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My 427 convertible has suffered three cracked wheels, in the same location: right rear. The wheels are 20 x 12 satin black ZR1 style. First question: could there be a suspension issue causing the wheel to fail? This is the third time at the same location. the first time I had it welded; that only lasted a few months and I replaced it with an OEM wheel ($950). That one lasted a couple of years and it happened again; replaced with OEM. Now, the third one has failed. Anyone also seen this problem? Is it possible there is a suspension problem causing this? Thanks all!
The wheel most prone to cracking will be the largest wheel on the curb side of the road unfortunately. The rear wheels are larger with a smaller tire sidewall area (less impact cushioning). The right side is closest to the curb (where the majority of the potholes reside). The only real solution is to upgrade to forged wheels.
Honestly, after the first one cracked, I would have already been on the hunt for better wheels.
You need to watch where and how you drive though.Pot holes and 20-35 series tires do not go well together.
Better wheels like a forged setup may just bend instead of crack if the hit was serious enough, but they will not bed as easy though, so I don’t want you to think they will just bend easily.
Essentially (within reason)
Cast wheels= cracks on big impact
Forged wheels = bends on big impact
Thanks for the advice guys. It never occurred to me that the location was due to the potholes closer to the curb. As to forged wheels, who are the best vendors and/or brands? Are there wheels similar in design to the stock ones?
Thanks for the advice guys. It never occurred to me that the location was due to the potholes closer to the curb. As to forged wheels, who are the best vendors and/or brands? Are there wheels similar in design to the stock ones?
Forged is forged really. If you want forged and OEM style that’s a little harder, but a good old monoblock is about as strong as they come. Rotary forged are even much better than cast as well, and a bit cheaper than monoblock
GEM forged looks to make OEM style foged monoblocks, but not sure what years they make them for. I only saw c8, but c6/7 style wheels
Thanks for the advice guys. It never occurred to me that the location was due to the potholes closer to the curb. As to forged wheels, who are the best vendors and/or brands? Are there wheels similar in design to the stock ones?
My 427 convertible has suffered three cracked wheels, in the same location: right rear. The wheels are 20 x 12 satin black ZR1 style. First question: could there be a suspension issue causing the wheel to fail? This is the third time at the same location. the first time I had it welded; that only lasted a few months and I replaced it with an OEM wheel ($950). That one lasted a couple of years and it happened again; replaced with OEM. Now, the third one has failed. Anyone also seen this problem? Is it possible there is a suspension problem causing this? Thanks all!
Here is link of some good options from Winn Dynamics Forged (WD Forged) well established company since 2017 that has been producing OE Style Forged wheels for the Corvette Fourm without any issues.
These are made in the USA and start at $4k a set of 4 wheels for Corvette Forum members right now. https://wheeldesigners.com/collectio...2728=WD+FORGED
I do have a set of the GS01 in Triple Chrome in stock 19x10+43 20x12+59 OE specs to use eveyrhting OEM also.
Let me know if you have any questions.
James'
714-340-5875
Cracked wheel; third time at the same location
