sasilverbullet

Hit a huge pothole while I was out Sunday and now my left front wheel is bent, not terribly, but the vibration is not so good. I will be filing a claim with USAA.

Options:
1. Live with the vibration - don't think so
2. Repair the bend - this wheel has already been repaired twice before, I don't think it can handle another repair
3. Buy one exact used wheel - no guarantee it's not bent either
4. Buy one new wheel from Porsche, $1,136.32, and it's on back order, no idea when available.
5. Buy four new aftermarket wheels, $????

Question: Are there any aftermarket 18" wheels that don't add any weight but don't bend so easily? This is the fourth incident in three years where I have a bent wheel for one reason or another.
They are 18" Carrera II wheels from the factory on a 03 C2.

Thoughts...suggestions...humor?

TheChunkNorris

Forged aluminum wheels are expensive and a monoblock CCW might be something to consider.

sasilverbullet

Please elaborate, are mine forged aluminum? Is that strong and light? What's monoblock CCW? links?

TheChunkNorris

I can’t say for certain but I believe the OEM wheels are cast or similar technology. I have a set of OZs which are a flow formed and super light but aren’t as robust. Forged monoblocks start as a block of metal and then are milled(CNC’d). Forged wheels are generally stronger. CCW is a brand that came to mind but BBS, Volk and higher end wheels have forged options.

SoCal911t

BBS RS-GT?
I haven't hit any big potholes [yet] but they seem pretty robust. They're forged and a little lighter than stock I think. Not cheap though.

Mike Murphy

Look for a used wheel and hope it’s straight.

dporto

Stop hitting potholes ! (humor)
Try these guys...

https://www.originalwheels.com/porsche-wheels/911.php

or: https://www.wheelcollision.com/store/PORSCHE.asp

GC996

Ebay may be your best bet for 1 wheel. Worst case, you may have to get it worked on, but it's a better option than your current wheel. Many folks have two sets of wheels which gives them an option to switch wheels "just in case" as well as run two sets of tires. Never an easy decision.

Once you figure out what to do for a wheel, you can try running a higher profile tire. May help to absorb the shock a bit better. Many guys are running 35 instead of 30 in the back. Don't know what has been attempted in the front with 18s.

philbert996

I’ve been to Wheel Collision Center more than I’d like.
Had a few repairs done there and also had them source a wheel after a large pothole made it unrepairable.


I was really happy with their work and would definitely recommend them.

sasilverbullet

I try, but it's my daily driver and they seem to be forever working on the roads around here. That huge pothole was at the transition between old pavement and a "new lane" for a temporary deviation in the route. I told TXDOT and they fixed it within 2 days! Not soon enough for me...

Thanks for the links! I will probably get a wheel from one of those guys.

michaelo

What you should care about is weight....more weight - so that it's a stronger wheel. You will be hitting more potholes no matter how hard you try not to. You are not standing behind the car pushing it, so what do you give a crap if the wheels are a bit heavier? They will roll just the same.

SSDVC

Geez, that looks good !

sasilverbullet

My understanding about weight on the wheel/tire combo is that the heavier, the harder it is to turn, and the less responsive to small bumps in the road.

I'm going to be looking for stronger, lighter wheels first, then if too expensive I'll probably just get another 18" Carrera II wheel. Still researching...

rileyracing1

This is the very reason I removed my mint sport classic rims and purchased a moderately priced aftermarket wheel .... If I bend one of my rims no big deal I just buy another for $500 and my oem rims stay nice and mint.

GC996

Yeah, I have two sets of 5 spoke classics. It's always good to know you can swap one out "just-in-case".