MattiasH

I have started restoring a set of Kinesis K27 and found some cracks on the centers of the front wheels. Has anyone encountered anything similar? Is it possible to repair or are they scrap?

Mrmerlin

Im thinking the MFG might like to see this,
did you send them a note about this damage?

SeanR

Going to take forever to get a response since they closed down a long time ago.

Mrmerlin

well there you go
they might make nice hose reels

GregBBRD

Common. Dangerous. Scrap.

Bigfoot928

Makes a perfectly good wall clock or subwoofer grill.

GregBBRD

I'll tell you how common...
I have a client/good buddy that worked for Kinesis, before it was sold.
He bought a set of these wheels for his 951.
The cracking centers was so common that he bought a complete set of spare centers to "future proof" his own wheels.

MattiasH

Thanks for the guidance!
This is not the thing you want to see when you buy a used set of rims.
They will be the most expensive garage wall decoration I have ever bought...

belgiumbarry

if that is "common" i would never use those wheels ! If he breaks a wheel at "100 mph" , he sure won't need his spares anymore ….

FredR

The scary bit is that Kinesis are [were?] one the most respected names in the forged wheel aftermarket.

This thread also highlights another problem in that when purchasing a set of wheels second hand one really does not know what one is taking on sad to say. Inherent faults are one thing but the flip side is one does not know whether or not such wheels have been seriously abused. New wheels may not be perfect but invariably have some form of warrranty and the new owner has the peace of mind knowing that no half wit lying toad had hold of them to inflict serious unseen attrition.

I always advise friends when buying a s/h car to immediately change the rubber no matter what the PO says about such- maybe that should include the wheels as well. We tend to think of the wheels as permanent items but maybe that is being [foolishly?] optimistic.

slownrusty

Is the crack on the barrel or the center?

New Barrels are available from several manufacturers, I've had several sets of wheels re-barreled with good results.

Jim M.

That looks like it's the center.

MattiasH

Yes, it is on the centers. Barrels I know you can get from different suppliers.

Even buying used wheels from a trusted source is no guarantee for the parts being fault free.

Mauireman

I just checked mine over and no cracks! I’ve had them on my 90gt for around 10 years.

SwayBar

A friend's track-car with Kinesis wheels started cracking at the spokes where they attach outward by the barrel/tire.