I have 2004 thin spokes on my C5 and you can bet that I'll be checking them out very closely.
Thinspoke wheel nightmare
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Broken Speedline rims
Speedline 2002 Chrome, heard a soft road speed related ticking found a rear spoke cracked completely through. Location was approximately 2 inches from the rim. No more than 30k miles.
Another problem with a soft spot on the 17"dia. front where a wheel nut continues to embed when tightened will no longer accept the plastic caps. Probable porosity in the casting.
Any relief from GM or Speedline?
Another problem with a soft spot on the 17"dia. front where a wheel nut continues to embed when tightened will no longer accept the plastic caps. Probable porosity in the casting.
Any relief from GM or Speedline?
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Have heard of this problem before too. I wonder if as the wheels get older and more miles are put on the cars, will this problem happen more frequently?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
My 04 has been loosing air on the drivers rear for a while and I could not find any nails, I am going to pull the wheel today and take a close look. I have the polished thin spokes, I will check manufacturer when I pull the wheel.
Eric
Eric
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I hope all of you are reporting this to NHTSA. It is a definate safety hazzard and if enough reports come in they will look at it. That is one reason I went with chromed WW on my car I have read many reports of this happening. Time for GM to do something.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 333
From: USA
I wouldn't say you're out a lot of money for new rims...I would have upgraded those a long time ago anyhow. Sucks you were forced into a quick/rash upgrade though (and can't sell the stock rims).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
I have the original thin spokes on my 02 and thankfully they are crack free. Haven't heard much of this problem, perhaps GM used a different manufacturer for some of these wheels and made inferior wheels for a while, who knows. Sorry to hear about this problem, but look at the bright side, now this gives you an excuse to get those aftermarket wheels you've been thinking about getting.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
I'm the guy who started the thread in 2005 or whatever. Had the same stress cracks on both rear wheels. Reported to the NHTSA, they said they didn't have enough complaints to warrant any further action. In other words, somebody has to have an accident when the wheel falls apart at speed and die before they'll hold GM accountable for a recall, if then, even.
My 2002 Vette was still under GMPP warranty at the time and my local dealer, who is really outstanding, went to bat for me with GM and both rear rims were replaced at no cost to me.
The replacements have been fine so far.
My 2002 Vette was still under GMPP warranty at the time and my local dealer, who is really outstanding, went to bat for me with GM and both rear rims were replaced at no cost to me.
The replacements have been fine so far.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
One of my wagons had a crack on the inside rim
No real reason for the crack. Checked all other rims and found nothing else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 930
Likes: 13
From: Aiken SC
I have the 2000 thin spokes on mine. Just stripped the paint off, sanded, & polished a month or so ago. Look great but didn't notice any cracks. But now I guess I will pull them off & check with a magnifying glass for minute cracks now. I would think I would have noticed any cracks but then again, I wasn't looking for any. Did anyone find out how you could tell which were Alcoa wheels?
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