Aftermarket wheel question - Repair issue - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

MAH · 23rd August 2004, 16:52

All,

I have this nagging little problem that I lose about 7lbs. per day on one of my wheels. I know exactly where the loss is occurring, around the inside wheel edge. I have taken into Discount Tires twice. The last time they told me that the chrome had flaked off around the inside edge and that the tire would not seat properly, thus causing the leak. They recommended a shop nearby that could fix this problem.

My comment is that I think they don't know what they are talking about. I mean how thick can chrome be? The bead around the tire is still made of rubber so it is somewhat flexable, so even with small imperfections it should seat with no problems.

Can anyone throw some light on this subject for me?

Mark

Anita · 24th August 2004, 04:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAH

All,

I have this nagging little problem that I lose about 7lbs. per day on one of my wheels. I know exactly where the loss is occurring, around the inside wheel edge.

That sounds like a pretty significant leak to me. Unfortunately I know diddley about what could be causing your problem, but will try to remember to check with my SA tomorrow when I pick up my Coupe wheels (Yes I'm having my new Kumho's mounted at a decent place this time!!). I do know that having gouges, bends, dings etc along a wheel rim was a concern when I bought my used OEM track wheels because of the supposed potential for leakage.

How long have you been noticing the leakage? How old are your tires?

Anita

Anita · 25th August 2004, 01:20

OK Mark here's the word from my SA--gotta type this quick before I forget (no smart comments about that).

He said it was possible to have a leak like that resulting from the chrome flaking off inside the wheel edge and the goal was to smooth the lip down with a grinder or whatever so it was smooth all the way around (by removing the remaining chrome finish and loose bits). Then apply the bead sealer and it should not leak anymore. So here you have it another opinion, of course made without actually seeing your wheel and with me as the translator

Good luck and let us know how you eventually solve the problem.

A

MAH · 25th August 2004, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anita

OK Mark here's the word from my SA--gotta type this quick before I forget (no smart comments about that).

He said it was possible to have a leak like that resulting from the chrome flaking off inside the wheel edge and the goal was to smooth the lip down with a grinder or whatever so it was smooth all the way around (by removing the remaining chrome finish and loose bits). Then apply the bead sealer and it should not leak anymore. So here you have it another opinion, of course made without actually seeing your wheel and with me as the translator

Good luck and let us know how you eventually solve the problem.

A

Anita,

Thanks for the insight. It is good to know that this may actually be something that can be repaired as promised.

Mark

Anita · 25th August 2004, 19:21

Mark,
You're welcome! I have a person I work with at Tire Rack too that handles BMW special applications if you want another opinion. I'll dig out his extension and PM it to you. I'll admit it does sound funny that somthing as insignificant as flaking chrome could cause such a problem.
Anita