Can you weld alloy wheels?

[robm3]

I have five spoke wheels on my Land Rover and noticed a hairline crack through one of them (on the spoke). So it's a structural issue. These are aftermarket and I can't see an make or model so if I have to scrap one then I have to scrap them all.

So, can a crack be fixed?

[Krikkit]

You can weld almost anything, but whether it's cost-effective or not is another matter. For a Landy I'd buy some OE wheels on eBay and get the tyres swapped over then weigh-in the old ones.

[pjdow]

Take it to a alloy wheel repairer, he will be able to assess the damage and recommend either way.

[CoopsTurbo]

I've had a huge hole welded up in an alloy wheel before, I just use it for a spare in the boot if I ever need it, but as mentioned above, I would be dubious about using it as a main wheel and definitely in any anger (off road etc)

[jatinder]

I would imagine if one has cracked the others may be likely to go the same way.

Most alloy wheels can be repaired, but whether it lasts is another matter, do you go off road in you Land Rover?

If so I would look at another replacement or alternative alloy.

[AFC1886]

Yes absolutely no problem welding a crack in an alloy wheel. Just make sure you get someone decent to do it.

[mph1977]

much like banded steel wheels reparing wheels has to be be done right by coded welders etc etc

[Deluded]

As above, welding will probably do more harm to the wheel than good.

If youre not sure what make/model it is, post a pic up and im sure someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

Also, you can pick up sets of wheels, second hand, for peanuts these days (literally double figures) so no reason to repair one which will probably cost the same anyway. If the tyres on your current wheels are good then just buy a new set of suitable wheels with crap tyres and swap them over.

Edited by Deluded on Tuesday 10th July 13:19

[Captain Muppet]

Some wheels are welded castings - I have a set of fabricated ally wheels in my gargae. Toyota (to pick an OEM at random) even sold cars with welded ally wheels (mk1 MR2 teardrops). Nothing wrong with using a controlled and proven process.

Finding someone good enough to repair a wheel is going to be the tricky bit.

[Mr2Mike]

The Crack Fox said:

I wouldn't, ever, consider welding an alloy. Do you know what the welding heat does to the rest of the wheel, what the structural integrity of the material will be around the join ?

This is why you don't get some back street bodger to do it. An expert will know whether the wheel needs heat treating to restore material properties lost during welding.

[Ranger 6]

robm3 said:

...So, can a crack be fixed?

I would've said I know of a very good company who could do it for you - then I looked up where you are, York isn't exactly close is it

[NW2]

Ranger 6 said:

robm3 said:

...So, can a crack be fixed?

I would've said I know of a very good company who could do it for you - then I looked up where you are, York isn't exactly close is it

I know of one in Kent. It's a bit closer.

[Ranger 6]

NW2 said:

Ranger 6 said:

robm3 said:

...So, can a crack be fixed?

I would've said I know of a very good company who could do it for you - then I looked up where you are, York isn't exactly close is it

I know of one in Kent. It's a bit closer.

The OP is in Sydney......

[PhillipM]

It's only ever going to be weaker after welding.
It's cracked already in it's strongest form....

[robm3]

Stuff it, I've brought another set...

Can't take the risk.

[Kong]

Ranger 6 said:

robm3 said:

...So, can a crack be fixed?

I would've said I know of a very good company who could do it for you - then I looked up where you are, York isn't exactly close is it

Wouldn't be Ian Jemison Engineering by any chance? He welded up a crack in my wheel over 3 years ago and it's been fine.

[Ranger 6]

Yup - that's him

[sparks_E39]

I'd get stuff like a buckled wheel or bent lip fixed no problem, a crack would mean I'd likely replace the wheel.

[Life Saab Itch]

In early 2010 I remember seeing some shots of the Ferrari F1 team's wheels with some quite spectacularly pigeon st-like welding on them.



As per usual, get it done properly and it will not be a problem.

[gog440]

Kong said:

Wouldn't be Ian Jemison Engineering by any chance? He welded up a crack in my wheel over 3 years ago and it's been fine.

the madman who rallies a boxster and does pretty well in it