Can you repair an aluminum wheel?

Contrary to popular belief, alloy wheels can be repaired assuming they aren't completely bent out of shape and ruined. Small scratches dents can be repaired, and in some cases, even slight bends can be straightened up for no issue.

Can a cracked aluminum wheel be repaired?

Most cracked aluminum rims can be welded if the damage is not too severe. Our team will ensure the crack is sealed and that the repaired wheel provides stability to your vehicle. Our team can also paint or powder coat your rims restoring them to their original condition, or to give them a more customized appearance.

Can you repair bent aluminum rims?

Upon the discovery that your rim is bent, you might first wonder, “Can a bent rim be fixed?” Almost always, a professional tire expert will be able to restore the shape of your rim. For more serious damages, the rim may need to be replaced entirely.

Can a cracked wheel be welded?

The direction of the crack: Most of the time, a crack on the back side of the wheel will cross the flange and bead area at right angles to the direction the wheel spins. This type of crack can be welded because it can be opened up to accept the weld.

Can cracked rim be repaired?

Whether or not you can repair your cracked rim depends on if the weld will restore enough stability to the car. An experienced technician can repair short, hairline cracks without issue, but the longer and broader the crack grows, the greater the risk that your repair won't last over time.

How to Properly Repair a Bent Wheel

How do you fix cast aluminum without welding?

Using a propane torch and some aluminum brazing rods is a quick way to bonding aluminum without using a welder. It makes for a very strong bond and with a little practice can be done quickly with great looking results.

Can I weld cracked aluminum rim?

The direction of the crack: Most of the time, a crack on the back side of the wheel will cross the flange and bead area at right angles to the direction the wheel spins. This type of crack can be welded, because it can be opened up to accept the weld.

How do you straighten aluminum without breaking it?

The careful application of heat (400 ⁰ -500 ⁰ F) would allow the part to be straightened or re-formed, without additional tearing or cracking during the repair process. Temperatures of 550 ⁰ F and higher will soften the material.

Are repaired alloy wheels safe?

We've heard many people suggest that welding alloy wheels isn't safe, but it's very a reliable and effective repair method when done correctly. Simply welding over the crack wouldn't be safe, as the corrosion that led to the crack would remain, and this would still be the wheel's weakest point.

Does JB weld work for aluminum?

For a reliable aluminum epoxy that can handle medium- to heavy-duty jobs, the J-B Weld KwikWeld epoxy has a 5,020 PSI rating and withstands temperatures of over 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal option for cars, RVs, and boats.

How much does it cost to weld a cracked rim?

Nationwide, repairing damaged rims can cost $62–125, including labor and materials, with the national average rolling in at $100.

What can I use to weld aluminum?

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, is one of the most popular welding processes chosen for aluminum. This welding technique is often used by automotive enthusiasts and welders for professional racing teams.

Can you drive on cracked rim?

Driving on a cracked rim should be avoided because it can be dangerous. A cracked rim can affect the performance of the tire, and can potentially cause a blowout. This is a hazardous condition to yourself and other vehicles near you.

Can I glue aluminum to aluminum?

Cyanoacrylate – also known as instant adhesives, super glue, crazy glue, ca glue, etc. All grades will bond aluminum well. For very high strength use a metal bonder such as 170 or the original 910®. For bonding aluminum to dissimilar surfaces with different coefficients of thermal expansion consider toughened 737.

Can I braze aluminum with a propane torch?

Yes, you can weld aluminum with a propane torch and aluminum brazing rods as long as it is for non-structural metals that are not weighted or stressed or critical parts. Propane torches are usually do not reach high enough temperatures to be capable of performing effective aluminum welds.

What can I use to repair aluminum?

Why do aluminum rims crack?

Impacts from pot holes, road debris, and other road hazards are the main reason why alloy wheels crack and bend. Aluminum is a brittle metal, which is why they crack. About 80% of the cracked wheels we see are also bent. The impact that caused the crack also caused the bend.

Can you weld repair alloy wheels?

Cracked and broken alloy wheels are thrown away on a daily basis, people don't realise that in the majority of cases they can be safely repaired with a simple alloy wheel weld. We have industry standard alloy wheel welding equipment and the certified skills to fix most cracks or breaks, safely and professionally.

Do welded alloys last?

Wheel safety and wheel welding at CCM

Well we say YES! The welding process used creates a seal and restores strength to the rim where the crack existed. In our experience these welds last a very long time, and generally are only broken following impact with a pot hole or kerb.