TT Gasman

I was getting my new tires mounted at the dealer today, the mechanic showed me that my front wheel was bent, most likely from hitting something. But I don't recall any major potholes lately and up until today the car was driving fine, as a matter of fact I just drove to Birmingham and back. Now it has a nice vibration above 60 mph,dealer says their wheel guy can easily repair the bent wheel but I'm not 100% sold. This is a cast 18x8 Porsche Sport Design 2 piece wheel, how good are wheel repairs on something like this? Safe for DE??

jim911

Not a good idea for the track!

Sloth

Not worth the risk to yourself or those you are sharing the track with.

Z-man

The greater the speed with a wheel failure, the greater chance of greater damage.

I'd say it is time for you to start looking for a second set of (track) wheels!

Have the bent wheel repaired and use it for the street.

-Zoltan.

TT Gasman

I think I am going to go ahead and replace the wheel, looks to be the safest alternative. Wheel Enhancement didn't have any but this guy in Florida, Ernie's Alloys, has a "new take off" wheel in my size, $500 minus my trade in. It seems like a good deal to me, does anyone have any feedback on him? TIA

mdex

It depends on how "bent" the wheel is... I have had several rims fixed over the years and it is not an issue at all, including hours and hours on the track on them.

Patrick

Likewise my SSR GT3's were bent (for no reason I can recall) and I had them straightened by Allow Wheel Repair Specialists. It took them two tries but now they are great. If it happens again, I will replace the wheels rather than subject them to an additional straightening.

Jeff Curtis

Get your wheel fixed. These days it is a "black art" but the guys that do it are amazing. If the guy says he can fix it...why not let him have a WHACK at it!?? ...pun intended.

I would think he would at least be able to improve the wobble, if not, tell him to keep his day job and move on...hopefully WITH your $100.

a4944

I had one fixed that had a slight bend at Wheel Collision Center. I ran it on track. No problems.

Mark

ebaker

In my experience the repairs work well. They don't bend them back, they heliarc on new alminum to fill in the low place, then put it on a lathe to round it. I wouldn't repair it if you can see any cracks in the wheel. I'd put the repaired bare wheel on the car (or balance machine) and check it for out of round before you remount the tire.

Tom W

I've had a couple cup II wheels repaired (dented/pothole damage) and have used them on the track for 15+ events without issue.

I always closely inspect the wheels whenever the tires are being changed or whenever I swapping wheels.

Patrick

Really? Mine were "bent" straight.

A930Rocket

I can't see them welding enough metal to build it back up and then put it on a lathe. There would be a large chuck of metal that would throw off the balance.

From what I saw one time at a shop was a large machine that would work the wheel back round, but it has been years since I saw it at a shop.

Bob Rouleau

FWIW I have used straightened wheels on the track for years without problem. The trick is the quality of the wheel to start with. OEM wheels are very strong. El Cheapo replicas are another matter. Get your rim fixed and enjoy it on and off track. Here's another thought, street wheels need to be stronger than track wheels because of nasty things like pot-holes. True racing wheels like the BBS Magnesium (they really are magnesium as opposed to aluminum) are not approved for the street - they are too fragile.

Rgds,

TT Gasman

Thanks Bob, I'm still in a bit of a quandary as to what to do. I'm not sure I want to dump my wheel just yet, I might as well fix it and keep the "take off" as a spare (or vice versa). It's all very confusing, Porsche does not permit repair of alloy wheels, yet it is done at dealers everywhere. I've searched archives here and other boards and yet to find a bad experience with an alloy repair. I'll give BBS a call Monday morning, since they are the manufacturer of the Sport Design wheels, to get their input.