A friend of mine needs to know for his roadcar, I would be grateful for the "definitive" answer, thanks.
2006-09-24 02:41:11 · 4 answers · asked by BILL M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Yes it is legal in the UK but not in Germany. That should tell you something. Still, if it is done by specialist welders who know what they are doing, then there should be no problems. An important factor is what type of vehicle we are talking about. A 4x4 with max. 70mph should be no problem at all. A 150mph supercar a big no-no. I have had a lot to do with these types of wheel in the past and I have seen some crack on the weld and some not. I am using some on my 4x4 for off-roading after breaking apart too many alloys. The most important factor is the workmanship. Machine/jig welding is a must for precision and consistency. Have it x-rayed afterwards for cracks and weld penetration and test run-out and roundness on a lathe with a dial-indicator. Finally put it on an electronic tyre balancer(wheel only). It should not need any balancing. Only once all this criteria has been met, should you pay money for them, for if not, then the wheel is scrap metal. Obviously you need to check body clearances, tyre size and all the other usual stuff when changing wheel size. As long as you do not go too extreme on the off-set, that should be ok as well. At the end of the day, ridiculous cornering speed with standard wheels creates the same load and stress on components as a severe off-set at sedate speed. And if you do both, all you need to do is change suspension, steering and wheelhub components more often than standard. I hope this helps you and good luck!
ps At all costs, stay away from alloy wheels at breakers yards. Invisible cracks as a result of an accident are likely to lead to complete wheel fracture when least expected...
2006-09-24 06:52:22 · answer #1 · answered by mercyam01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with 'banding' is that it upsets the steering geometry. The centre of the tyre is no longer in the correct place. If the wheel is 'banded' at least there needs to be a spacer between the wheel and the flange it mounts on about half the width of the band. This may bring the tyre into contact with the wheel arch which is a big NO-NO.
Some higher specification cars in a range have wide wheels fitted, try to find a set of these for your car from a breakers yard.
RoyS
2006-09-24 03:08:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything that alters the original offset or results in interference is a no-no. Work with a professional wheel and tyre fitter to stay on the right side of the law.
2006-09-24 03:51:18 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't heard of anyone doing that for years. The law basically is that if it's safe it's legal. So it would be legal - I assume. It does give you slightly better cornering. But watch the tyre wear on the front tyres. Most people just did it on the rear wheels.
2006-09-24 02:57:26 · answer #4 · answered by Mike10613 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋