Alloy wheel refurbishment process

2into1 · Jan 28, 2020

This video came across my YouTube feed tonight which I thought might be worth a share.

Two things struck me (as an ex mechanical engineer)... 1) the wheel straightening process and the associated lack of proper heat treatment, and 2) the amount of metal being removed by the diamond cutting process. Alloy chips flying everywhere!
I think I'd be cool with a straight forward shot (media) blasting and then repaint/bake, but the more serious processes would leave me stressed.
Given how we deem a 103 rated tyre to be acceptable but a 102 isn't, it seems mad that a bit of a blow torch and the removal of so much metal doesn't get the same scrutiny.

Jay20cali · Jan 28, 2020

I believe they can only be Refurbed twice (re cut)...
We weld wheels at work for a local wheel dealer tyre place.....
mostly bmw and merc wheels the more welds you do the more tension it puts in the wheel any more than two welds bin it....
the biggest reason for wheels cracking is run flat tyres

larrylamb · Jan 29, 2020

Makes me smile, about 5.35 he says the wheel has no buckles left now and what a great job they've done etc. but if you watch the rim it's wobbling in and out all over the place. Anyone else agree?

MartG · Jan 29, 2020

And at 6:00 they've left a socket wrench on the wheel - reminds me of leaving a chuck key in a lathe....

ArunAlec · Jan 29, 2020

If I had a wheel that had suffered enough of an impact to split it and deform it to that extent, I’d be worried that there would also be some invisible damage.

TripleBee · Feb 10, 2020

If one of my rims would have been split, I'd just buy a new one. I won't take the risk of driving around with a welded rim. Not worth the risk, how well it would have been welded. No offense to anyone who welds rims.

soulstyledevon · Feb 10, 2020

Had a cracked alloy on my old Beach.
Got rid and replaced all four wheels. Just didn’t fancy welding a wheel up...

GregW · Feb 15, 2020

You guys worry too much about the integrity of a repaired/refurbished alloy. You've 4 wheels on your wagon, if one fails you've still got three. Keep rolling...