I have a couple cracked aluminum car wheels. OZ Superleggera and BBS CH wheels that have hairline cracks on the inside barrel. The tire leaks air because of this. I know a lot of wheel repair shops TIG weld the crack.

Has anyone done it? What is the procedure? Would you recommend it?

Thanks

 

I've done quite a few...

weld as you would normally weld alum..

 

I've done it a few times. Drill a hole all the way through at the end of the crack. That will keep it from cracking later on when it is stressed.

After welding, just sand it smooth and take your time if the welding is near the bead.

 

is this how they fix curbage and such on wheels as well?

 

you should also cut a "v" shaped groove along the crack so you have better if not complete penetration. and if possible weld both sides.

 

i have done several. i usually try and grind it done to as much clean aluminum as possible(which is sometimes hard to do) and weld it as normal and check for leaks

 

I've done quite a few. Grind the area nice and clean, V-groove the crack and then a little more, weld as usual and if your into the bead area, smooth it out with a fine file and lots of patients.

So what is the deal with dismounting Z rated tires on cast 20's? I've had more than a few customers bring me thier rims after going in for a tire change and the "mechanic" says, holy hell! Look at that crack! And there is NO WAY the crack was there before the tire was dismounted, they are always right through the bead on the back side and would be impossible to hold air. It's something that's happening when they dismount the tires. Easy answer is take it somewhere the "mechanics" or workers know what they are doing, but has anyone else seen this before?

 

Yes, cut a groove, for got that point.


Most of the cracks come from to much pressure from the tire machine. There are three point that is hold the rim on the inside and press outward by force and too much force cracks the rim. Typical situation.

 

no, its from using an improper machine. this tire dismounting procedure is different between machines from 5 yrs ago to now. when 20's got popular alot of people upgraded their machines to the newer variety that are more designed for larger wheels. you can still use the older machines to get it done, but they arent designed for wheels that big. thats usually where the problems occur. or the rim was already cracked from riding on rubber band sized tires and beating around in potholes, the machines just finish the job.

as far as the welding, its all above. grind clean, v groove it up, weld like aluminum.
make sure you grind it back to as flush as possible so it wont be waaaayyy out of balance.

 

CH's that are cracked..

I'd be pissed.