ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections!

Jim Bailey · 04-17-2024, 08:43 AM

All racers should pay close attention to the condition of their front wheels. As a Tech person for the past three years, I've seen multiple issues with front wheels. (Three in the first 2 races this year.) The problem seems to be with the lightweight 5 spoke, M/T and Weld one-piece forged wheels. I believe these particular models are older and have since been discontinued, but a lot of racers still run them. Watch carefully near the machined area for the lug nut on each of the spokes, and the thin area that makes up the bead on the edge of the rim. This is where we're finding cracks. My guess is along with age, braking, and wheelies, it's taking their toll on the rims. Make it part of you daily inspection! I'd hate to see someone get hurt.

Jeff Niceswanger · 04-17-2024, 01:11 PM

We broke the Monocoques with all the round holes in them. Broke one bad at the Byron
origainal Class Nationals. Had to borrow an oddball to make the nexst round as it was in eliminations.

GTX JOHN · 04-17-2024, 03:34 PM

I have cracked several Bogarts/Mono wheel on my Stocker
and once gone into a serious wobble in High gear when the
wheel began to distort!

Tom P · 04-17-2024, 04:01 PM

the 3 1/2" Supertricks used to crack on the groove that the valve stem is closest too. I had three of them crack and the way i'd notice is when the tire was losing air pressure. I welded them and reused them after running out of the supply of unpolished ones.

MAURICE BLENDHEIM · 04-17-2024, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bailey

All racers should pay close attention to the condition of their front wheels. As a Tech person for the past three years, I've seen multiple issues with front wheels. (Three in the first 2 races this year.) The problem seems to be with the lightweight 5 spoke, M/T and Weld one-piece forged wheels. I believe these particular models are older and have since been discontinued, but a lot of racers still run them. Watch carefully near the machined area for the lug nut on each of the spokes, and the thin area that makes up the bead on the edge of the rim. This is where we're finding cracks. My guess is along with age, braking, and wheelies, it's taking their toll on the rims. Make it part of you daily inspection! I'd hate to see someone get hurt.

Jim... The Mickey Thompson wheels that you are talking about, Do they have dual Bolt Pattern? MB.

Jim Bailey · 04-18-2024, 08:49 AM

Yes, the M/T have a dual bolt pattern.

1320racer · 04-18-2024, 01:24 PM

read my comments from 4 years ago...

https://classracer.com/classforum/sh...t=73282&page=2

After 2 sets of Weld's Magnum Frontrunner failing, I switch to Weld's Alumastar Front Runner that have been in service for 2 1/2 seasons without issue.

04-17-2024, 08:43 AM	#1
Jim Bailey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 700 Likes: 17 Liked 571 Times in 107 Posts	ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! All racers should pay close attention to the condition of their front wheels. As a Tech person for the past three years, I've seen multiple issues with front wheels. (Three in the first 2 races this year.) The problem seems to be with the lightweight 5 spoke, M/T and Weld one-piece forged wheels. I believe these particular models are older and have since been discontinued, but a lot of racers still run them. Watch carefully near the machined area for the lug nut on each of the spokes, and the thin area that makes up the bead on the edge of the rim. This is where we're finding cracks. My guess is along with age, braking, and wheelies, it's taking their toll on the rims. Make it part of you daily inspection! I'd hate to see someone get hurt.

04-17-2024, 01:11 PM	#2
Jeff Niceswanger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 771 Likes: 588 Liked 839 Times in 293 Posts	Re: ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! We broke the Monocoques with all the round holes in them. Broke one bad at the Byron origainal Class Nationals. Had to borrow an oddball to make the nexst round as it was in eliminations. __________________ Jeff Niceswanger 3740 SS

04-17-2024, 03:34 PM	#3
GTX JOHN VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boulder City, Nevada 89005 Posts: 2,532 Likes: 2,227 Liked 1,849 Times in 573 Posts	Re: ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! I have cracked several Bogarts/Mono wheel on my Stocker and once gone into a serious wobble in High gear when the wheel began to distort! __________________ John Irving 741 Stock 741 Super Stock

04-17-2024, 04:01 PM	#4
Tom P Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 699 Likes: 29 Liked 223 Times in 90 Posts	Re: ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! the 3 1/2" Supertricks used to crack on the groove that the valve stem is closest too. I had three of them crack and the way i'd notice is when the tire was losing air pressure. I welded them and reused them after running out of the supply of unpolished ones.

04-18-2024, 08:49 AM	#6
Jim Bailey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 700 Likes: 17 Liked 571 Times in 107 Posts	Re: ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! Yes, the M/T have a dual bolt pattern.

04-18-2024, 01:24 PM	#7
1320racer VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,780 Likes: 71 Liked 401 Times in 192 Posts	Re: ATTENTION - Front Wheel inspections! read my comments from 4 years ago... https://classracer.com/classforum/sh...t=73282&page=2 After 2 sets of Weld's Magnum Frontrunner failing, I switch to Weld's Alumastar Front Runner that have been in service for 2 1/2 seasons without issue. Last edited by 1320racer; 04-18-2024 at 01:40 PM.