Cracked Alloy Wheels

rickc007 · 1st December 2012, 04:25

I seem to crack my right rear wheel one a bit

Actually 3rd time for me, but it had already been repaired at least once before by the orig owner

Odd part is , I don't remember hitting anything. I start getting slow leaks, and go "oh here we go again"

Are these wheels that soft ?
And is there any danger in too many repairs ?

jfoj · 4th December 2012, 21:49

I would ditch any wheel after the first weld repair.

The question is if it has been repaired, did it crack in the same spot or same area of the wheel?

The inside barrel of the rims tend to be softer than the outer part of the rim.

Also some claim if the wheels have been powder coated the baking temps for the powder coat can harden the wheel and make it brittle.

Not sure I have seen this or agree with the powder coating process damaging or hardening the wheel, but I guess it is a possibility.

You may also have a sub standard replica wheel as well?

bimmerule · 4th December 2012, 22:30

Better off with an undamaged wheel. You can get a descent rear rim for around $250, why risk it.

rickc007 · 4th December 2012, 22:56

Cracks in different place

this one is really small right on the inside lip, but it prevents the tire from holding air.
Doesn't make a good seal with the rubber.

Mine is original BMW
I haven't seen any good replacements at $250

Having trouble finding a new one even at $790
but I may go that route

would rather be safe than sorry, but if these puppies are notably too soft
I'd but something aftermarket that's more durable, and MUCH cheaper

bimmerule · 4th December 2012, 23:59

Oh, right. You can't get new ones for $250.

jfoj · 5th December 2012, 00:02

Soft is not a bad thing.

Just wait until you see what happens to forged wheels on the street!!!

BTW, you can get a decent used one for around $200-$250 or even one that need refinishing for less.

You can get a really good refinish if you know where to go for $160-$175.

Be careful of the mobile repair guys, they charge up to $175 per wheel and can't even get close do what decent shops can do.

Bet you would be happy with some real Shadow Chrome like this!

Sailor24 · 5th December 2012, 00:42

Take a picture of the crack or at least the location. They are made of the right alloy to weld but you still need a good guy doing the work. A good guy might cost 75 or 100 which may make sense if there is no refinishing. Really an economic question.

hairball · 5th December 2012, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerule

Better off with an undamaged wheel. You can get a descent rear rim for around $250, why risk it.

I agree.

If I were you OP, I would not get involved with wheels that have weld repairs. Eventual air leaks is a common issue with these types of repairs. It’s happened to me twice and I will never have a wheel welded again (regardless of welder). I would just pony up and buy a new or good used wheel and be done with it. Also, if you buy a wheel on here or other site, I would insist on getting pictures of the back of the wheel too. I always crack up when I see these pictures of wheels that only show how they look on the outside. You’re just not going to know what is really going on with that wheel unless you see the back of it too!

John

rickc007 · 5th December 2012, 02:47

Think I am going to get a new one

Can't take a picture now, the tire is back on the car, and I'd probably pull my back out if I tried to pop it off :-)

jfoj, I don't think my wheels looked that good new. And nice choice on cars, mine is a 2003 Sterling, my last was a Silver 330ci
Loved the 330ci also. I thought "that" car was expensive

jfoj · 5th December 2012, 03:01

If you can find a reasonable used rear wheel, if you need to get it refinished, I had mine done at Prince Wheel Service in NC.

$155 per wheel for refinish, most straighten is about $40 more if they are refinishing the wheels. But verify pricing with them for sure.

This includes full media blasting, priming, entire wheel is powder coated gloss black, then the Shadow Chrome powder coat is applied just to the outside of the wheel. Nice the rear of the wheel is black so it helps hide brake dust, dirt and gives better contrast to the wheel spokes.

So just something to think about depending on the pricing you find on a used wheel.

Keep in mind a refinished or new wheel may look slightly different than your current wheel(s).

Shadow Chrome paint is a bit of a tricky process and is has a lot of subjectivity based upon the painter.