Do-it-yourself disk straightening machine

Comments: no Published: 06/27/2016

Rating:

Tags:Car tires and rims

Even a very careful driver cannot be protected from the appearance of dents and cracks on the wheel rims that form when the car gets into holes in the asphalt. Even a 10 cm deep recess can seriously disrupt the wheel geometry, leading to the following problems:

Suspension failure.
Uneven wear of tires.
Problems with steering rod.

Disc rolling machine

In cases of violation of the parameters of components in wheels, a machine for straightening cast wheels is indispensable. This disc setter allows you to correct the geometry and eliminate dents, giving the product a completely smooth appearance.

Typically, a machine for straightening cast wheels can only be found at a car service center, and there you will pay a considerable amount for such a service. However, not everyone knows that you can make a wheel rolling machine with your own hands, thereby significantly saving money on periodic wheel rolling at a car service center. When carrying out work, you need to understand that repair differs from disk recovery as follows. After restoration, the product can be used for a long time, unlike repair work.

DIY drawing of a machine for rolling rims

Purpose of equipment for editing disks

During the repair process, the disk is returned to its original shape. In some cases, this process can be done by yourself. The technology depends on the material.

Stamped steel wheels can actually be repaired by hand using a sledgehammer. The surface is straightened, all noticeable defects are removed. However, there is no guarantee that the original geometry has been returned. Therefore, it is advisable not to skimp and entrust the repair to professionals who carry out the restoration quickly and efficiently.

Restoring cast aluminum wheels is more complex. The characteristics of the alloys are such that when heated, their original qualities are completely lost. Competent repairs are carried out exclusively by cold rolling with spot heating of especially damaged elements. The procedure is only possible on a rolling machine with a set of attachments and a hydraulic drive.

Editing cast car wheels

Absolutely all car enthusiasts are familiar with the concept of straightening alloy wheels. Wheels are not just an accessory with which you can decorate or highlight your car. This is an important detail that needs to be given enough attention to ensure safe driving. And simply beautiful, well-maintained car wheels look very nice and decorate the car. There are several types of disks:

forged;
cast;
steel.

The leaders in strength and service life are forged ones. Their light weight also gives them an advantage over others. If you use the discs correctly, they will serve the car owner almost forever.

Forged wheels are strength, beauty and lightness

The most popular rims are steel. They impress with their low cost and ease of repair. Almost all cars coming off the assembly lines of car factories have steel wheels. This type does not break when hit, but bends, so it can be easily restored and you can continue to use it. One of the disadvantages of these discs is their weight; they are much heavier than both cast and forged ones.

Alloy wheels are the most expensive, but how impressive they look on a car. Cast products are presented on the market in a huge range of various forms. Everyone can choose exactly what suits their taste. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting their high cost and the fact that when damaged they tend to split, which makes it impossible to restore them.

Types of disk straightening machines

Modern cars are equipped with wheels of various designs and from different materials. Therefore, a special disc-grinding machine is needed for each type:

for repairing metal disks;
for repair of light alloys;
universal;
for repairing truck wheels;
for editing the "eight".

According to the principle of operation, all stands are divided into hydraulic and mechanical. Mechanical machines are used to eliminate the following defects:

runout along the axis and radius;
ellipticity;
straightening rubber seats;
shallow dents.

As a rule, steel ones are restored on mechanical devices.

Hydraulic disc fixers can eliminate almost any defect. In some cases, it is necessary to use both mechanical and hydraulic equipment.

Universal and specialized disc straightening machines

Even the most careful driver is not immune to holes in the asphalt. A hole more than 10 cm deep can cause serious damage to wheel rims. Violation of the wheel geometry leads to uneven abrasion of the rubber, damage to the suspension and steering rod.

Purpose of equipment for editing disks

cast wheel straightening machine

During the repair process, the disk is returned to its original shape. In some cases, this process can be done by yourself. The technology depends on the material.

Types of disk straightening machines

Modern cars are equipped with wheels of various designs and from different materials. Therefore, a special disc-grinding machine is needed for each type:

for repairing metal disks;
for repair of light alloys;
universal;
for repairing truck wheels;
for editing the "eight".

According to the principle of operation, all stands are divided into hydraulic and mechanical. Mechanical machines are used to eliminate the following defects:

runout along the axis and radius;
ellipticity;
straightening rubber seats;
shallow dents.

As a rule, steel ones are restored on mechanical devices.

Hydraulic disc fixers can eliminate almost any defect. In some cases, it is necessary to use both mechanical and hydraulic equipment.

For steel wheels

steel disc rolling machine

Straightening of stamped steel disks is carried out by rolling through pressure rollers. A disk is put on the shaft, the rollers act on the distorted areas at the required angle. The rims are processed by three pairs of rollers - large and small.

A universal flange is attached to the tip of the shaft, where the wheel is put on and secured with a nut. If there are several holes on the wheel, the required number of leads are put on the flange with your own hands. Deformed fastening openings are centered using conical nuts. At the bottom of the stand there is an electric motor connected by a V-belt drive to a gearbox. The gear tension is controlled by a nut. The rolling stand handles sizes from 12 to 16 inches.

For alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are more popular: they look impressive, are durable, and lightweight. They can be cast or forged.

Cast ones are restored as follows: pressure is applied to the damaged section using a hydraulic booster, bringing the rim to its original position.

Forged ones have better characteristics than cast ones. The difference in repair technology is the use of special nozzles through which pressure is applied.

The damaged disk is installed with your own hands on a faceplate equipped with grooves that allow you to secure any type of disk. To restore the shape, a force of about 3 tons is required, which is created by a hydraulic drive. The drive is controlled via a hydraulic distributor with a pressure regulator and a reduction valve.

The cylinder is pushed under the pressure of the working fluid (technical oil) provided by the pump. The pump is located at the bottom of the stand and the rolling efficiency depends on its operation. The pump communicates with the electric motor through a coupling. On the back surface of the clamp there is a runout indicator - a metal pin with a pointed end. With the help of a pointer, you can determine with your own hands the exact place of straightening, which is very important at the final stage of restoration.

For steel wheels

For alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are more popular: they look impressive, are durable, and lightweight. They can be cast or forged.

Cast ones are restored as follows: pressure is applied to the damaged section using a hydraulic booster, bringing the rim to its original position.

Forged ones have better characteristics than cast ones. The difference in repair technology is the use of special nozzles through which pressure is applied.

The machine for straightening cast wheels is equipped with working rods and nozzles for straightening. The stand structure includes a box for storing tools. There are models of hydraulic devices with a hand pump; they are less productive and are used less frequently.

To edit the figure eight

This is a type of hydraulic equipment in which the disk is placed on a horizontal surface with your own hands and pressed with a hydraulic device.

Do-it-yourself machine for straightening cast wheels - Metals, equipment, instructions

Even the most careful driver is not immune from holes and potholes on the asphalt. A small hole a little more than 10 cm deep can cause significant damage to wheel rims. Any specialist will tell you that a violation of the wheel geometry leads to bending of the steering rod, control system and suspension.

During the repair and straightening process, the curved disk is returned to its correct, original shape. Depending on the material, the leveling process can be done in the garage yourself.

Using a sledgehammer, specialists successfully restore stamped steel wheels. Existing noticeable defects are removed and the surface is sanded. In this case, there is no guarantee that you have recreated the original wheel geometry.

You should not skimp: entrust the straightening to professionals; they will carry out the restoration efficiently and quickly.

Restoring aluminum cast wheels is more difficult. A negative feature of the alloy is heating, during which the quality of the metal is completely lost.

Competent repairs must be carried out exclusively by cold rolling, using spot heating for severely damaged disk elements. The procedure can only be carried out on a special cold rolling machine.

The machine has a hydraulic drive and a set of attachments for straightening.

Types of disk straightening machines

Choosing a wheel for a modern car is not an easy task. Discs are made from various alloys and materials, and they also have different designs and patterns. Therefore, you need to choose a disc straightening machine wisely. There are such types of fossil machines:

For straightening discs made of steel alloys;
For straightening light alloy wheels;
For discs made of non-ferrous metals;
For repairing the "eight";
Stands for repairing truck wheels.

According to the principle of operation, machines are divided into mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical, in turn, are used to eliminate such damage:

Runouts along the radius and axis;
Ellipticity;
Shallow dents;
Correcting the rubber seat.

Using different types of machines

Using a hydraulic stand, a technician can restore almost any dent or defect. There are times when it is necessary to use hydraulic and mechanical equipment .

For steel wheels

During the straightening process of steel disks, the damaged part is rolled through pressure rollers. The disc is placed on the shaft, and rollers act on the distorted areas at the required angle for alignment.

The universal flange is attached to the tip of the shaft, then the wheel is put on and secured with a nut. If the wheel has several holes, then each hole must be put on the flange.

Deformed fastening holes are centered using conical nuts. The electric motor is located in the lower part of the frame, connected to a gearbox and V-belt drive. The tension of the V-belt drive is also controlled by a nut.

On such a stand it is possible to roll deformed wheels with sizes from 10 to 15 inches.

For alloy wheels

Now alloy wheels are very popular both among young people and among S-class cars. These discs look very impressive, they are light and durable. They can be insidious and cast .

Cast ones are restored very simply: pressure is applied to the damaged area using a hydraulic booster. Forged rims have better characteristics than cast ones. There are a large number of methods for repairing forged rims using nozzles through which pressure is applied to the part.

The damaged rim is installed on the faceplate on its own. The working surface, in turn, is equipped with grooves designed for attaching any type of rim.

The average force required to restore shape ranges from 3 to 3-5 tons.

This pressure is created using a hydraulic drive , which, in turn, is controlled by a hydraulic distributor with a pressure adjustment function and a pressure reduction valve.

The working fluid (technical oil) pushes the cylinder out under pressure. The pressure is provided by a pump located near the engine at the bottom of the machine. The efficiency of rolling directly depends on the performance of the pump.

The pump communicates with the electric motor through a coupling. On the reverse side there is a runout indicator - a metal guide with a pointed end.

The runout indicator serves to directly select the straightening point and is an important factor at the final stage of restoration.

The casting straightening machine is equipped with working attachments and rods for smoother straightening. The machine design includes a drawer for storing tools and spare parts. Models of hydraulic devices with a hand pump are less common, however, they are less productive.

To edit figure eight

Hydraulic figure eight straightening equipment will help correct radial deformation of the rim. When using such equipment, the disc is placed on a horizontal bed and pressed with a leveling hydraulic press.

Universal disk drives

The universal repair stand is a combined approach to restoration using hydraulics and mechanics. Such devices work with diameters from 10 to 25 inches. They eliminate radial and axial runout, restore the rubber seat and correct ellipse. Repairs with such devices are carried out in two ways:

Double-sided rolling of internal and external surfaces with stationary and mobile rollers.
Straightening using a hydraulic cylinder. In this case, control is carried out by a hydraulic distributor.

The power of such machines is 380 volts, they are equipped with a three-phase electric motor. Universal machines are equipped with a cutter for cleaning solder after welding. There are varieties of machines with scissors for trimming edges .

Review and comparison of machines

Suppose you are the owner of a tire shop and decide to add straightening of alloy wheels to your range of services. The decision is the right one, which will help you make money in the off-season. Most car enthusiasts straighten and straighten their wheels when changing shoes.

So repairing disks is a good income at any time of the year. It’s worth noting right away: if you can save money when equipping a tire workshop, then you should not save money when purchasing disc straightening equipment, as well as an argon apparatus.

Universal disk drives

Universal machines for repairing discs are a symbiosis of mechanics and hydraulics. Works with sizes 12 - 22 inches in diameter. Eliminates axial and radial runout, ellipse, and restores the rubber replanting site.

Repair is carried out in two ways:

double-sided rolling of the outer and inner surfaces with mobile and stationary rollers;
straightening with a hydraulic cylinder, which is mounted on a stop. Control is carried out by the handle of the hydraulic distributor.

In addition, universal machines have a cutter for cleaning after welding or edge trimming. The disc is installed on the spindle of the stand with your own hands on the mounting holes corresponding to the wheel mounts. Universal stands are equipped with three-phase electric motors.

How to make a machine for rolling and balancing discs

Suspension failure.
Uneven wear of tires.
Problems with steering rod.

Disc rolling machine

In cases of violation of the parameters of components in wheels, a machine for straightening cast wheels is indispensable. This disc setter allows you to correct the geometry and eliminate dents, giving the product a completely smooth appearance.

DIY disc straightening machine

Suspension failure.
Uneven wear of tires.
Problems with steering rod.

Disc rolling machine

In cases of violation of the parameters of components in wheels, a machine for straightening cast wheels is indispensable. This disc setter allows you to correct the geometry and eliminate dents, giving the product a completely smooth appearance.

Typically, a machine for straightening cast wheels can only be found at a car service center, and there you will pay a considerable amount for such a service.

However, not everyone knows that you can make a wheel rolling machine with your own hands, thereby significantly saving money on periodic wheel rolling at a car service center.

When carrying out work, you need to understand that repair differs from disk recovery as follows. After restoration, the product can be used for a long time, unlike repair work.

Making a stand for wheel correction

The stand is intended for correcting uneven stampings and light alloy wheels with your own hands and can be developed at home. Compared to manual processing, it significantly improves productivity and quality of edits.

To make a disk straightening machine, follow this procedure:

install the shaft on the frame, where fasten the universal hub;
Place the product that needs to be fixed on the hub;
secure the bed to the stand. The stand itself is attached to a hydraulic station, which will power the mobile hydraulic cylinder. A tool for straightening discs is mounted on its rod;
control the cylinder using a hydraulic distributor with a pressure reduction valve;
To be able to install the cylinder at any angle relative to the product being repaired, use a pair of movable brackets.

In order for a machine for rolling cast discs to fasten products with different diameters, its hub must be equipped with centering washers of the required diameters (a total of 18 fasteners will be required).

Manufacturing of balancing machine

To extend the life of the wheels, they must be periodically balanced on an appropriate machine. You can also make this device for improving the quality of disks with your own hands.

And to do this you need to follow these steps:

Read more: Check under the act of administrative offense

make racks. To do this you will need 2 steel strips 30*4 mm. At the top of the rack in a semicircle with a diameter of 32, you need to install a ball bearing;
the base is made of a steel sheet with a thickness of 0.5 cm and dimensions of 30 * 50 cm. The sheet is attached to a pair of 3 * 4 cm wooden beams. The entire knot is secured with two pieces of 3*3 cm, 13.5 cm long;
the second rack is done in the same way. The distance between a pair of posts should be 15 cm. And their verticality can be checked with a level.

The simplest wheel balancing machine

To use the equipment to fix disks yourself, you will need to install a pre-cut arrow from plywood. It will indicate static equilibrium.

Making a stand for wheel correction

The stand is intended for correcting uneven stampings and light alloy wheels with your own hands and can be developed at home. Compared to manual processing, it significantly improves productivity and quality of edits.

To make a disk straightening machine, follow this procedure:

install the shaft on the frame, where fasten the universal hub;
Place the product that needs to be fixed on the hub;
secure the bed to the stand. The stand itself is attached to a hydraulic station, which will power the mobile hydraulic cylinder. A tool for straightening discs is mounted on its rod;
control the cylinder using a hydraulic distributor with a pressure reduction valve;
To be able to install the cylinder at any angle relative to the product being repaired, use a pair of movable brackets.

Manufacturing of balancing machine

To extend the life of the wheels, they must be periodically balanced on an appropriate machine. You can also make this device for improving the quality of disks with your own hands.

And to do this you need to follow these steps:

make racks. To do this you will need 2 steel strips 30*4 mm. At the top of the rack in a semicircle with a diameter of 32, you need to install a ball bearing;
the base is made of a steel sheet with a thickness of 0.5 cm and dimensions of 30 * 50 cm. The sheet is attached to a pair of 3 * 4 cm wooden beams. The entire knot is secured with two pieces of 3*3 cm, 13.5 cm long;
the second rack is done in the same way. The distance between a pair of posts should be 15 cm. And their verticality can be checked with a level.

The simplest wheel balancing machine

To use the equipment to fix disks yourself, you will need to install a pre-cut arrow from plywood. It will indicate static equilibrium.

Purpose of equipment for editing disks

During the repair process, the disk is returned to its original shape. In some cases, this process can be done by yourself. The technology depends on the material.

Do-it-yourself machine for straightening cast disks - Metalworker's Guide

Absolutely all car enthusiasts are familiar with the concept of straightening alloy wheels. Wheels are not just an accessory with which you can decorate or highlight your car.

This is an important detail that needs to be given enough attention to ensure safe driving. And simply beautiful, well-maintained car wheels look very nice and decorate the car.

There are several types of disks:

forged;
cast;
steel.

The leaders in strength and service life are forged ones. Their light weight also gives them an advantage over others. If you use the discs correctly, they will serve the car owner almost forever.

Forged wheels are strength, beauty and lightness

The most popular rims are steel. They impress with their low cost and ease of repair. Almost all cars coming off the assembly lines of car factories have steel wheels.

This type does not break when hit, but bends, so it can be easily restored and you can continue to use it.

One of the disadvantages of these discs is their weight; they are much heavier than both cast and forged ones.

[/su_box]

Alloy wheels are the most expensive, but how impressive they look on a car. Cast products are presented on the market in a huge range of various forms.

Everyone can choose exactly what suits their taste.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting their high cost and the fact that when damaged they tend to split, which makes it impossible to restore them.

Universal and specialized disc straightening machines

Purpose of equipment for editing disks

cast wheel straightening machine

During the repair process, the disk is returned to its original shape. In some cases, this process can be done by yourself. The technology depends on the material.

Restoring cast aluminum wheels is more complex. The characteristics of the alloys are such that when heated, their original qualities are completely lost.

Competent repairs are carried out exclusively by cold rolling with spot heating of especially damaged elements.

The procedure is only possible on a rolling machine with a set of attachments and a hydraulic drive.

To edit the figure eight

This is a type of hydraulic equipment in which the disk is placed on a horizontal surface with your own hands and pressed with a hydraulic device.

For steel wheels

For alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are more popular: they look impressive, are durable, and lightweight. They can be cast or forged.

Cast ones are restored as follows: pressure is applied to the damaged section using a hydraulic booster, bringing the rim to its original position.

Forged ones have better characteristics than cast ones. The difference in repair technology is the use of special nozzles through which pressure is applied.

To edit the figure eight

This is a type of hydraulic equipment in which the disk is placed on a horizontal surface with your own hands and pressed with a hydraulic device.

Do-it-yourself machine for straightening cast disks – Machine tools, welding, metalworking

Many drivers sometimes get into road potholes. If a wheel falls into a hole at least 20 cm deep, there is a high probability of the alloy wheel breaking. If the configuration of a wheel tire is damaged, it is quite difficult to straighten it at home. The suspension breaks and the steering wheel becomes unusable.

How to effectively use a disk repair unit?

As a result of the repair work, the disk acquires its original appearance. Sometimes you can do the work yourself without resorting to outside help. The technique of work directly depends on the means used.

Many brake discs produced in mechanic shops can actually be repaired yourself using a sledgehammer.

At the same time, high-quality straightening of the surface is performed, removing visible defects.

And also it cannot be guaranteed that in this case the initial geometry of the form will be returned. For this reason, it is most practical to outsource the work to a real professional. He will be able to complete the work on time and at a high level of quality, using a machine for turning brake discs, both in a workshop and with his own hands.

A distinctive characteristic of a complex alloy is that when heated, the original properties completely lose their qualities. For truly thoughtful repairs, cold rolling mechanisms are used. For repairs, you will have to use a special rolling machine in a service center, using a set of nozzles and a hydraulic drive.

The newest cars are equipped with wheels with different configurations made of complex alloys. For this reason, a special machine is often used for the necessary editing of disks:

For fixing metal discs.
For actuation of light alloys.
For universal endeavors.
To correct defects caused by the figure eight.

According to their fundamental purpose, all testbeds come in hydraulic and mechanical designs. Machines for straightening cast wheels are capable of performing the following:

do not allow loss of flexibility;
carry out straightening of rubber seats;
elimination of dents of small depth and with a small radius.

How to correctly troubleshoot a problem on machines for grooving brake discs?

The best way to do this is to roll using pinch rollers. A pressing torque is installed on the shaft, at which time special rollers exert an impact on the deformed areas, pressing at the desired pressure angle. The side sides of the disc are processed by rollers on three circumferential sides. Their size has a functional meaning.

The tip of the shaft piston has a special flange fairing. It is on this that the deformed wheel is put on and secured with a nut. If there are many holes on the wheel, then for each you have to fix its own rim. All deformed openings are subject to mandatory fixation with nuts.

An electric motor is installed at the very bottom of the stand area, which carries out transmission through gear wedges and belts. The quality and method of tension is regulated by a sealing nut. As a rule, work is carried out with 12-16 inch rolling on machines for turning brake discs.

Straightening wheels made of light alloys

Recently, circles made of light alloys have become more and more popular. They are characterized by a high level of strength and lightness. They look very elegant, but at the same time they are quite subject to rapid wear.

What to do in such a situation? It is best to send such a disc for restoration, using a machine for straightening cast discs, which allows you to bring the disc to its original condition and do the work at a high level.

As a rule, the defective pancake is installed on a washer; it makes it possible to fix any shape of the disk surface. The shape of the product is restored under three-ton pressure, which is carried out by a built-in hydraulic drive. The drive operates thanks to a special pressure reducing valve, which is controlled by a distributor with an adjustable pressure level.

The main work is performed by the pump, inside of which there is a cylinder with excess technical oil. It is the operation of the pump that determines how efficiently the oil valve operates. Also, an electric motor with a rotating drive clutch plays an important role in the process.

An indicator for straightening and runout is often installed; this is a solid metal accumulator that determines the time for complete straightening of the light alloy rotor. The machine, which is capable of performing the necessary work in the shortest possible time, is equipped with a full cycle and mechanisms for straightening.

: editing of alloy wheels.

As a rule, two well-known methods are used to process alloy wheels with your own hands:

Through double-sided rolling from the inside and outside;
In a cylindrical way, which carries out correction using the handle of a hydraulic adapter.

The full cycle of work is completed by processing with cutters and a grinding brush along the entire perimeter of the rotor.

Do-it-yourself restoration and repair of alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are deservedly popular among motorists. But along with the advantages of casting, they have one significant drawback. With strong impacts, the discs are damaged, creating a danger on the road. Repairing alloy wheels can eliminate some problems and extend their life.

We have already written about the differences between stamped and cast wheels, as well as about painting cast wheels yourself. This article will be a good addition to the previous ones.

Types of alloy wheels

All light alloy wheels are divided into two main groups.

Alloy wheels are light alloy wheels that are made by hot casting, where molten metal is poured into molds. Therefore, cast wheels turn out to be quite fragile and do not have the proper elasticity. During impacts and collisions, impressive cracks and chips form on them, the geometry is disrupted and beating appears.
Forged wheels are made differently. The light alloy blank is heated and stamped. As a result of metal drawing, the structure of the product becomes fibrous, which significantly increases the strength and reliability of the forged disk. Such wheels are less likely to crack and deform.

Types of damage to alloy wheels

Car enthusiasts should be aware that it is unsafe to operate “problematic” alloy wheels. Currently, most problems are successfully resolved. Depending on the nature of the damage to the alloy wheel, the appropriate repair technology is selected.

The main types of damage to alloy wheels are:

cracks,
radial displacement,
axial displacement,
chips,
damage to the paintwork.

Causes of damage to alloy wheels

In what driving situations do these problems appear?

The cause of cracks on the casting surface is most often a strong impact when falling into a deep hole or pothole on the road. Wheels suffer especially badly when using low-profile tires.
Radial runout (displacement) is formed when a wheel hits a high curb, as well as when it falls into a hole. In this case, a dent appears on the disk. This problem most often happens with “casting”.
During axial runout, a “figure eight” appears, which is the result of a lateral impact of the cast disk on the curb. Similar damage occurs in a side collision with another vehicle.
Chips and damage to the protective coating do not immediately destroy the alloy wheel. The effect of aggressive salt will appear in a couple of years, but then it will be too late to repair the disk.

What kind of damage to alloy wheels cannot be repaired?

Before contacting a specialized workshop that repairs alloy wheels, a motorist needs to know which casting problems become fatal.

Not all car service workers will honestly and directly refuse to work in the event of serious breakdowns. Some will take advantage of the owner's naivety to gain profit.

Therefore, in the absence of a reliable repairman, you should independently assess the condition of the disk.

Even the most experienced craftsmen, equipped with the latest equipment and devices, will not undertake to repair the following damage:

wide and long cracks,
cracks in the hub area,
severe violation of geometric parameters,
large chips.

Methods for restoring and repairing alloy wheels

To solve problems associated with the repair of alloy wheels, the help of qualified specialists is required. You can only correct the protective coating with your own hands. Often, high-quality casting repairs require expensive equipment and tools, as well as the knowledge and skills of personnel.

Any wheel rim undergoes a thorough inspection before repair. To do this, the inner and outer surface of the disk is cleaned of dirt. After this, you can detect even defects that are invisible at first glance.
If cracks are detected, the cast disk is sent for argon welding. Cracks are sealed with a special electrode in an inert gas (argon) environment. For light alloy wheels based on aluminum, AG electrodes are used, and for repairing magnesium alloys, AMG electrodes are required.
After welding, the disk is cleaned of sagging and splashes of molten metal.
Now it is necessary to check the geometric characteristics of the casting, and, if necessary, correct them on a special machine. The disc is centered and mounted in a rotating chuck. Using a hydraulic cylinder with a set of attachments, the surface of the disk is straightened. As a result, the disk geometry is restored and radial and axial displacements are eliminated.
Next, the surface of the cast disc is sanded, degreased, and a layer of acrylic or powder paint is applied. Parts coated with powder (paint) are sent to a polymerization chamber, where a durable protective layer is formed at high temperatures.
All that remains is to check the balancing of the restored disk and make a final verdict. After repair, experts recommend installing some alloy wheels only on the rear axle.

Universal disk drives

Repair is carried out in two ways:

double-sided rolling of the outer and inner surfaces with mobile and stationary rollers;
straightening with a hydraulic cylinder, which is mounted on a stop. Control is carried out by the handle of the hydraulic distributor.

Do-it-yourself repair of alloy and steel wheels

Hello, dear car enthusiasts! What do rims mean to you? Personally, what role do you assign to them, first of all? Aesthetic or practical?

Don't let these questions seem strange to you. After all, let’s be honest, it’s a very rare motorist who thinks about the role and significance of a wheel rim in everyday life.

Only fans of car tuning, and perhaps that’s all. And we, the majority of car owners, remember about rims only when we find ourselves in a hole, and we absolutely need car rims repaired.

It is important to always remember! A faulty wheel drive means extra costs for repairs or replacement of parts:

failure of steering mechanism elements;
failure of suspension elements. In particular - shock absorbers;
violation of the wheel alignment, with the resulting “eating” of rubber;

What does wheel rim repair include?

First, let's define the concept of when wheel rim repair is required. The issue, in fact, is given relevance by the state of the road surface in domestic traffic directions.

Do-it-yourself machine for straightening cast wheels

Absolutely all car enthusiasts are familiar with the concept of straightening alloy wheels. Wheels are not just an accessory with which you can decorate or highlight your car.

This is an important detail that needs to be given enough attention to ensure safe driving. And simply beautiful, well-maintained car wheels look very nice and decorate the car.

There are several types of disks:

forged;
cast;
steel.

The leaders in strength and service life are forged ones. Their light weight also gives them an advantage over others. If you use the discs correctly, they will serve the car owner almost forever.

Forged wheels are strength, beauty and lightness

Alloy wheels are the most expensive, but how impressive they look on a car. Cast products are presented on the market in a huge range of various forms.

Everyone can choose exactly what suits their taste.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting their high cost and the fact that when damaged they tend to split, which makes it impossible to restore them.

DIY alloy wheel repair

Hello, dear readers and visitors of the Avtogid.ru blog. Today in this article you can find out how to repair alloy wheels yourself without using the services of automobile repair centers.

If you wish and have free time, you can do all the work on restoring alloy wheels yourself without outside help. Repairing castings is an excellent opportunity to return them to their original appearance and save money on the services of specialists.

It must be remembered that it is not the gods who burn the pots and some work on repairing a car or its individual components can be done independently. The main thing is to be patient and not to rush. Alloy wheels are popular among most drivers.

Unlike stamped discs, they are reliable, durable and practical. The use of casting makes it possible to increase the attractiveness of the appearance of the car.

What are alloy car wheels?

Initially, all car wheels without exception were equipped with stamped discs, the reliability of which was questioned. They were of low quality and could not be used for a significant period of time.

Stamped car wheels were replaced by cast wheels, which caused an unprecedented stir among drivers. Alloy cars were selling out like hot cakes in a hungry year. This is especially true for used, well-worn cars. Even the cost of cars with alloy wheels was higher than similar cars with stamping.

Modern cast wheels are produced using the hot casting method. Metal raw materials are melted at high temperatures to a liquid state and poured into special molds. Undoubtedly, their reliability is higher than stamped metal disks, but they have their own peculiarities of use and operation.

Due to production technology, alloy wheels have one weak side. With sufficiently strong impacts and collisions, their surface is deformed and its integrity is damaged. Damage leads to disruption of the disk geometry and the appearance of a characteristic beat that reverberates through the steering wheel when the car is moving.

This will definitely interest you Repairing cracks and chips in car glass

Modern cars are equipped with an improved version of casting forged wheels, production technology, which has undergone improvements. This was done specifically to increase the reliability and durability of the material. When creating a forged disk, the prepared light alloy material is slightly heated to increase the ductility of the base and is stamped.

The structure of the material becomes fibrous, which significantly increases its strength and reliability. Forged wheels are resistant to various types of damage and can be used for a significant period of time.

Every car enthusiast should remember that using a deformed alloy wheel reduces the safety of driving a vehicle several times. It may turn out to be a weak link and thereby provoke an accident. It is necessary to periodically inspect the surface of alloy wheels, and if damage is detected, take immediate measures to eliminate them.

The following main damage to alloy wheels can be identified:

damage to paintwork;
chips and scratches;
axial displacement;
cracks;
radial displacement;
disk integrity violation.

Do-it-yourself repair of alloy wheels without outside help

Repair of alloy wheels must be carried out depending on the time of year. If they are installed on summer tires, it means that the restoration is carried out in winter. When casting is used on winter tires, the time for repairing alloy wheels comes in the summer. In principle, everything is clear and understandable.

It must be remembered that all damage to alloy wheels associated with a violation of their geometry or significant deformations can only be repaired using special equipment. It is simply impossible to do without the help of competent and qualified specialists.

Other types of damage: chips, scratches and simply violating the integrity of the disk surface can be done independently without outside help. In this case, the use of special equipment and expensive materials is not required.

The procedure for repairing alloy wheels is as follows:

1. Alloy wheels are freed from rubber and carefully inspected for damage. To simplify the search for defects, the outer and inner sides of the disk must be cleaned of dirt.

2. If cracks are found on the surface of the cast disk, further restoration work becomes impossible. Argon welding is used to eliminate cracks. If the disk is made of aluminum or magnesium alloy, special electrodes are used to repair cracks. After eliminating the cracks, you can proceed to the next stage.

This will definitely interest you. Do-it-yourself car headlight tinting

3. The place where welding and repairing cracks must be sanded to eliminate the weld seam.

4.The geometry of the cast disk is checked using special equipment. You need to turn to specialists for help who will perform diagnostics quickly and for a small amount of money. If it is not broken, the task becomes much easier and you can move on to the next stage.

5.Using sandpaper or a grinding machine, you need to remove all irregularities and roughness on the surface of the disk in places of damage.

6. Apply a two-component epoxy paste, matched to the color of the disc, evenly over the entire prepared surface of the cast disc (can be purchased at almost any store selling auto chemical goods). It is best to use a special automotive spatula to apply it.

7.To speed up the drying of the epoxy layer, you can use a hair dryer.

8.The surface of the cast disc treated with epoxy paste must be sanded using fine-grit sandpaper.

This completes the main stage of repairing chips, scratches and simply minor damage to the alloy wheel. You can proceed to painting the surface of alloy wheels.

How to paint alloy wheels correctly?

After the repair of alloy wheels with your own hands in its main phase is completed, you can move on to the finishing part of the work on restoring the surface of the disk. It is no less important and responsible than previous types of work. Careless actions can ruin the appearance of the disc, and all efforts will go down the drain.