Wheel crack question..

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 12, 2006 | 11:53 AM

j31izzle

Thread Starter

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,650

Likes: 0

Wheel crack question..

Just bought a set of HREs last week but one of them appears to have a small 1/2 inch hairline crack on the inside barrel, which allows for air not to be held in the tire. I was told by the respectable tire place that if it were a regular (not 3pc forged alu) wheel a small weld would not be a significant problem but that for this wheel (540, the mesh style) he recommends replacing the entire barrel.

Due to the high cost of this I am looking at other options, namely looking to weld up the crack. Is this safe and normal for this type of wheel and will I experience any permanent defection in balancing of the wheel/tire?

I need input ASAP since I can't wait to put these on

Thanks,
Alen

Jul 13, 2006 | 08:16 AM

allroad'Ed now

Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 7,167

Likes: 1

I would get my $$ back!! The crack will spread. It is structurally unsound...

Depending on where the crack is, it might be welded, but will likely cause an imbalance due to the extra weight. I've had a cracked Porsche factory Fuchs forged wheel welded, and it just cracked again at the outer edge of the weld.

Whoever sold you the wheel should refund your money since they sold you an unsafe product!!!!

Jul 13, 2006 | 08:31 AM

j31izzle

Thread Starter

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,650

Likes: 0

I've gotten the same response from others.

I'm looking into replacing the barrel only but have no idea how much they are going for. I emailed HRE but still waiting for a word from them. The guy at the tire place told me that it should not cost more than $150-200.??

Jul 13, 2006 | 09:04 PM

PDXA4

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 19,684

Likes: 0

From: Bay Area

Time for a refund. You were sold a unsafe product...

Jul 14, 2006 | 11:47 AM

j31izzle

Thread Starter

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,650

Likes: 0

these were bought used, btw.

oh, and get this: HRE told me I have to ship them the wheel to replace the barrel. they won't sell the barrel only, WTF?

so i have to pay for the new barrel, labor, and shipping to and from HRE, might as well get a new wheel. I'm mad!