Arkyvette

I have a base 2008 with the split spoke wheels and have somehow managed to bend the left front wheel. Thanks Dallas.... I have no wobble or balance issue, but you can see the warped lip quite easily. I bought a road hazard with the car that covers the wheels and they want to repair it which involves shipping it out for who knows how long. I am concerned that these wheels are not the type I would feel comfortable with a repair. Low profile tires and light thin aluminum that has been heated to repair Doesn't inspire confidence. Doesn't GM not condone the practice? Is a repaired wheel on one of these a big issue?

AL_Jazz

There should be a wheel repair service place there in Dallas so you don't have to ship it. We have one here in Birmingham and they have a trailer they take to dealerships and do repairs on-site. I've had them repair aluminum wheels in the past and they have done a good job.

Don-Vette

Sounds like you have your mind set on replacing the wheel. That is what I would do. That's not to say it can't be repaired properly either.

Arkyvette

I live about two hours one way from Dallas so shipping it makes sense, on their dime of course. If I drove it to them I would probably bend the other three as the bumps and potholes there are insane. I would like to replace it. Might have it repaired until then, but was looking for where GM claims to not endorse wheel repairs. Might help get my money back for this road hazard thing.

Don-Vette

Yes, check into the coverage you have first, if they repair it and the car drives fine, your all set. If not replace the wheel. IMO

Jimnc

I have had wheels repaired and they drove fine and the repair was not detectable. I would expect that the warranty pay for repairs vs replacement if the repair is viable.

Kenny94945

Read policy.
Repair vs replace
Rental car coverage for 3 or 5 days covered? (repair costs may exceed replace costs)
Pre shipping inspection...itemize scratches chips.

Good luck.

2redvettez

'Rim Guard' in Raleigh - Does great job.... Does all Rick Hendrick Dealerships work..

It is a Franchise, So My guess there has to be a ' Rim Guard' Shop
in the Dallas -FW Area...

Google em ...

JerriVette

If you can't live with the car immobilized....buy a preowned wheel as a spare. Try one of the forum vendors,

Gearhead Jim

GM officially says they do not approve any repairs on aluminum wheels, only refinishing.

Many people get bent wheels straightened and they work well, at least for a while. But aluminum is much more prone to cracking than steel, and a failure could be nasty.

In OP's case, painted split spokes are shockingly cheap. When our 2009 was new, I bought two complete sets of them like-new on Craigslist for $300 per set. That's $75 per wheel, cheaper than you can get them repainted.

At one time I wanted polished Gumbys. I worked with 3 individuals and 1 wheel company well-known here, and every wheel I received was seriously more used/dinged than advertised. Eventually, I was able to return them and get my money back but it was a huge frustrating PITA. When normal people try to sell their used wheels on the internet, they become pathological liars. Really.

IMHO, the only way to buy used wheels is Craigslist or some other method where you can inspect the wheel in person, pay cash, put it your beater and drive home. And don't be reluctant to walk out on the deal if you don't like the wheels.

Arkyvette

I have decided to let the roadhazzard warranty go ahead and "fix" the wheel and that will give me time to scour for a deal on something else. Thanks for the input everyone! I will post pics of what it looks like

jrose7004

A good wheel repair shop should be able to fix you right up.

Kenny94945

See post # 10...

"GM officially says they do not approve any repairs on aluminum wheels, only refinishing."

Say, GearheadJim (or other co-member reading this), do you have a link at you fingertips for this. On official GM letterhead or with a code number could be of future beneficial use to some of us.

Thanks.

Gearhead Jim

I thought I had a copy of the bulletin (?), but can't find it. It was several years old, I'll post if I can get one.

LMB-Z

I have a polished rim that came off my 05 that has a little curb rash on part of it. I would let it go cheap.

Arkyvette

Appreciate it. I have painted split spokes though.

BigMonkey73

I bent a wheel about a year ago and also had a wheel coverage that I got suckered into when I bought the car.

Still not OK that I allowed them to sell the coverage to me, but it did save me coin when I had an issue. They took the wheel, sent it out to be repaired, and had it back in a few days good as new with no issues since.

If you're covered, I'd definitely have it repaired at no cost other than the shipping. Otherwise, Craigslist has whole sets for $500 or less. Kind of hard to find just one wheel these days used..and new ones are pricey from dealer. I believe vendors on here can sell you a signle at a good price though.

LowRyter

Cosmetic and just a little bent rim edge and doesn't leak?

Sounds like an easy and cheap fix. Call around the local shops: probably in and out.

I'd keep it original and fix it for $100 or less. I'll bet it's not even worth screwing with the deductible. Or if no deductible, then see they'd just reimburse for your own repair? They'd save shipping cost and you'd save time.

Arkyvette

There is no deductible for it, and no shipping as they are having it done in house. Costs me nothing. Just concerned with metal fatigue and heating a thin aluminum wheel. Those things will bother me until I can replace it.

jft69z

Here's a bulletin that says they don't want bent flanges, welding, hammering, etc.