Front wheel cracked?

[joevano]

While detailing this weekend, I found two 2" long cracks in the front wheel. They run side by side parallel with the rim. I can't really tell whether they are just in the powder coat or in the wheel itself. The tire holds air fine and I don't see any signs of impact. I suspect it is just a powder coat issue but it makes me nervous not knowing for sure. How can I or someone asses the integrity of my wheel? I'm thinking perhaps with the tire removed the wheel could be magnifluxed to see a crack?

I've got a few weeks until riding season so I guess I better get on it now!

Thanks

[2beers]

The best way would be to do a Dye penetrant inspection. This is if the wheel is an aluminum wheel. Most machine shops that do engine work should be capable of this type of inspection. You will need to remove th etire for this. Can you remember hitting any potholes or debris with the front tire? When the tire is off make sure to look inside the tire for damage as well.

Just my $.02

Good luck.

[zoridog]

The BMW dealer charged me $500 for a new front wheel (85 K100). He said the wheels for the newer K bikes run $1000:eek

[sgborgstrom]

I have bought used items from http://www.cyclesrecycled.com/
The last was a front wheel for my K100RS, about $300 IIRC.

[deilenberger]

While detailing this weekend, I found two 2" long cracks in the front wheel. They run side by side parallel with the rim. I can't really tell whether they are just in the powder coat or in the wheel itself. The tire holds air fine and I don't see any signs of impact. I suspect it is just a powder coat issue but it makes me nervous not knowing for sure. How can I or someone asses the integrity of my wheel? I'm thinking perhaps with the tire removed the wheel could be magnifluxed to see a crack?

I've got a few weeks until riding season so I guess I better get on it now!

ThanksUmmm... not being omnipotent and being able to see your bike over the Internet - what year/model and what style rim?

[RJM2096]

I f the cycle had another owner was it possibe the rim was bend and beat back into shape? The could explain surface cracks. They may not be all the way through, thus it hold air, but is still dangerous.