Three-piece rim servicability
Discussion
I am planning on changing to 17 inch rims due to the tire availability problem with the original 15 inch rims, I like the DVR rims but they are all three or two piece. I have heard about problems with the seals of such rims leaking and requiring periodic maintenance to maintain the seal, meaning extra $.
Should this be a concern to me and how have the providers improved their split rim designs to avoid such problems?
How has ya'll experience been with three and two piece rims?
lotusman
'89 non-SE
Should this be a concern to me and how have the providers improved their split rim designs to avoid such problems?
How has ya'll experience been with three and two piece rims?
lotusman
'89 non-SE
Early early split rims had large rubber o-rings sandwiched between surfaces to seal the rim. However modern manufacturers use silicon sealant . . . . not rubber o-rings that eventually harden and crack. The silicone is pliable and it less commonly fails.
If it does fail, the rims have to be untorqued and cleaned. Usually the anodizing has also worn off in that region so the whole rim has to be bead-blasted and recoated (e.g. painted). The cost is about 1/4 to 1/2 the price of new wheels. I pay $150 tp $200 for bead blasting (all 4 wheels) and about $60 to $100 for each wheel for the powder-painting. So doing it cheap it might cost a few hundred ($400 to $600) to do a wheel set.
AP
If it does fail, the rims have to be untorqued and cleaned. Usually the anodizing has also worn off in that region so the whole rim has to be bead-blasted and recoated (e.g. painted). The cost is about 1/4 to 1/2 the price of new wheels. I pay $150 tp $200 for bead blasting (all 4 wheels) and about $60 to $100 for each wheel for the powder-painting. So doing it cheap it might cost a few hundred ($400 to $600) to do a wheel set.
AP
Robert,
Personally I don't think the seals are an issue on multi-piece wheels. Some models of the Esprit came with the 3 piece OZ wheels from the factory and I've never heard of that being a problem. Several owners here have aftermarket 3 piece wheels like HRE and DVR and have reported no problems.
As long as they are quality wheels and fit properly, get the ones you want.
Cheers,
Jim
95 S4s
Personally I don't think the seals are an issue on multi-piece wheels. Some models of the Esprit came with the 3 piece OZ wheels from the factory and I've never heard of that being a problem. Several owners here have aftermarket 3 piece wheels like HRE and DVR and have reported no problems.
As long as they are quality wheels and fit properly, get the ones you want.
Cheers,
Jim
95 S4s
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