Hi guys.
Need your advice please.

I attached a shot of my recently damaged rim to this message.(here is my older post explaining how I damaged it http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=58707)
I definitely will change the tire soon, probably will get Nitto 450 ( though I’m driving like this for a week now ).
But I need your opinion on how bad is the rim damaged.
I think it’s not big deal, but I have nothing to compare too, so I need somebody who knows this kind of stuff to tell me what’s the real deal?
Is it really no big deal and I can safely continue to drive with this rim?
Can I safely go 120mph on it?
Do I have to fix it?
Do I need to replace it?
Please let me know.

I appreciate your time.

 

I think the rim is fine but that tire has to go.

 

i agree. the rim is good to drive with. the tire, i'd be scared to use.

 

 

I have to agree with these guys... tire has to go.

 

The rim looks fine. But the tire must go. I would look for any hair line cracks on the wheel.

 

What do you mean? Could you please explain?

I will defenetely change the tire. Actually two front tires at the same time ( can't have one brand new, and one with 22k miles on it). Probably will go with Nitto 450, hope that they are better then stock Protenzas.

 

you have been rolling around with that tire?


please get it replaced asap...

 

You should blend out the damage so it is gradual and not so abrubt. This will help the wheel stress flow around the damaged area. After this, get a smooth finish 125AA or better surface finish. A machine shop would know about this.
Then finally, get a dye penetrent inspection done to look for small hair line cracks. Any cracks, junk the wheel.

Without the above, I wouldn't drive the wheel over 60 mph.
I'm an engineer at Boeing and the above applies to a lot of
damaged aluminum aircraft parts.

 

Ahhh. And you're only a Maxima Fanatic with a mere 134 posts. Have you been paying proper respect to your "elders"? Any of us "elders" want to take issue with this post?

Case in point to those who know what I'm talking about. Whether someone earns my respect isn't a matter of how long they've been around here or what lofty status they've attained. Had mike-777 issued this post as a Lurker, he still would have had my respect and my gratitude for being willing to share his expertise. And if I were you, Teser, I'd do exactly what he suggests.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice Mike-777.
But I have a few questions though.
How can I blend out the damage? With what? It’s not just a scratch – looks like a small piece of the rim is gone. How can I replace it?
And what is “penetrent inspection” and where can I get it done?

Again - I appreciate your help a lot. Thank you.

I’m stuck in this unfortunate situation, and it’s so good that so many people responded with suggestions. Thanks a lot everybody!

 

Take the wheel off and make sure there are no cracks on the inside, this will cause the tire to have a slow leak. You can get the wheel fix for under 100.00 if it is a problem for you.