Crack in my Alpina - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Pip · 10th November 2009, 20:19

No, not drugs but a hairline crack in my 18" wheel. So my question is can it be repaired. Someone at the tyre centre suggested bathroom sealant as a possible cure although I am not sure it will last with the pressure/movement. The crack is right at the top of the vein near the exterior edge where it joins the circular part of the wheel.

Any resolution most welcome otherwise it will be a new wheel.

Pip

m5 killer · 10th November 2009, 21:06

your based in kent so go down to lepsons in gillingham and see what they say, they do all my refurbs for me and alot of my mates and i would not trust any other company for wheels

Bierman · 11th November 2009, 12:44

In some cases, cracks in wheels can be welded safely. However, it has always been my understanding that cracks on the frontside of the wheel (the side you can see) cannot be welded safely, because in those cases it is impossible to sufficiently cool the material around the weld. This leads to the structure of the material - and therefore the safety of the wheel - being compromised. Also, I believe cracks running parallel with the direction of rotation of the wheel cannot be repaired safely.

If it would be my wheel, I would not take any chances with it and bring it to a highly reputed wheel repair shop for advice.

Good luck!

Pip · 11th November 2009, 13:09

Can an alloy wheel actually be welded? I thought that as it is an alloy welding is not possible. I have also had wheels refurbished by Lepsons who do do a good job. Actually I am sure this particular wheel was refurbished by them a while ago so am surprised it was not picked up then.

Pip

m5 killer · 11th November 2009, 13:46

may be the crack happened after the wheel came out from lepsons, best to go see them see what they have to say