2 and 3 piece wheels - leaking?

[mattn]

Been a while since I have posted so I'll reintroduce myself and post a picture. Living in Northern VA. Driving a 1972 911T, reinvented as an RSR, for about 16 years and counting. I don't post a lot but I follow the discussions and have learned a great deal through the years.

Question is about wheels. I am thinking about Lindsey or True Design 9.5&11x17 to complement the RSR look. Being multi-piece wheels, does anyone have problems with them leaking?

I currently have 3 piece 9&11x15 BBS wheels. They leak, presumably at the center seam. I pump one of them up once a week. I also have had no luck in this area finding someone to work on them. As old as they are, it seems my only option is to ship them down to BBS in Atlanta.

Might be time to upgrade to 17s anyway. Anyone have similar leaking problems?

One last afterthought/question - if a 2 piece wheel has a removable center, there is no center seam and nowhere for the wheel itself to leak?

Thanks, Matt

[IROC]

I had a leak in a 3 piece HRE wheel once and I had the tire dismounted and simply smeared some RTV around the inner seam and that solved the problem. (that was per HRE's advice, BTW). I've had these wheels for 11 years now without any other issues.

[AZ1977911]

Matt,

I had one BBS 3 piece (of 4) that leaked. I had all four rebuilt and polished($1200). They came out beautiful and none leak. There are 2 silicon seals on each wheel that get dry and crack resulting in the leaks. If I had it to do over I might spend a few bucks more and get ROTA fuchs.

my 2 cents,
Greg

[mattn]

Thanks for info.
Greg, where did you get them rebuilt? Might be something I should think about if I decide to stay with 15 inch wheels.
Matt

[AZ1977911]

Matt,

Wheel Specialties Inc.
701 S. Perry Lane
Tempe, AZ
(480).968.1314

No affiliation, just happy customer...

[AFCuk]

Nice car,
We need more of these

[AZ1977911]

There are more Gratuitous Pic:

[KTL]

Agreed on the silicone sealant suggestion. I have BBS RS 3-piece street wheels that I use for the track. They have been disassembled and "re-sealed" with way too much silicone goo. No way they're ever going to leak. BBS actually assembles the wheels the same way, albeit with much less sealant. I'll provide some pics when I get home to show the difference. ONe of my sloppy goo wheels was cracked so I had to get a new halve. I took it apart and installed the new halve with high temp red RTV. Turned out great.

And keep in mind something about the Lindsey or TruDesign wheels. The multipiece ones that most people get are WELDED, not bolted multipiece wheels. The welded wheels typically do not leak. Bolted ones do on occasion, as you know.

[Dantilla]

I have two sets of Fikses. No leaks.

[1986911]

Matt below is what I used on my 3pcs wheels. It was recommended by my powder coater. It works great, just lay a bead down where the 2 halves join and your good. I know it says its for windshields but its awesome stuff.

Also, go with the Tru Wheel Designs, I just gave Jim a deposit to have a set made. You deal straight with the owner, it does not get any better. He balances the wheel himself to ensure perfection, he says that why he named the company " Tru Wheel design"

good luck

http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=MMM&MfrPartNumber=08609&CategoryCode=3239

,

[WPOZZZ]

When I reassemble 3 pc wheels, I also use silicone to make sure there are no leaks.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by AZ1977911

Matt,

I had one BBS 3 piece (of 4) that leaked. I had all four rebuilt and polished($1200). They came out beautiful and none leak. There are 2 silicon seals on each wheel that get dry and crack resulting in the leaks. If I had it to do over I might spend a few bucks more and get ROTA fuchs.

my 2 cents,
Greg

The Rotas aren't in the same league as BBS. Stick to the BBS Motorsport wheels as they are extremely versatile.

[mattn]

Thanks. And nice cars. I haven't see too many Targa RSRs.
Had to throw in one more picture.



Its a tough call. I may need tires soon and I will have to decide if this is the time to go from 15 inch BBS to 17 inch Tru Design.

Matt