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[mantahatch]

Would you have an alloy wheel welded/repaired ?

One of my sons alloys has cracked. It looks like it has been repaired once before, thecrack is about 1.25 inches long. It is on the inner edge and and goes through the rim.

Welder where I work says he won't do it in case it breaks in use. But found one or two wheel repairers that offer to weld wheels.

They are after market wheels and I cannot find another like it. If not repair it looks like 4 new/secondhand wheels.

What would you do ?

Thanks for any advice.

[cem_devecioglu]

a picture would be very helpful to decide..
 
as a general rule can be repaired by TIG welding.. but size, shape,complexity can change the decision..
 
and I personally will never use this wheel on fronts.. I did have a repair in original omega wheel that I use in winter where speeds are relatively lower..
 
and finally let the job done by a highly recommended person by several people..
 
 
ps: the older repair was a crack or a buckle repair ?

[cem_devecioglu]

and also I must note, after the repair procedure if the wheel balance will ask for more than 40 grs I would discard it..

[cem_devecioglu]

and reading this may give an idea how the work must be done
http://www.weldcraft.com/2007/11/successful-aluminum-repairs/

[cem_devecioglu]

we will talk the painting details later if you decide to use it after repair

[mantahatch]

Thanks Cem, reading that now. but heres a picture.

[cem_devecioglu]

without doubt can be repaired
 
but you need a good welder..  as it has been repaired before..

[feeutfo]

Personally, I'd bin it.

Repaired and failed. Couldn't trust it meself.

[cem_devecioglu]

and one more point as the fracture is in the sidewall it must be sanded and perfected otherwise tyre wont stick to side and leak..

[cem_devecioglu]

thi may give you an idea how it must be done
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDIMpJant9A

[sassanach]

i have done loads of these,piece off p+ss

[Jimbob]

One of my wheels had been welded. That tyre / wheel suffered a blow out. Dunno if related but that wheel has since been weighed in

[sassanach]

might be? i always drill a 10 dia hole at the end of the crack,then i enlarge the crack with a disc cutter to approx 1/4" wide and then weld it so the weld is all the way through the alloy.i suspect a lot of welders just simply slap a bit off weld on top.

[dbug]

Alloy welding is  a specialist job.  Personally I wouldn't trust that wheel repaired, particularly as a previous repair has failed.

But your choice mate - your life 

[mantahatch]

Thanks everyone for your input. Jury still out here I am afraid.

Oh yes and son's life not mine, and they way he has been behaving lately he can drive it with 3 wheels for all I care 

Sad little muppet thinks I am going to buy him 4 brand new after market alloy wheels and new tyres. And this has to be sorted by Sunday lunchtime when he has a long journet to do.