Bent rims
 

I'm taking my CTT in to a shop tomorrow to have my 22x10 Techart Formula rims straightened. After 65mph the car starts to vibrate quite a bit and it drives me crazy. I've had them balanced twice and the last time the guy told me that 3 of the 4 rims were bent. Given the stiff sidewall and low profile of the tires all of that warping is leading to a lot of vibration. Anyone ever get their wheels straightened? Does it weaken the wheel at all? It's about $150 per wheel which, if it works, is a bargain compared to purchasing new wheels.

i personally don't believe in straightening, since it weakens the wheel. Once you get your wheels straightened, you'd have to have them straightened more often as it gets weakened.

I used to feel the same way about damaged wheels. Technology has changed a bit recently. http://www.wheelcollision.com/ These guys are supposed to be one of the industry leaders. I haven't had to use them yet, however they have come highly recommended from two friends that are very particular (read type A). It may be worth a phone call.

I just wonder how three out of four of the wheels are bent. I realize they are 22"s and there isn't much sidewall but three bent wheels? Since they are TechArt, I am sure they were not cheap.

I think I would give TechArt a call. Also consider finding a shop with a Hunter GSP9700 RoadForce (or other top quality) balancer before messing with the wheels.

Well, one of the wheels might have been bent from the flat last month:

http://flickr.com/photos/30305793@N0...7609728295776/

The other two may have been bent by the previous owner OR during the snow storm we had in Seattle a few weeks ago.

I don't know about the flat - I guess the inside lip could have sustained some damage. Regarding the other two wheels, no way should snow bend your wheels unless you hit something hard like a curb (under the snow) - and then you would expect your alignment to probably be way off too. I am just really surprised that three supposedly very high quality wheels are bent badly enough to require straightening. I didn't realize you were the second owner, so I guess the first owners could have done something stupid.

I just hate to see you "straighten" your wheels unless you can be assured it will correct the issues you are having. Somebody with a good tire balancer might be able to help sort it out. Of course you may have already done that. Regardless, good luck!

Are these the Pirelli Scorpion Snow & Ice tires you were talking about?

my 22" techarts drive me crazy too...

I'm in the same boat ... two of my wheels (cast aluminum 22" X 10") have failed, and one new wheel I just purchased is now out-of-round.

The wheels are made by Borbet for RUF and currently are about $1200 each - not cheap by any means.

I now have purchased a set of O.Z. Canyon that are 20" x 9.0". I drive REALLY hard when I'm out with the boys and the 22" wheel just can't cut it (pot holes and bumps) while driving at canyon speeds. The 20" wheel appears to be just right. Most likely though, I'll go to a 21" for summer and use the 20" wheels for winter/track/canyon driving.

I'm in the process of repairing the two failed wheels and straightening the others ... I'm checking out www.rimandwheelworks.com as well as others. The 22" RUFs are a classic looking wheel, but they just can't handle the weight of the Cayenne during the types of roads and speed I drive.

Im sorry to hear that, I really love the 5 spoke Ruf look!

oh god!! my car was shaking on the highway around 70mph, and today i brought it to discount tire to have them balance the new scorpions, they said three of the wheels are bent!!! I have 19" Cayenne Design wheels.. any opinions?

You have this problem on 19"?
I only have this issue on my 22".
19" is really nice though.

Canberk,
Dropped off four 20 inch wheels to get a satin black powder coated at Wheel Collision Center this morning. Couldn't help to notice two four wheel stacks of Porsche wheels. They had a local Porsche dealer's name on them. The dealers use these guys to refurbish their wheels. Again, I think it is worth a phone call.
Gregg

As long as the wheel is not cracked to re-round rims is very safe. Many people will tell you this. I would wrry about a repair of a crack but only if my car was a high performance car. I am waiting for my new wheels and will run either a 305/35/22 or a 315/35/22 for a little higher sidewall and wider look.

Took the CTT in to have 3 wheels straightened last Friday and got it back the same day. I am not kidding you that this thing now seems to ride like a Lexus SUV. Ok, I'm kidding a little but this puppy is just so smooth now. I've had the CTT for over 6 months now and always thought vibrations were just part of having 22's. Now I know that they have always been a little warped. It was well worth the $450 (total) to have the 3 wheels put back to round. The owner was awesome to work with! I'd recommend him to anyone. The shop:

http://www.dependablewheel.com/Index.html