Wheel repair advice

[CyberPMG]

I have a set of 18x8" OZ Superleggeras that I use as dedicated track wheels. They're powercoated black, and offer the best clearance of the Stoptech calipers.

Last year, I was at a track event when I went wide on a turn and went onto some cement curbing. In all fairness, many people will hit some part of the curbing as it's flat and wide (and marked up with tons of tire wear). I went wider than usual (turn in too soon), and found an outer section of the cement curb litterally cut out and removed. I made some quick corrections, but the rear driver's side wheel caught the hole and bent the inside of the wheel (no other damage).

The bend wasn't severe, so I brought it to my dealer who uses a company that refinishes wheels. I've used them before with great success. This time, when they started to straighten out the wheel, they noticed that the wheel was starting to crack in several locations. They immediately stopped and said the wheel is unrepairable.

I know of another company who could straighten it out and weld any cracks. I'm thinking that some of those "cracks" may be the black paint and not the wheel itself. Would a wheel still be considered usable after any welding has been done? Like I've said before, these are dedicated track wheels that may see a small amount of road use (highway travel).

I have the wheel back from the dealer, but haven't had the time yet to look at it in detail.

[CyberPMG]

Anyone? If the wheel was straightened out and the cracks welded, would it still be considered good to use?

[CyberPMG]

Nobody?

[VMRWheels]

If the wheels are dedicated track wheels and have cracks and bends on them, i would NEVER repair that and take it back to the track... that is just way too dangerous and detrimental to your own safety and the safety of others on a road course at those kind of speeds. I would change that wheel immediately. I hope you do not take what i said negatively, this is just my two cents and i think doing it the right way the first time will prevent any complications further a long the road.

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com

[CyberPMG]

That's exactly what I've done. I used my OEM RS4 wheels with well worn summer tires for my recent track session. I was able to find someone with a replacement wheel that will take over track duty for the damaged wheel.

[VMRWheels]

That's exactly what I've done. I used my OEM RS4 wheels with well worn summer tires for my recent track session. I was able to find someone with a replacement wheel that will take over track duty for the damaged wheel.

Great to hear.

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com