View Full Version : Aluminum Wheel Repair-Truck Wheel
BryanL
12-20-2011, 05:26 PM
I found a set of wheels for my Suburban I want to buy. Seller told me the wheel was repaired by Wheels America 6 months ago, their weld leaked air that they repaired, now its leaking again and Wheels America says they can't fix it. Apparently its a hairline crack on the inside of the lip that can barely be seen but still leaks air.
Any thoughts on suggestions if another shop could fix this? I just think that JB Weld on the inside of the wheel would take care of this and fill the crack? I would put this tire on the front and just run it around 55 psi.
JB Weld (Jeff Burch??) should help seal it. Slightly overfill where the crack is and sand smooth. After smoothing, apply a thin layer of RTV (clear should work fine) over the repair. Fixed two leaks this way, on street wheels, of course...
BryanL
12-22-2011, 02:35 PM
Thanks Hood. Haven't done the RTV trick. I'm going to look at the wheels tomorrow and think I will take a chance on them as it shouldn't be that much more than the wheels scrap value. I figure a forged 18 x 9 is worth $30 in scrap each. Or I get stuck with 3 good wheels that are discontinued.
BryanL
12-23-2011, 09:49 AM
Bo Liebbe had a good suggestion about running an inner tube on that wheel.
What kind of safety issue should I think about with a hairline crack in a wheel-Ginsberg's broken wheel comes to mind right now.
AllZWay
12-23-2011, 10:03 AM
Can it not be welded again?
I had a bellhousing with cracks welded back and it never had a problem.
BryanL
12-23-2011, 11:42 AM
Only know that Wheels America said it couldn't be welded again. If a bellhousing breaks you don't end up in a ditch towing a 10k lb trailer.
philstireservice
12-24-2011, 10:28 AM
A small crack in any wheel is soooo very dangerous. I would trash it and look for another with no cracks. Not worth the possible disaster it could cause.
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