Wheel cracks. Umm... is that bad?

GTHill · 11-27-2009, 07:38 PM

During the polishing of my wheels today, my brother discovered a few cracks in my wheels. One wheel has two identical cracks. They extend from the bolt holes to the hub. I'm hoping this isn't as bad as it sounds...

GT

FleetMan · 11-27-2009, 08:10 PM

Yes, it is as bad as you think. Those cracks would take a commercial truck out of service for a safety violation. They should be replaced.

GTHill · 11-27-2009, 08:21 PM

Ok, of course not what I was wanting to hear. There is no acceptable crack specs? I used to work on jets and when a crack was discovered there were specs as to whether it was ok or not.

I know it's prudent to replace them, but I don't want to over-react with $1,000 bill.

GT

RVDude · 11-27-2009, 09:00 PM

Call the wheel manufacturer and ask them. That's really your only accurate source for an answer. Anything else will be only speculation. Remember, you are the one driving on those cracks.

It could be that the cracks are within specs or maybe you have a known bad lot and might even be part of a recall or maybe the lugs were over-torqued.

After determining the crack seriousness, I'd try to ascertain why they cracked so as not to repeat the (potential) damage.

GTHill · 11-27-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVDude

Call the wheel manufacturer and ask them. That's really your only accurate source for an answer. Anything else will be only speculation. Remember, you are the one driving on those cracks.

It could be that the cracks are within specs or maybe you have a known bad lot and might even be part of a recall or maybe the lugs were over-torqued.

After determining the crack seriousness, I'd try to ascertain why they cracked so as not to repeat the (potential) damage.

That is very good advice. I'll call the manufacturer and report back. Thanks!

GT

EngineerMike · 11-28-2009, 06:59 AM

Wheels at some point were probably installed w/an air impact tool w/no respect for the torque spec, and the lug nuts driven till they refused to budge. Very common to remove lug nuts w/an impact tool, but not proper to more than snug them down w/the tool only. Lug nuts should always be tightened to final spec by hand w/a torque wrench.

Google RV salvage and call till you find a "new" wheel.