Can aluminum wheels be repaired?

2006 NISSAN SENTRA
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RRR500
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  • 1 POST
Good evening!

I have an '06 Nissan Sentra SE with 17" aluminum wheels. I have always liked how they looked, but one of them has fallen victim to a pothole.

Hitting it left a dent on the outside lip(1" long by 1/4" wide). This is causing an ongoing rim leak. Two tire shops have told me that it is impossible to repair aluminum wheels because heat cracks them.

After doing some research online, I've found that there are a number of companies that do repair alloy wheels using equipment that you wouldn't find at a neighborhood tire place. This option is 1/4 the price of a new wheel.

Any experience on whether these repairs work and/or are safe?
Jan 19, 2011 at 12:15 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
There are people that will repair them. However, I have my concerns. If the wheel isn't true when they finish, it could lead to tire balance issues, vibrations, air loss... I would recommend trying to find one in a salvage yard that isn't damaged.
Jan 25, 2011 at 11:03 PM
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