Hi,

I’ve been given a set of 17 inch alloys which despite a bit of curb scraping on three of them, are not too bad really and with a bit of work should come up nice.

Prob is there was one which when I spun it, it wobbles not by much 5mm at most at the rim. Checking it closer it looks as though the whole rim is fine but the thin spokes have taken the distortion, making the centre not in the same plain as the rest of the wheel. I noted too that there was a particularly heavy scuff on the rim where it looks like the distortion was caused.

My question is, if I got a machine shop to chuck it in a lathe and skim the back of the hub face to true up the wheel. Would that be ok? Would that cure the wobble? I can’t see any cracks or other damage that would indicate it was dangerous to use it.

Any views? Or has anyone tried this?

Mmmm. what would your answer be if another poster asked the same question.

No brainer I think.

Bin it !!!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Flamez
Mmmm. what would your answer be if another poster asked the same question.

No brainer I think.

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If it is only 5mm would a decent clean up do? Not ideal but I have seen loads of wheels with far more distortion . PS Don't sue me if it fails!

The point I make, although rather sarcastically I know,sorry, is why would you compromise your safety with such a critical component.

A quick drawing on autocad seems to indicate a maximum of 3mm needs removing from the back of the hub to remove a 5mm wobble at the rim. Doesn’t seem very much tbh. Might put a 3mm washer behind the hub an bolt it up to see if the distortion goes, then I’d know if that’s all it would take. I’ve seen plenty of wobbly wheels to but I’d not want that on this car if I could help it.

There was a feature in one of the mags on a company called RIMTECH. I just googled them but can't find a website. Although there is some forum chatter about them which is very positive. I copied in one below which includes the contact name and number. I have a very slightly curbed 18" Monza 2 on my Golf that needs a polish out so I may well be giving them a call.

HTHs................Neil

From: Plante30 Forum:

"I've just had my 16 inch BBS x-spoke alloys refurbed by a company in Meopham,Kent called RIMTECH.......WOW!!
They look brand new.Gloss Black centres diamond cut rims.
They are on my E30 M3 (Lachs-silver)and set the car off a treat!
Contact Scott on 01474 813919 if you want a pukka job for a very reasonable price.

This is not an ad its a recommendation!!"

^ thanks for that I'll give them a call and see what they have to say

cheers

If the spokes have distorted enough to put the rim out I'd expect some hairline cracking, and would agree - bin it.

By all means see what the experts say but without crack testing would you want it supporting you and your family at 40mph +

Ive never had it done or had it done, but from the sound of it i would have thought it would have been repairable.
- As said, it al depends if theres and fracturing/weakening of the spoke material due to the defomation. I would say (of the top of my head) that there isnt. In which case iwould be looking at maniplating it back to stright on a jig and then machining it to be dead true from there.

Ulitmatly it depends what the alloys are worth if you where to have the fourth wheel repaired, Vs what you can get it repaired for. But im not sure i would simply removed material from the center to get it run straight before trying to maniplate it back.

Daniel

Id say bin it, think of the vibration youll get.
its better to bin a slightly f*cked wheel than have a crash caused by it.
if you roll it along the floor does it wobble lots?

quote:

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Originally posted by A1
Id say bin it, think of the vibration youll get.
its better to bin a slightly f*cked wheel than have a crash caused by it.
if you roll it along the floor does it wobble lots?

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The prob with taking some off the back of the hub face is nut seats will be at the wrong angle, putting undue stress on the seats and possibly cracking. I personally wouldn't do it that way. The pros may have a better idea how to do it though...