Can I safely repair this alloy wheel?

[ringway]

I had a vibration on my E-Class and think I may have found the cause.


The question is, can I coax it back in to place with a hammer and block?

If it was a steel wheel I wouldn't have any qualms about getting it back in to shape back whacking it.


TIA.


Paul.

 

[developer]

I've had two straightened, over time, though neither ended up being perfect.

However, if you do decide to go down this route I'd recommend getting the balance done on one of these.

I had a slight vibration and a rebalance on one made a big difference.

The next step up from an ordinary balancer.

Birmingham Motor Tyres

 

[flango]

Paul

There's a thread on here somewhere about a guy that I think is near you that works out of a 20ft shipping container who has a fantastic reputation doing this. I've just done a quick search but can't find it but in answer to your question the wheel should be able to be reformed no problem

 

[LTD]

There you go !

TJ Reconstruction | wheel straightening lichfield, wheel repair and bespoke welding

 

[Dieselman]

There's a thread on here somewhere about a guy that I think is near you that works out of a 20ft shipping container who has a fantastic reputation doing this.

That is the Chap in B'rum, that developer went to.

 

[flango]

That is the Chap in B'rum, that developer went to.

My rubbish geography I could have sworn it was Cheshire

 

[trapperjohn]

If you are running 16s Paul I might have a spare you can borrow til you get it sorted.

 

[ringway]

If you are running 16s Paul I might have a spare you can borrow til you get it sorted.

Thanks John, but I'm on 18's.

 

[sspeed]

If the circumference is the same then it wouldn't mater if the wheels were 16, 17 or 18"
Yes it would look errr dodgy but it wouldn't make a jot of difference to the running of the car.
How do you think space saver wheels are OK if what I say is incorrect ?

 

[Dieselman]

It depends how large the brakes are.

Rim buckling...the panacea of 18" and larger wheels...

Ringway, I thought you had back problems. Driving firmly suspended cars on rubber bands isn't going to help one bit.

 

[sspeed]

It depends how large the brakes are.

Rim buckling...the panacea of 18" and larger wheels...

Ringway, I thought you had back problems. Driving firmly suspended cars on rubber bands isn't going to help one bit.

A valid point..
But my E class does have a space saver..
I haven't tried it to see if it actually fits.. I would hope it does, otherwise why have it in the boot ?
My Road wheels are 17"

 

[ringway]

If the circumference is the same then it wouldn't mater if the wheels were 16, 17 or 18"
Yes it would look errr dodgy but it wouldn't make a jot of difference to the running of the car.
How do you think space saver wheels are OK if what I say is incorrect ?

I didn't mention anything about swapping a wheel of any size, I just asked if it was safe to try to get the wheel back to shape myself.

 

[Dieselman]

Just do it...what's the worst that could happen...

 

[ringway]

MB orthopedic seats and ADS.

 

[Dieselman]

MB orthopedic seats and AIDS.

Not sure how orthopedic seats will help...

 

[developer]

I didn't mention anything about swapping a wheel of any size, I just asked if it was safe to try to get the wheel back to shape myself.

I was hoping to find a place with a machine that they could put the wheel on and it would rotate, heat and "form" back to true - a press for wheels, if you like.

I didn't find such a device.

I tried two places and while the second was better I'd still be interested in such a machine if you find a thing.

Gordon Tarling (I think) mentioned Pristine Wheels (I think) in Milton Keynes - he felt they did a good job that included heat treatment - he didn't say much more though.

 

[ringway]

Not sure how orthopedic seats will help...

LOL! I did say it was a smooth ride. Didn't know it had ADS until I drove it home.

Now the, off to batter the wheel in to shape, crash and die of ignorance.

 

[sspeed]

I didn't mention anything about swapping a wheel of any size, I just asked if it was safe to try to get the wheel back to shape myself.

Trapperjohn offered to lend you some 16" wheels..
You said "Thanks but mine are 18"
So I mentioned that it didn't matter about rim diameter as long as the circumference was the same !

 

[redbaron]

Trapperjohn offered to lend you some 16" wheels..
You said "Thanks but mine are 18"
So I mentioned that it didn't matter about rim diameter as long as the circumference was the same !

Will 16" wheels clear the brakes on a 430?

 

[LTD]

Tyre sidewall compliance would be another reason to stick to 18s.