Joseph_C

Hi,

I recently realized there is some damage to my wheel. How important is this structurally? I am not concerned about the look.
There is a cut in the tire as well and I will get new tires. I drove 200 miles with the current tires and nothing happened.

Thanks



!

deilenberger

The tire is toast. IMHO - the rim is useable - the damage doesn't go deep enough to damage it structurally.. but consideration might be given to finding a decent used rim. Those are not a really "hot" style rim, and I doubt very much if they go for much money used. Probably worth looking at eBay and some of the Porsche parts recyclers.

hopsis

That scuff mark isn't very recent, looks like its been that way for a while so and looks like the tire isn't bulging at all at that damaged area. It is anyway severely damaged and will more likely fail if and when that already weakened part hits something next time. Rim is fine, damage is cosmetic. Just tell them to file the sharpest edges down before putting new tire on so it won't scrape the new tire when installing.

I'd recommend You take it to a tire shop for evaluation, it is much easier to see the extent of the damage when the tire is off the rim and can be flexed and looked from the inside too. If it is bad enough, one new tire would be my way to go. Or four, depending how worn they are, cannot tell from those pictures.

phatz

stop driving on that tire

Wisconsin Joe

Hard to say from the pic, but it doesn't look too good.

The rim is likely ok. I never cease to be amazed how badly the outer edge of the rim can be beaten up, yet the 'sealing rim' (bead seat) is fine.

I agree that there's no bulge, so the casing of the tire (the part with the belts) is likely intact. But the cut may expose them to the elements and steel belts can rust and weaken.

If you take it to a tire shop for evaluation, they will likely tell you it needs to be replaced immediately. As in buy a new tire right now (think about that for just a second).
You will get a more honest opinion from someone who doesn't stand to make money by telling you the tire is bad.

I agree that it doesn't look like that damage is brand new, so you've likely been driving on it for a bit. I would be aware of it, not go stupid fast, not push corners on that side.
It's held up for a bit, it will probably hold up for a while longer...

Maybe. Keep in mind that it may let go at any time.

One thing about replacing tires is that they have to be pretty close. The owner's manual has specs on variance from side to side on same axle, and from front axle to back. Depending on wear, you may need to replace just that one, a pair or all four.

DWPC

Unless the tires are almost new, I'd also locate an "old school" tire shop that can shave the replacement tire tread to match the wear (O.D.) of the others to avoid excessive wear on the differential. Not many shops are so equipped any more.

Pillow

The rim should be fine.

But replacements (ebay or CL) are so cheap I would find a more minty wheel when replacing tires.

Mr. Merk

You could have that wheel refinished for $100-$150 at the dealer or contact Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists directly.