Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
14-08-2013, 01:27 PM
The Wife's A4 has a cracked 18" alloy which was repaired approx. 4 years ago prior to her buying it. Unfortunately the repair has failed and I was wondering whether anyone knew of a repair centre on the south coast near Southampton/Portsmouth.
I've done a Google search which has highlighted The Wheel Specialist (Segensworth) and Auto Wheels in Droxford. Anybody here used either of them? Feedback/reviews etc.
So far been quoted;
£70+Vat no guarantee (Wheel Specialist)
£60+Vat 12 Month guarantee (Auto Wheels)
Experiences of repairs?
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 4,135
Threads: 78
Joined: Dec 2011
Reputation:
49
Location: Chichester
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
If it's already been repaired and failed, I think you'd be much better off replacing it. Have you got a picture of the damage? It's not really something you want failing at all...
Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
At work at the mo, so no to having a photo.
The weld repair runs up the inner side (Approx 10mm) and then across the width for another 20mm.
Thought I'd give Audi a try, only £650 inc Vat for a replacement plus the cost of a tyre.
Found a place in London that will do 4x refurbs for £288 on an exchange basis and I was going to call and ask if they'll take the cracked one as one of my exchange alloys.
Once repaired this would remain in the boot as the spare as she has 5 alloys.
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 4,135
Threads: 78
Joined: Dec 2011
Reputation:
49
Location: Chichester
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
Oh, if it's only a spare, I wouldn't worry too much. Although I still think you'd be better off keeping an eye out on eBay for a replacement... People quite often list individual wheels on there for them. If it's just for a spare it doesn't even have to match really, does it?
Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
I'm actually considering (but don't tell "The Boss") getting a 15" steel with a budget 65 profile tyre to use as the replacement.
I'll keep an eye out for a replacement.
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 19,854
Threads: 581
Joined: Dec 2011
Reputation:
195
Location: Bournemouth
Car Model/Spec: Supercharged 306 GTi6
Thanks: 36
Given 82 thank(s) in 78 post(s)
If you get caught like that, you/the boss will receive 3 points on their licence. Its not legal to have different sized wheels across a axle and will fail a mot straight away as well
Team Eaton
1999 China Blue 306 GTi6 - Eaton Supercharged - 214.5bhp 181lbft
Posts: 20,092
Threads: 591
Joined: Nov 2012
Reputation:
54
Location: Cotswolds
Car Model/Spec: Stage 13 16v HDi
Thanks: 22
Given 68 thank(s) in 68 post(s)
if its just for a spare its fine.
you can use a different size wheel for a emergency use only.
hence why most modern cars have differently sized spares
Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
Anyway back to my original question, alloy repairs.
Any south coast suggestions?
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 20,092
Threads: 591
Joined: Nov 2012
Reputation:
54
Location: Cotswolds
Car Model/Spec: Stage 13 16v HDi
Thanks: 22
Given 68 thank(s) in 68 post(s)
sure a second hand one is cheaper than a repair?
Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
May be, but ensuring you're not getting a buckled or another duff one can be a little hit and miss I'm guessing
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 14,208
Threads: 448
Joined: Dec 2011
Reputation:
51
Location: isle of wight
Car Model/Spec: Pov. Spec White '6
Thanks: 17
Given 18 thank(s) in 18 post(s)
I had one repaired by a place in Poole, 2 years on its still going strong
TEAM CONROD SHITTING RALLYE!
Posts: 227
Threads: 32
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation:
3
Location: Fareham, Hants
Car Model/Spec: 94 XRDT now Gone, '99 Meridian
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
Cheers, its good to hear experiences with a good ending
The Old_______and_______Slight Less Old
Posts: 730
Threads: 26
Joined: Feb 2013
Reputation:
4
Location: Monaghan/fermanagh.
Thanks: 1
Given 6 thank(s) in 6 post(s)
What type/style of alloy is it?
Posts: 39
Threads: 6
Joined: Jan 2013
Thanks: 0
Given 0 thank(s) in 0 post(s)
Dont bother to look for a wheel repairer you want to find a welder / fabricator have a look at a local industrial estate bound to find one then drill a small hole at the very end of the crack and then vee out the cracked section and then get them to tig weld it up but not mig weld as the mig welds tend to crack due to heat stress normal price to pay is around £20 I have had loads done and if done like this last forever.