial (lateral) kerb impact 
collision properties of a wheel manufactured either wholly or partly of light alloys.  It is 
intended for passenger car applications, with the purpose of screening and/or quality control 
of the wheel. 

TEST EQUIPMENT 

New  wheels,  fully  processed,  representative  of  wheels  intended  for  passenger  car 
application, fitted with a tyre. 

Impact loading test machine with a vertically acting striker having an impacting face at least 
125 mm wide and at least 375 mm long and sharp edges broken by radius or chamfer, in 
accordance with figure 1.  The falling mass, D, within a tolerance of  2 per cent, expressed 
in kilograms, shall be as follows: 

2.  

2.1.  

2.2.  

D = 0.6 * F
 / g + 180 [kg] 
V

where F
 / g is the maximum static wheel loading, as specified by the wheel and/or vehicle 
V

manufacturer, expressed in kilograms. 

2.3.  

Mass of 1,000 kg. 

3.  

CALIBRATION 

4.  

4.1. 

Ensure, by  means of a test calibration adapter, that the 1,000 kg mass (paragraph 2.3.) 
applied vertically to the centre of the wheel fixing as shown in figure 2 causes a deflection 
of 7.5 mm ± 0.75 mm when measured at the centre of the beam. 

TEST PROCEDURE 

Mount the test wheel (paragraph 2.1.) and tyre in the test machine (paragraph 2.2.) such that 
the impact loading is applied to the rim flange of the wheel.  The wheel shall be mounted 
with its axis at an angle of 13°  1° to the vertical with its highest point presented to the 
striker.  

The tyre mounted on the test wheel shall be the smallest nominal section width tubeless 
radial-ply tyre intended for use on that wheel.  The inflation pressure shall be that specified 
by the vehicle manufacturer or, in the absence of such specification, it shall be 200 kPa. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/592

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Official Journal of the European Union

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page 25 

27.12.2006

The temperature of the test environment shall remain within a range of 10 °C to 30 °C 
throughout the test period. 

4.2.  

Ensure that the wheel is mounted on the hub fixture with dimensionally representative 
fixings such as would be used on a vehicle.  Manually tighten the fixings to a value or by a 
method as recommended by the vehicle or wheel manufacturer. 

Because the design of wheel centre members may vary, test a sufficient number of locations 
on  the  wheel  rim  circumference  to  ensure  that  the  integrity  of  the  centre  members  is 
assessed.  Use new wheels each time. 

In case of test on the spoke, that spoke is to be chosen where the bolt hole is closest. 

4.3.  

Ensure that the striker is over the tyre, and overlaps the rim flange by 25 mm  1 mm.  
Raise the striker to a height of 230 mm  2 mm above the highest part of the rim flange and 
allow it to fall. 

5.  

FAILURE CRITERIA 

The wheel is considered to have failed the test if any of the following apply: 

(a) 

visible fracture(s) penetrate through a section of the centre member of the wheel 
assembly; 

(b) 

the centre member separates from the rim; 

(c) 

the tyre loses all air pressure within 1 min. 

The wheel is not considered to have failed the test by deformation of the wheel assembly or 
by fractures in the area of the rim section struck by the face plate of the striker. 

_______ 
Note: Tyres and wheels used in the tests should not be used subsequently on a vehicle. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
page 26 

EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/593

Figure 1 – Impact loading test machine 

Figure 1  - Detail A 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/594

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
page 27 

27.12.2006

Dimensions in millimetres 

Figure 2 – Application of loading to centre of wheel mount 

Dimensions in millimetres 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
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EN

27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/595

Annex 9 

ALTERNATING TORQUE TEST 

2. 

Test Description  

In an alternating torque test the torque acting on wheel during braking and acceleration is 
simulated.  The sample wheels shall be tested at each percentage value (50 per cent and 75 per 
cent ) of the maximum calculated torque.  Each wheel flange is rigidly fixed on the test table 
and stressed by an alternating torque of ± M
, introduced through the attachment face i.e. 
T

through a brake disc or through other components.  

2. 

Formula for the calculation of the test torque 

Where: 

M

  = 
T

 * r
S * F
V

dyn

M

T
S   
F

V 

= 

test torque  [Nm] 

factor of safety  

= 
=  maximum wheel load capacity [N] 

r
dyn

= 

dynamic radius [m] 

Tests are carried out on the basis of the following parameters: 

Factor of safety S 
Min number of cycles with ± 90 per cent M
T
Min number of cycles with ± 45 per cent M
T

Acceptance criteria  
Allowable loss of the initial torque applied to wheel 
fixing studs and nuts  1/ 

1,0 

5

6

2* 10

2* 10

Technical cracks not acceptable  

30 per cent 

__________ 
1/ Check loss of tightening torque of wheel fixings by retightening, not by measuring torque to loosen 
fixing.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/596

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

TRANS/WP.29/2005/46 
page 29 

27.12.2006

Annex 10 

VEHICLE FITMENT CHECKS AND DOCUMENTATION 

1. 

Application and fitting Information  

The type approval authority shall be supplied with a copy of following information which 
shall also be supplied to the consumer with the wheel. 

1.1. 

Wheel characteristics: 

ECE approval number, wheel type and variant, international rim designation (for example, 
15 H2 x 5 ½ J) and inset. 

1.2. 

Vehicle characteristics: 

Vehicle manufacturer, vehicle model name and description, vehicle power and VIN range 
including at least WMI, VDS and first digit of VIS describing the model year (see ISO 
3779-1983).  

1.3. 

Additional characteristics: Any particular requirements, special fittings and so on that are 
specified when using the manufacturer’s replacement wheels or specific requirements for 
the ECE approved wheel.  

1.4. 

Fitting instruction detail: Recommendations and safety precautions when fitting the wheel; 

Use of any additional or substitute wheel fixing components, for example, longer wheel 
bolts or studs with alloy wheels; 

Wheel fixing tightening torque; drawing attention to the importance of this aspect and the 
need to preferably use a calibrated torque wrench;  Instruction regarding the necessity to re-
tighten the wheel fixing after 50 km of driving; References to the use and mounting of 
hubcaps, if applicable;  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/597

1.5. 

Example of a possible structure of the Application and fitting Information table. 

Wheel characteristics (mandatory fields in bold characters) 

ECE approval 
number 
XY R-I 0001148 
Wheel variant 

A 

Wheel type  Size 

Inset 

Pcd 

fixing holes 1/ 

6014 
Control 
spigot 
location  
Yes 

6Jx14H2 
Wheel 
marking 

38 mm 
centre ring 
marking 

98 mm 
Centre hole 
Dia. 

4 
max. wheel 
load in N 

98-38 

120-98 

58.1 mm 

5500 

Vehicles' characteristics 

Vehicle 
manufacturers 

FIAT    

vehicle 
model name 
ALFA 
ROMEO 
145/146 

Vehicle 
type 
ALFA  
ROMEO 
930 

Power  
In kW 
66 - 95 

Identification (VIN) 

WMI  VDS 

Year(s) 

1C9 

Y817H3 4 

Additional characteristics  

Ref. 
1/ 

Characteristic
Spherical fastening screws  

  Additional requirements    

Wheel calliper check 

The design of the inner contour of the wheel (wheel calliper see Figure 1) must provide 
sufficient space for the brake, suspension and steering components. 

In the case where the wheel calliper is outside of the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement 
wheel calliper, no verification is necessary. 

In  the  case  where  the  calliper  is  inside  the  vehicle  manufacturer’s  replacement  wheel 
calliper, a check shall be carried out of wheel operating clearance with respect to brake, 
suspension  and  steering  components  and  general  under  body  components,  taking  into 
account the effect of wheel balance weights.  

As a rule, the following criteria have to be fulfilled:   

minimum  clearance  for  brake  components  (worst  case,  for  example  with  new  brake 
linings): 3 mm 1/), 
minimum clearance for suspension components (e. g. upper and lower suspension arms): 4 
mm, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L 375/598

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27.12.2006

minimum clearance for steering components (e. g. track rod and steering joints ): 4 mm, and  
minimum clearance between balance weights and vehicle components:2 mm.  

The check may be carried out statically or dynamically.  If the various clearances on the 
vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel are less than those given above, then these can 
be accepted.  

2.2. 

Ventilation holes check  

An  approved  wheel  shall  not  reduce  the  brake  efficiency  in  comparison  with  a 
manufacturer’s replacement wheel.  The heat transfer from the brakes into steel wheels is 
regarded as being more severe than that with of light alloy wheels.  In the case where the 
vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel is designed for a defined air circulation from the 
brake through the wheel ventilation holes (for example by "windmilling" effect) and where 
the area of the ventilation holes, in a pattern part replacement wheel, is smaller than the 
corresponding vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel, a comparison test shall be carried 
out to evaluate the brake efficiency.  

The test shall follow the requirements of Regulation No. 13, appendix 4, paragraph 1.5. 
Type  I  -  Fade  test  procedure.    The  criterion  is  the  brake  temperature.    The  maximum 
temperature measured (discs, drum) using the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel 
must not be exceeded with the wheel to be approved.  

Any hubcaps normally fitted are to be taken into account. 

2.3. 

Wheel fixing 

The use of vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel fixing components is 
recommended.  Any special wheel fixing components shall allow fitting of the pattern 
part replacement wheel without requiring any additional change.  The basic number of 
wheel fixings, for example 4 holes, 5 holes and so on, shall not be changed.  Wheel 
fixings shall not foul other components, for example, brake components.  Regarding 
wheel bolts, nuts and studs, the length of thread engagement shall be the same as 
achieved by the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel and wheel fixings.  The 
profile of the bolts / nuts shall be compatible with the profile of the location hole in the 
approved wheel.  The material used for the wheel fixing components shall be at least 
equivalent to the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement wheel fixing components.  

________________ 
1/ Use of vehicle manufacturer brake component profiles and wheel caliper is recommended. 
However in-service monitoring is necessary because of possible change of brake parts and/or OE-
wheel calliper during the vehicle production run. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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27.12.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

L 375/599

In the case where wheel accessories are provided, any necessary special tools for 
mounting and demounting shall also be provided. 

Where different wheel fixing components are supplied, they shall be detailed in the 
information required by paragraph 1.2., and any necessary special fitting tools shall be 
provided. 

2.4. 

External projections 

The approved wheel when fitted to the vehicle, together with any necessary wheel 
accessories, shall not create any danger.  The requirements of Regulation ECE-R26 shall 
be respected. 

2.5. 

Miscellaneous 

The test report shall contain the details and results of the tests carried out.  It shall 
confirm that the tested wheel meets the requirements. 

Wheel Caliper contour 

Line outside the Wheel Caliper 
contour 

line inside the Wheel Caliper contour

Figure 1 : Wheel inner contour including examples of inside 
 and outside situations. 

_____