Alloy Wheel Repairable?

[Princey]

Hi Motors,

I have my front alloys booked in to have the diamond cut surface refurbished and while grabbing some photos I noticed a slight buckle to the off side wheel's face. Is that repairable, is it even worth repairing? I can't say I've noticed anything wrong with the balance.

 

[pugheaven]

Yeah I'd say so, how much though I don't know. Pity you wasn't near Chester way, I use S1 Alloys, he would deffo sort that.

However, I'd be more worried on how it happened as if that's happened during driving that's **** poor if you didn't even notice it happening...

 

[Princey]

Thanks, I live near JP Alloys in Cannock who are highly regarded, they can't guarantee it can be resolved though.

I guess I should start looking at used wheel (which is straight) and get that refurbished.

 

[fastwunz]

Holy smeg that’s taken a wallop

 

[pugheaven]

Holy smeg that’s taken a wallop

Exatly, that's really bad to have deformed like that...

@OP, can you remember hitting anything hard? That's one hell of a smack...

 

[Princey]

It wasn't done by me. Its not hugely noticeable head on, its only when I was up close taking pictures that it was discovered.

There are zero balancing issues that I can tell and zero issues with the way it drives.

 

[AWPC]

That sort of hit looks like a tyre fitter crushed it to me on their machine (which applies immense pressure to the rim and if not correctly lined up this is what happens!) If you hit something hard & did not notice that I would be amazed otherwise the alternative theory is its deeply unsafe to drive as about to implode due to structural internal failure (rare but possible) which would be scary & dangerous.

 

[mjt]

You only just picked up the car didn’t you? Might have been there when you bought it if you say it’s not immediately noticeable.

 

[Scania]

Personally I’d be inclined to replace that rather than repair,it’s either had a hell of a knock or as said has been borked by a muppet tyre fitter.

 

[Jez]

Had a very similar buckle (no detriment to the way it drove, but required a lot of weights to balance it, so thought i'd fix it) sorted on my old 19" Mercedes alloys a few years ago, i think i paid approx. £50-60 around Oxford. You dont sound close by but i'd recommend the place if you need it.

 

[Delta3D]

You can normally find some Cadiz wheels in the Golf R Owners club for a decent cost. Probably easier to just buy a single wheel from someone as I've often seen people selling 3x wheels due to scenarios like this.

Just be glad it's not a pretoria

 

[Princey]

That sort of hit looks like a tyre fitter crushed it to me on their machine (which applies immense pressure to the rim and if not correctly lined up this is what happens!) If you hit something hard & did not notice that I would be amazed otherwise the alternative theory is its deeply unsafe to drive as about to implode due to structural internal failure (rare but possible) which would be scary & dangerous.

That certainly sounds plausible, because there is visible damage to the alloy or the tyre.

You only just picked up the car didn’t you? Might have been there when you bought it if you say it’s not immediately noticeable.

Yep, I only picked it up in May, I checked for curbing but I honestly never really noticed the flat spot, I was more focused on the actual body work.

Personally I’d be inclined to replace that rather than repair,it’s either had a hell of a knock or as said has been borked by a muppet tyre fitter.

I'm certainly inclined to purchase a replacement, I do have JP Alloys in Cannock taking a look at lunch time though.

Had a very similar buckle (no detriment to the way it drove, but required a lot of weights to balance it, so thought i'd fix it) sorted on my old 19" Mercedes alloys a few years ago, i think i paid approx. £50-60 around Oxford. You dont sound close by but i'd recommend the place if you need it.

Unfortunately I'm not, I'm in Cannock, luckily however, JP Alloys are in Cannock and are highly regarded, they will take a look for me at lunch time.

You can normally find some Cadiz wheels in the Golf R Owners club for a decent cost. Probably easier to just buy a single wheel from someone as I've often seen people selling 3x wheels due to scenarios like this.

Just be glad it's not a pretoria

Yep, if it can't be repaired I shall purchase a replacement, VW want £930 for a brand new one, but eBay have some good condition ones that require a minor refurb for around £200 and a mint condition ones for around £250.

 

[Delta3D]

Yep, if it can't be repaired I shall purchase a replacement, VW want £930 for a brand new one, but eBay have some good condition ones that require a minor refurb for around £200 and a mint condition ones for around £250.

At £250 I'd be tempted to buy a whole set from someone for around £600 and sell your remaining 3 wheels for £200-250 each

 

[Funky-Melon]

I'd replace it to be honest. I've had a nightmare with buckled wheels on my Volvo. 2 places said I had buckled wheels and both have failed to get them right after being 'repaired'. These are by reputable companies too.

I've read my car platform is particularly sensitive to suspension/wheel issues but I don't think they can ever fully remove a buckle properly.

 

[Simon]

It wasn't done by me. Its not hugely noticeable head on, its only when I was up close taking pictures that it was discovered.

There are zero balancing issues that I can tell and zero issues with the way it drives.

You could balance a triangle, doesnt mean it will roll well. But if you arent getting any vibrations then it would suggest its not buckled, simple the outer rim is bent.

A good tyre shop should be able to spin up the wheel to see if theres any run out issue, but i would say its a cosmetic issue only.