Wheel Crack Repair & TIG Welding Cape Town

Don't risk driving on cracked wheels. Speedline Mags' certified TIG welding specialists can safely repair structural cracks in alloy wheels, restoring strength and integrity for safe driving throughout Cape Town.

Understanding Wheel Cracks

Wheel cracks are serious structural damage that can compromise wheel integrity and create dangerous driving conditions. Cracks typically form from impact damage, metal fatigue, or manufacturing defects, and will worsen over time if not properly repaired.

Common Types of Wheel Cracks

• Spoke Cracks - Cracks radiating from hub or along spokes
• Rim Cracks - Damage to the outer barrel or bead area
• Stress Cracks - Fine cracks from repeated flexing
• Impact Cracks - Sudden cracks from pothole or collision damage
• Corrosion Cracks - Cracks developing around corroded areas

Warning Signs of Cracked Wheels

• Visible cracks on wheel face or barrel
• Slow air leaks that won't seal
• Unusual vibrations or noises
• Recent impact with pothole or kerb
• Wheel flexing or feeling unstable

Why TIG Welding?

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is the only safe method for repairing alloy wheels. This precision welding process:

• Provides strong, clean welds
• Minimizes heat-affected zones
• Works with various aluminum alloys
• Produces minimal distortion
• Allows precise control for delicate repairs
• Creates welds as strong as original material

Our Crack Repair Process

1. Detailed Inspection - Locate all cracks using dye penetrant testing
2. Crack Assessment - Determine if repair is safe and feasible
3. Preparation - Clean and prepare crack area for welding
4. V-Groove Cutting - Create proper weld joint geometry
5. TIG Welding - Multiple precision weld passes as needed
6. Stress Relief - Heat treatment to relieve welding stresses
7. Grinding and Finishing - Smooth weld area to original contour
8. Testing - Dye penetrant test to verify complete repair
9. Refinishing - Paint or powder coat to match original

Can All Cracks Be Repaired?

Most cracks can be safely repaired, but assessment is critical. We cannot repair:

• Cracks in safety-critical areas (some hub areas)
• Extensive cracking affecting multiple areas
• Wheels with severe corrosion damage
• Cracks that have propagated too far

When repair isn't advisable, we'll be upfront and recommend replacement for your safety.

How Strong is the Repair?

Properly executed TIG welding creates repairs as strong as the original wheel material. The weld zone often becomes the strongest part of the wheel. Our certified welders follow industry best practices to ensure structural integrity is fully restored.

Cost vs. Replacement

Professional crack repair costs R800-R2,000 depending on crack severity and location, compared to R3,000-R15,000+ for replacement wheels. Even after including refinishing, repair represents substantial savings while maintaining safety.

Timeframe

Complete crack repair including welding and refinishing typically takes 3-5 working days. The welding itself may only take a few hours, but proper preparation, stress relief, and refinishing require additional time to ensure quality results.

Get Started Today

Contact Speedline Mags for professional wheel welding crack repair services in Cape Town. Send us photos of your wheels and describe what you need. We'll provide a detailed quote and timeline. Insurance claims welcome!