my axles were not bent enough to be noticeable at first glance, but I spun the wheel a week ago, about 3 months after the crash, and it spun a half turn and stopped. I took it off and checked the hubs. They were scraping pretty bad. I didn't even notice it until then, because it wasn't that bad. I probably ruined the bearings by riding it on a slightly bent axle.

having said that, like you said, he may as well get a new wheel set if he has so many problems with these wheels.