Torque question about 3 piece wheels
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,081
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From: Bear Delaware
Torque question about 3 piece wheels
I also posted this over at tires/wheels but thought I'd get better results here.
I bought a used set of HRE Mallett wheels ( 3 piece) and one of the fronts has a leak. I finally found it, "them" actually. There are three bolts on the inside of the rim that are leaking air. Two have washers under them making me think they've leaked before. I've found some bolts to replace the ones that are there and am going to try some nylon washers to help seal. I'll probably also wrap the threads with teflon tape. Now the question. Any idea what these bolts would torque at? They are M8X1.25X25. Also appreciate any advise on how to get them to seal.
Thanks, Mickey
I bought a used set of HRE Mallett wheels ( 3 piece) and one of the fronts has a leak. I finally found it, "them" actually. There are three bolts on the inside of the rim that are leaking air. Two have washers under them making me think they've leaked before. I've found some bolts to replace the ones that are there and am going to try some nylon washers to help seal. I'll probably also wrap the threads with teflon tape. Now the question. Any idea what these bolts would torque at? They are M8X1.25X25. Also appreciate any advise on how to get them to seal.
Thanks, Mickey
Le Mans Master
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From: Colesville MD
Race Director
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From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by YELLOHHH
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
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From: Western NY
If the HRE wheels are anything like CCWs, the bolts don't seal anything, they just hold everything together. Inside the wheel, there's a "valley" of sorts, that has a bead of silicone in it. Dig out the old silicone, and replace it with fresh stuff. Let it sit overnight, and then remount the tire, being careful not to drag the tire over the silicone.
If you're not careful when installing the tire, you disrupt the silicone's seal with the rim halves, and the air leaks down through the "valley", and out through the bolt holes. Again, this is if the HREs seal up like the CCWs....
If you're not careful when installing the tire, you disrupt the silicone's seal with the rim halves, and the air leaks down through the "valley", and out through the bolt holes. Again, this is if the HREs seal up like the CCWs....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,081
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From: Bear Delaware
Don't mean any disrespect guys but it's easy to say
"Ship them back to HRE and let them fix them correctly" when you don't have to foot the bill. It cost about $185-$200 per wheel plus shipping east to west coast and back. My initial effort worked. There is no longer air leaking from the three bolts. Problem is I've since found additional leaks in an area I wouldn't attempt to fix. AT least it's only one wheel at this point so I will have to send it back to HRE.
"Ship them back to HRE and let them fix them correctly" when you don't have to foot the bill. It cost about $185-$200 per wheel plus shipping east to west coast and back. My initial effort worked. There is no longer air leaking from the three bolts. Problem is I've since found additional leaks in an area I wouldn't attempt to fix. AT least it's only one wheel at this point so I will have to send it back to HRE.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by YELLOHHH
In brief, do not hesitate to do so. Although it may be quite tempting to reseal the silicone seal yourself, do not attempt to do so. HRE's wheel tech's, AND, wheel manufacturing support services are far better equipped, and, experienced in this matter. Therefore, HRE, has the specific resources to properly inspect the entire wheel, all seals, rivets, bevels, flanges, and, surfaces. Let us know how it all turns out for you. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
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From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
It's easy to fix... first go get the tire taked off of the wheel, then take the wheel center out, then yank the 2 1/2 of the wheel apart. Thake a softish grinding wheel and take all the old silicone off. Then get clear window/door silicone and re-seal the wheel, then put the center back in and torque the fasteners to spec (whatever that is for HRE, 30 ft-lbs I belive for CCW) and let it sit overnight. Then you're good to go.
I had to take the centers out of my CCWs to get them re-finished...one was stuck and in beating it out I seperated the 2 wheel halves... John at CCW told me what all to do.
I had to take the centers out of my CCWs to get them re-finished...one was stuck and in beating it out I seperated the 2 wheel halves... John at CCW told me what all to do.
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by leadfoot4
If the HRE wheels are anything like CCWs, the bolts don't seal anything, they just hold everything together. ....
You will have to break the tire off the wheel and remove the old silicone sealant before you apply new sealant.
Larry
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