Bent and Cracked Wheels
US drivers pay approximately $3 billion a year for vehicle damage due to potholes. In a 2016 study by AAA, it found that $15 billion was spent by US drivers on car repairs to fix pothole damage the previous five years.
Rims are an incredibly important part of the car because they serve as the link between the axles and the tires. Most modern vehicles have aluminum-based rims which can be at risk for pothole damage. A bent or cracked rim is often a result of hitting a deep pothole at a high rate of speed.
Can you repair a cracked rim?
Yes and no. Whether or not you can repair your cracked rim depends on if the weld will restore enough stability to the car. An experienced technician can repair short, hairline cracks without issue, but the longer and broader the crack grows, the greater the risk that your repair won't last over time.
The direction of the crack, most of the time, a crack on the back side of the wheel will cross the flange and bead area at right angles to the direction the wheel spins. This type of crack can be welded, because it can be opened up to accept the weld.
The most common symptoms of a bent rim include:
• Vibration in the steering wheel
• Vibration in the seat (a sign that one of the rear rims is bent)
• Less responsive handling
• Decreased fuel economy
• A thumping sound while driving
If not caught in time, a bent rim can cause the tire to leak air, which leads to decreased fuel economy and poor handling. It may even result in a flat tire or blowout, which can be quite dangerous, especially at highway speeds. Bent rims can also cause wheels to wobble at speed, making your vehicle unstable, and they can interfere with steering too.
My technique uses heat, hydraulic pressure, dial indicators and skill to straighten even the most difficult rims to meet factory specifications.
Interested in fixing your alloy wheels? A mobile repair unit can be arranged for wheels that are repairable onsite. If the wheels are not repairable onsite, they can be taken and fully restored to like new condition and returned within 36 hours. Send me a clear photo of the damage you want repaired to 201-253-8946 or send me a message through this site for a free estimate. Thank you.
