So I noticed a flat tire on my left rear rim on my 96 C4S lastnight. I am running the stock solid spoke turbo twists with SO-2 tires. I noticed a nail in it so I dropped the wheel off this morning at Globe in LA and they pointed out that the rim was cracked on the inside edge (see pic below). Any recommendations on whether a crack can be fixed and if so who to go to in the LA area? If not, where to source a used one from. Also, Globe mentioned the tire was shredded on the inside, so it needs to be replaced. I was under the impression that on a 4 wheel drive car all tires must be replaced at the same time, but Globe said I can replace just 1 tire and I am certainly not looking to spend any more money than needed at this point. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Yes, it can be welded. I'm sure others will weigh in on the efficacy of doing it. The rear rim on my car, with the same wheels, was welded at some point. It was done by the previous owner, so it been over years ago.

 

By the book, no welding on rims. However it is done all the time. Have to replace all the tires - nope, I believe the newest electronically controlled 4 wheel systems can be finicky in this regard, however our cars drive systems ore not electronically controlled and a lot older. I suspect they are much more forgiving as they do not have traction control or stability management software that looks at tire rotation closely.

 

I've always heard that it's better to have tires with approximately the same wear on each axle....Depending on how many miles are on the tires, you might want to think about replacing two instead of one.

 

Had the exact same crack occur on my C4S solid spoke. After trying to find a replacement (not the $500 one from Wheel Enhancement), I choose to find another set of wheels (upgraded to 993 turbo hollows ~$1200), and I sold off the remaining 3 wheels. It took forever to sell the fronts and finally someone got a great deal. The rear went to another C4S owner that had the same issue as you do, so you might search for anyone who's broken a C4S wheel. If you search, you'll find various opinion on wheel repair....read and make a decision based on your usage and comfort level. If you go the upgrade route, RL 993 & for-sale forum, as well as Craigslist are your best sources. FleaBay maybe.

Regarding rear tire, you are going to toss a tire with life left at some point...now or later to equalize the set. If the remaining is <50% you're playing a losing game for sure, so replace both tires. >70%, I'd put on only 1 new tire. In between, its a bit of a toss up...

 

Thanks for all the advice. Having trouble sourcing a used replacement so I guess I will be riding my bicycle for the near future.

 

I bought a replacement one time, will have to check my records. It was reasonably priced and a very good transaction. I also had a crack in mine just like that but wasn't losing much is any air - just caught it on an inspection.

 

Sfish, If you want a fast turnaround on a wheel repair check out this place. ( http://wheelsamerica.com/?gclid=CKjn...FYl7QgodXB0ADw ) ....

 

Hey sfish - I just replaced the rear on my 96 C4S - found a replacement on e-bay from a seller (I can try and find the place if interested) and the cost was $350 plus $40 shipping. The wheel was very true and actually in better shape than my other one which has a small amount of curb rash. I was replacing all the tires, so not sure on individual replacement. Good luck.

 

I got the rear cup II on my 968 from wheelcollision.com. Give em a call.

 

you say that like it's a bad thing....


these people in El Cajon CA will easily repair your wheel.

http://uswheelremanufacturing.com/

but ask Otto in Venice, I'm sure he'll have a closer option.

Craig

 

Look for a set of 996 Turbo Hollow spokes. Perfect fit and look for a 993 wide body. They show up quite often for 1000 USD +/- depending on condition and installed rubber.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. Going to have the wheel fixed as a porsche specialist checked it and said the damage was minor. Rather than replacing 1 S02 tire, I am going to replace both rears with Hankook V12 after reading all the opinions on this forum. Can't wait to get back behind the wheel.