One of my stock wheels cracked. Big pics
#1
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One of my stock wheels cracked. Big pics
We all know the early FD wheel design was changed because they were prone to cracking. The pics below show one of my "improved" design wheels which has cracked. Since in my possession (approx 7 years) this wheel has seen mostly street use but has had sticky track tires mounted to it on a few occasions. I can't say what it's life was like before I got it, but apparently the improved wheels are not impervious to failure after all these years.
The failure ocurred while on the right front of the car with stock sized street tires. I happened to notice it while washing the car; the crack wasn't there two weeks earlier when I had washed it last. I don't recall striking any curbs, potholes etc and the wheel seems to have failed from fatigue as the crack began behind the spoke.
I had the tire remounted onto one of my spare wheels and then broke the failed wheel in my hydraulic press to ensure it may never be used on another vehicle. Maybe it will make a nice hose reel
I will certainly keep a closer eye on all my stock wheels as they are all about 15 years old now. Check your on occasion too.
The failure ocurred while on the right front of the car with stock sized street tires. I happened to notice it while washing the car; the crack wasn't there two weeks earlier when I had washed it last. I don't recall striking any curbs, potholes etc and the wheel seems to have failed from fatigue as the crack began behind the spoke.
I had the tire remounted onto one of my spare wheels and then broke the failed wheel in my hydraulic press to ensure it may never be used on another vehicle. Maybe it will make a nice hose reel
I will certainly keep a closer eye on all my stock wheels as they are all about 15 years old now. Check your on occasion too.
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#10
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that really looks like torsional damage. just the way it goes straigh across the top and then the split goes off left and right. maybe cracked during some front wheel hop during a sudden hard turn
#12
Weird Cat Man
#17
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Originally Posted by dgeesaman
Damon, were you able to look at the crack surface and find fatigue marks or the initiation site?
Originally Posted by Sr20fd3st
that really looks like torsional damage. just the way it goes straigh across the top and then the split goes off left and right.
Originally Posted by wargasm
Aren't those the non-reinforced ones
What surprises me most is that this wheel was daily driven on street tires when it failed and two weeks ago it was fine. The cracks formed and propagated in that small amount of time just driving to work and back.
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Originally Posted by dubulup
show the WAR ROOM PICTURE!!!
You coffee table guys apparently don't have female co-habitators
#19
Racecar - Formula 2000
Originally Posted by DamonB
This leads me to believe it failed at the back of the spoke from bending.
It could also have had hidden defects (porosity, etc.) that may have caused the crack to start. However, looking at the wheel structure, that area (the inside edge of the spoke - high bending stress, and cross-section becomes smaller) is most likely the highest-stressed area in bending in the wheel, and would be the logical place for fatigue cracks to form.
Dave
Last edited by DaveW; 04-25-07 at 09:12 AM.
#20
Derwin
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Originally Posted by Larz
This is why I race on SSR's. Forged for strength and light weight.
Also he said it was the reuslt of street driving.
#21
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Originally Posted by DaveW
.. However, looking at the wheel structure, that area (the inside edge of the spoke) is most likely the highest-stressed area in bending in the wheel, and would be the logical place for fatigue cracks to form.
Dave
Dave
NOTE: since aluminum has no endurance limit, even the newer reinforced wheels WILL crack over time. Generally, the cracks that I see on the reinforced versions occur on the spokes, but closer to the rim.
-Rob
#24
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
That's a frightening thought. Didn't Mazda squeeze cast these wheels to minimize the porosity?
I was lucky - I powdercoated a rotor and got it ontop of the entertainment center. Although, occasionally the flowers I bring home end up blocking my view of my handywork
I was lucky - I powdercoated a rotor and got it ontop of the entertainment center. Although, occasionally the flowers I bring home end up blocking my view of my handywork