How to Repair a Damaged Aluminum Rim Quickly and Easily

Rims are the backbone of the tire, which helps in giving the best driving experience. Rims must be in good condition to perform well on any surface. However, with time these aluminum rims will likely get damaged and cracked due to long-term use. So, do you know how to fix a cracked aluminum rim? There are different methods to fix a cracked aluminium rim, such as welding and replacing it according to the size of the crack or the damage. You will be able to have solutions for your cracked aluminum rim and repair it as a brand new one after referring to this article.

What Causes Cracked Aluminum Rims?

The reasons for an aluminum rim to crack might vary from model to model. But there are also common reasons for it. Let’s see what they are.

Potholes on the road

Hitting on potholes can damage the tires severely. That can bend the rim whether the rim is made out of aluminum or any other alloy. Hitting on large and deep potholes is a huge risk for the tires, and the rims tend to crack. The cracks and holes will get larger with time.

Flat tires or punctures

If the tires have patches and you get a flat tire, there is a high probability of getting a damaged rim. A punctured tire does not operate as well as it should and damages the tire rim. Remember that a punctured tire can be caused by a sudden shift in temperature. A tire blowing out because of the weather and tire pressure can greatly increase the likelihood that the rim might get damaged.

Faulty wheels

The aluminum rims of the wheels might get cracked due to bad quality or faulty wheels. Don’t install cheap wheels to save money. Later it will cost you more not only for the faulty wheels but also for the damage to the vehicle.

Can you Fix a Cracked Aluminum Rim?

Yes, if there are minor cracks and damages, such as bending of the rim or minor damages, you can try a few methods to fix a cracked aluminum rim. Some of the ways to fix a cracked aluminum rim are welding, straightening the rim or reinforcing by inserting metals.

But if the cracks are severe, have multiple cracks and can’t be repaired by welding, you must replace the rims. Aluminum rims used in the wheels of vehicles are designed to withstand stresses and pressures. Therefore, smaller cracks can lead to larger cracks causing structural failures. So, it is recommended to replace the cracked aluminum rims to ensure your safety.

How to Diagnose a Cracked Aluminum Rim?

There are a few symptoms and signs you would notice to diagnose a cracked aluminum rim.

If the rim is cracked or at failure, the steering of the vehicle will shake due to imbalance. And you might feel vibrations and hear sounds from the steering system.

The tires will be imbalanced. When the rims are cracked, tires will lose pressure, and that will cause tires to lose their balance. You will come to see that there is a flat tire with imbalanced tire pressure.

Also, when a cracked rim occurs on one of the wheels of the vehicle, you might feel that you are out of control when driving. All the above two causes might finally result in this. Taking turns is risky when you have faults in the rim.

What are the Different Methods for Fixing a Cracked Aluminum Rim?

First, you must keep in mind that the rims of the wheels have to be strong enough to withstand all the stress and pressure they are subjected to. So, it is important to take the best methods to fix the cracks on the rims to ensure safety.

Welding

If there are small cracks, you can fill the cracks using aluminum filler material by welding and melting the aluminum. You will need a skilled welder to repair the rim by welding. By melting, the aluminum structure of the rim can be changed. Therefore, welding is not good if the crack is larger or if the rim has multiple cracks.

Replace the rim

If the rim of the wheel has more than one crack or the cracks are larger, it is best to replace the rim without trying different methods to fix it. Replacing the rim might cost more, but it will last longer than trying different repair methods on such rims.

You can also reinforce the rim by inserting metals such as aluminum or steel, or you can straighten the rim if there are any bends on it. But for the cracks, it is recommended to replace the rim. Or you should contact and get advice from a wheel repair specialist.

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Is it OK to Drive on a Cracked Rim?

No. You should avoid driving on a cracked rim. The tire’s performance may be impacted by a cracked rim, which could also result in a blowout. This is dangerous for both you and other nearby automobiles.  You might get out of control when driving with a cracked rim. Therefore, do not drive on a cracked rim.

Can a Cracked Rim be Welded?

Yes, as mentioned previously, you can fix a cracked rim by welding. But thoroughly remember that the cracks should be smaller in order to do so. Consult a skilled welder to avoid any future damages when driving with the fixed rim. When welding, they melt the aluminum on the cracked area and fill the area with aluminum filler material. Once the crack is fixed and sealed, you will be ready to go! This has to be done without doing any changes to the structure of the rim.

Will a Cracked Rim Leak Air?

Yes, it is a possibility of leaking air when the rim of the wheel is cracked or bent. The air-retaining seal may be damaged, which could result in air leakage from the tire. And it could cause difficulty in handling the vehicle, reducing the gas mileage, and accidents as well.

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