96 cast/welded wheel failure photos

[GTS Dean]

I spent the holiday weekend getting my car prepped for its first track day in a full year (what a bummer this year's been). The last thing I did was wash and inspect 3 sets of wheels.

I had spoke cracks in the OEM 96 fronts and got some warranty replacements a while back.

You must be registered for see images

I believe the main problem with the OEM wheels is where the machining operation stopped, creating a natural stress raiser. In every case, the most noticeable cracks (ending at the black dots) are located near these places.

You must be registered for see images

The replacements are noticeably different in the casting and machining on the backside.

You must be registered for see images

The 96 RT/10 wheels (which I've been using as primary track wheels since 96) are not machined at all. (notice the casting sand finish) They show almost no evidence of fatigue stress except *maybe* one wheel - I'm going to keep a close eye on it. Can you find the spot I'm watching?

You must be registered for see images

Go fast! Be SAFE! Inspect your car carefully!

 

[GTS Dean]

Someone's horror story.

You must be registered for see images

 

[96 GTS]

Someone's horror story.

You must be registered for see images

This wheel appears to have been chrome plated. I remember a thread a while back that warned of potential problems if you chrome the '96 GTS wheel. Something about the heating process. Be careful!

 

[Newport Viper]

Would powder coating hurt anything???????

 

[MaxedGTS]

wow thats a nightmare I hope people know not to road race on the 96 wheels!

Max

 

[MannyC]

That was my wheel. And I didn't know you couldn't race on them. Later I found out you shouldn't race on them with slicks. Well I proved you shouldn't even race them with stock tires, which is what is on that tire as you can see from the photo.