The Wheel Bending and Reconditioning Process - September 2000 Bimmer

These photos were taken by Armand Aquino during the Wheels Tech Session held on April 29, 2000 at Rim and Wheel Works in Newton.


Here's a picture of a bent multispoke wheel. This is the "before" shot. enlarge photo

Here's a close-up picture of the bend. Notice how mangled it is. Normally, this wheel would be a throw-away since it can no longer hold air! enlarge photo

Our "patient" is mounted on the wheel stand in preparation for the operation. enlarge photo

Our Rim and Wheel (R&W) doctor takes careful measurements. He takes into account just how out of round the wheel is. At this point, he also takes a look to see if there are any cracks on the wheel. Wheels with major cracks cannot be repaired for safety reasons - a strict policy for R&W. Smaller cracks may be welded together. enlarge photo

Our R&W doctor is heating the surface of the wheel to allow reformation. The amount of heat applied depends on the hardness of the wheel. enlarge photo

The Claw, as the R&W staff calls it, is called into action. This huge tool is used to make the major reformations on the wheel. Just a note, this tool looked heavy and could hurt if dropped on your foot (or head). enlarge photo

Smaller bends are applied to the wheel. All finishing touches to the reforming process are done here. The whole reformation process takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the wheel. Each wheel can be trued to within 1/16th of an inch! enlarge photo

Here's how the wheel came out before the re-finishing and painting was done. Notice how much straighter the wheel is. Depending on how badly the wheel is bent, you may be able to get away without the re-finishing process where sanding and painting is involved. Some scratches can occur from the reforming process. But you may elect to inspect the wheel to see if it warrants re-finishing and painting. enlarge photo

This station is where the wheels are refinished. For a fraction of the cost of new wheels, this process is a deal - especially when you take the cost of expensive factory BMW wheels into account (or Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, etc.) enlarge photo	$This station is where the wheels are refinished.</p><p>For a fraction of the cost of new wheels, this process is a deal - especially when you take the cost of expensive factory BMW wheels into account (or Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, etc.)$

After the re-finishing has been completed, here's a close-up of the damaged area! Pretty good, huh? enlarge photo

Here are before and after pictures of a 16-inch BMW double spoke wheel from an E36 Sports Package car. Although this wheel only had some minor bends, it had some serious road rashes from hitting curbs. After re-finishing, the whole surface is once again smooth and freshly painted. Cost of repair is approximately $150. Cost of new factory wheel is approximately $400. enlarge photo

Rim and Wheel Works also stocks many aftermarket and factory re-conditioned wheels. Call them for the availability of specific wheels! enlarge photo