Can cracked Fuchs be repaired?

hagfish2 · 02-23-2009, 01:05 PM

Just realized that my 8x16 Fuchs wheels have developed cracking at the hub, and run about 1-1/2" down the side of the paddles.

Question: can these be repaired? Are they unsafe for street use?

BeyGon · 02-23-2009, 01:11 PM

There might be someone closer to you but if not, call Al Reed in Anaheim.

Cory M · 02-23-2009, 01:13 PM

Hang it on the wall in the garage and buy a new wheel

hagfish2 · 02-23-2009, 01:16 PM

Hate to park $1200 of wheels on the garage wall. I did not realize that Al Reed could repair wheels in addition to re-finishing.

rfn026 · 02-23-2009, 01:23 PM

Think Harvey. He's the master of Porsche wheels.

Richard

hagfish2 · 02-23-2009, 01:25 PM

Harvey who? How do I find him?

sc_rufctr · 02-23-2009, 01:35 PM

It might be worth taking a photo of the crack and posting it here.
All cracks can be repaired within reason but is it worth the risk in the long run?

Years ago Fuchs were considered almost indestructible but now cracking is becoming more common. Anybody know what's causing this? Is it an age thing?

hagfish2 · 02-23-2009, 01:37 PM

I have heard that it happens to 8" wheels using spacers.

boba · 02-23-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagfish2

Harvey who? How do I find him?

Harvey Weidman - Weidman's Wheels 530-534-7903

He will be able to help you determine if they can be fixed.

Cracking in the hub area does sound terminal

, but worth a phone call. Then you will know for sure.

Regards,

Bob Aines

boba · 02-23-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Is it an age thing?

I think the short answer is yes, but more specifically duty cycles. Add to that the greater mechanical grip of current tire compound technology yielding higher side loading forces and it takes a toll.

Cory M · 02-23-2009, 02:25 PM

I'm sure it's a fatigue crack. 20+ years of repetative cycles add up and cause a crack that grows over time. 1.5" is a BIG crack.

Can it be welded, ground smooth, and polished? yes
Will it look pretty after they fix it? yes
Will it ever be as strong as the original? no
Does the average wheel repair shop heat treat wheels after welding? no
Will it be a risk to you, others on the road, and the shop that mounts and balances your tires? yes
Is it more likely to fail again? yes
Is it worth it??? not to me

Zeke · 02-23-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagfish2

Hate to park $1200 of wheels on the garage wall.

Of course I can think of some smart ass comments, but if the wheel breaks, what might that might work out to financially?

don911 · don911's Garage

ah, just sell them, I'm sure they're fine.
FS: 8" Fuchs

tmsautoart · 02-23-2009, 03:25 PM

don't know about your wheels, but there was a good punky band in the 90's called Hagfish

MotoSook · 02-23-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagfish2

I have heard that it happens to 8" wheels using spacers.

Don't go spreading myths....

RoninLB · 02-23-2009, 03:33 PM

I don't know much about this but

Lindsey builds custom Fuchs

Zeke · 02-23-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don911

ah, just sell them, I'm sure they're fine.
FS: 8" Fuchs

Holy moly!

ossiblue · 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don911

ah, just sell them, I'm sure they're fine.
FS: 8" Fuchs

Wait a minute...
You asked questions about feasibility of crack repair at 2:05 p.m.
You got nearly unanimous response to either check with an expert or junk the wheels within 20 minutes.
You post a for sale ad at 3:52.

Without saying anything more, my feeling is you should pull your ad until you either confirm their safety or confirm they are junk.

RSTarga · 02-23-2009, 05:49 PM

are you sure these are real fuchs? I was under the impression that a forged wheel would bend but not crack. I would certainly not run a cracked or repaired wheel except for show purposes. I would also make sure and mark them so as not to ever mix them up!

MotoSook · 02-23-2009, 06:04 PM

Real Fuchs can crack....