Never had it done myself but our local place charges $200 per rim to recondition. I would go the recondition route.

Have heard other have had good success. I couldn't care less what Porsche thinks about repairing alloy rims. I'm sure there are some types of damage that can't be fixed but if a reputable repair shop gives me the "go" sign then I am going that route. YMMV.

 

<snip> I couldn't care less what Porsche thinks about repairing alloy rims. I'm sure there are some types of damage that can't be fixed but if a reputable repair shop gives me the "go" sign then I am going that route. YMMV.

Remember that Porsche wants (insists?) that the car continue to be safe at autobahn speeds--250 kph and above.
I'd be asking the repair shop what they insure if the wheel gives out on the highway.

 

Insurance doesn’t cover the wheels?


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It’s a cast aluminum wheel and Porsche doesn’t even make them. It is standard practice to repair a bent wheel that is steel and or cast aluminum. Dealers have these repair/recondition shops on retainer just like the PDR guys.

I’ve had the wheels on my Mercedes repaired at least twice (each wheel). Yes we have some bad roads.

I wouldn’t do a repair on a forged wheel though. Can’t give specific rationale on why. My gut tells me that a forged wheel is changed in that forging process and adding heat & pressure would modify its structure.

 

Does anyone know what is the process to repair the wheel? Do they apply heat? To what temperature? Pressure?

At least for steel, you can go through annealing which will change the hardness characteristics of steel. It's been over 30 years I'd have to deal with such things...

 

I would say if you're going to buy new wheels, I'd lean toward getting the full wheel and tire set from Suncoast, and that leaves your existing good wheels as spares, one front, and one rear!

 

Yup, my original plan was to buy the full set of wheels+tires from Suncoast, until I talked to the shop and they said "Before you order that, let's see if we can get those wheels straightened." I guess we'll try that first. I've read all sorts of different opinions ranging from "If Porsche prohibits it, there's a reason for that" to "it should be no problem if you take it to a good shop." Sigh...

As for insurance, I guess I could try. We literally just had a mysterious thing make a sizeable dent in the rear bumper when the car was parked, necessitating a $7,500 claim to replace the entire bumper (whatever it was, hit the bumper right on the right rear parking sensor and also damaged the support bracket underneath.) We have no idea what hit it (it wasn't a car, the dent was bizarrely round/oval which matches nothing I've ever seen.) Anyhow, I am not looking forward to my rate adjustment that will likely happen due to that claim. Plus I'm guessing the insurance co. would simply insist on a repair instead of replacement, and by that point with my deductible I might as well just go the repair route first.

Decisions, decisions....

 

A good, reputable wheel repair shop should be able to repair a bent cast or pressure-forged aluminum alloy wheel -- but it depends on the nature of the damage, too. I would find a reputable shop in your area -- hit up your local PCA chapter for recommendations, or do a little research on other, larger car forums (and beyond Porsche-specific ones) for clues.

@HooosierDaddy is correct: forged wheels can rarely be repaired. The flip side to that is that fully forged wheels are significantly stronger than cast ones -- and if that pothole bent a forged wheel, it was a heck of an impact that few wheels would survive undamaged. Before the 2020 model year, the only 718-specific OEM wheel that is forged is the 20-inch 911 Turbo IV, which is the 10-spoke two-tone one.

Good luck; let us know what happens!

 

Before the 2020 model year, the only 718-specific OEM wheel that is forged is the 20-inch 911 Turbo IV, which is the 10-spoke two-tone one.

Like this!

 

Hoosier and Viffermike -- thank you, that's really helpful. That's pretty much what I was thinking.

One further question: if I were to switch to all-new 19" wheels and tires, would there be other issues I should be aware of? Or could I just order up a set of 19" rims and tires, install it, and be on my way?

 

You can get a good aftermarket set. Heck, hit up @BB718. He has a sweet set of forged he may eventually sell. No promises, but if he moves his car they may be available.

 

Ah yes, those 911 Turbo 20" wheels are nice. They're what I have on my 718 loaner right now from the dealer! They're pricey, but if they are significantly stronger, could be a smart investment....hmmmm....

 

BB718: very sharp indeed! My CS goes into the shop Tuesday. Looks like the left front took a pretty big bend, but the left rear is much less affected (but still bent.) Depending on what happens I may reach out to you. Spiffy Boxster you've got there!

 

I assume the wheel would've cracked if impacted hard enough to measurably deform it. Is this not the case? And if so, I would question whether the wheel is structurally sound. This is out of my area of expertise; I'm just thinking out loud.

As for replacing them, have you (OP) looked for a "take off" pair? The market is so small that OEM wheels in perfect condition sell for a small fraction of their retail price new. That's how I got wheels for my winter tires.

 

Been looking for a while and most have been in the $2K range (+/- ~$200) What “small fraction” would you think 19’s and 20’s should go for? Thanks!

 

I bought my 19" Carrera S wheels in like new condition for $250 each. I believe MSRP is/was $1500. I can't imagine having to spend more than 25% of list if you can be patient.

 

So, just talked to the shop (Custom Alignment in Mtn. View, CA -- very well-regarded and right next to Modderman's, a well-known Porsche indie shop here in the Bay Area.)

Left front wheel (the one that took the brunt of the impact) is unfortunately beyond repair. The left rear was also hit, but that bend is repairable, and is being done by Pacific Rim, the shop that Custom farms out repair work to. Custom also noticed that the right front wheel had a small bend, so that is also being repaired. I didn't have the slightest clue that wheel had any issues at all. What is it with these 20" wheels? Are they only designed for smooth racetracks and not for any kind of real-world driving?

So I'll be getting a new 20" Carrera S wheel from Suncoast and re-using the existing tires. All-in, cost for the repairs plus the one new wheel plus a remount/balance and alignment will be $2,500.

Makes me wish I would have bought wheel and tire insurance. A few months ago at 5K miles the right rear took a massive puncture, so there went another $980 for 2 new Michelins. That's $3,500 just on wheels and tires alone, in 7,000 miles of driving. 50 cents a mile just for tires and wheels...

So, onto the next quest. Finding a solid set of silver 19" wheels. If this happened once on Bay Area roads, it'll happen again, and I can't be spending 50 cents a mile just on tires and wheels.

I've looked online, all over, and have not found very many options. That "Auto Rim Shop" online gets terrible reviews. I'd rather buy from a fellow Porsche fan.

Hey @BB718....if you end up needing to move those 19"s, let me know! I will PM you with my info.

Final question: Who in their right mind would spec 20" wheels when they can barely survive a relatively small pothole? (This particular one honestly wasn't that bad at all.)

 

I have 20” Carrera wheels on my 2018 CPO boxster
curb rash heaven , would never order them

 

Third: yup, I have looked for replacements. All I can find are some dodgy "refurbished" ones from a site with terrible reviews (Auto Rim Shop), or new OEM pricing. Right now on Rennlist and on this site there's nothing in the spec I would want (ideally 19" Boxster S wheels, OEM silver, to fit a 982.)

 

I found mine in the PCA website's classified ads. Right now there are seven pages of listings and my experience was that new ones pop up every day. I saw there's a set of 18" 718 wheels with winter tires listed if that's of interest. The seller is asking $1500. I assume he/she would take less. If you're patient I'm sure you can find the Boxster S wheel you're looking for.

Note it's likely you'll have to buy TPMS sensors if the wheels you buy came from something other than a 718. OEM sensors from Porsche are about $150 each if I recall correctly. I bought the same sensors (different packaging) from Tire Rack for about $50 each. I've seen replacement sensors for $10 or $15 each but can't speak to their compatibility.

 

And just for entertainment value, here is the girl these wheels will fit. Taken the morning after a full application of Modesta BC-04 and a full frontal (plus wheel arches and runners) application of ClearGuard Nano PPF...

 

Might be better to buy a quality set of Aftermarket Forged wheels. Most of the companies offer forged wheels in packages with tires. They'll install sensors, mount/balance and ship right to your door!

Oh and Modesta BC-04 is Amazing!

 

Hi Hoosier: could you suggest some brands that are reputable? I've never bought aftermarket wheels before. Much appreciated!

 

Take a look at BC Forged. They are based out of the Daytona Beach, FL area and have some of the lowest prices for forged wheels. They are fully customizeable on sizes and will make any width, offset, etc. you want. They can make the wheel center compatible with the factory Porsche center caps also.

I've been to their shop before, and they were very helpful. A very reputable Porsche race shop recommended BC Forged to me while I was having my car upgraded.

Contact Us - BC Forged NA

BC FORGED NORTH AMERICA Conveniently located in Ormond Beach, Florida. Dan Young Sales/General Manager Email:dan@bcforged-na.com Jonathan DeHate Sales/Photographer Email:jonathan@bcforged-na.com Cole Young Sales/Videographer Email:cole@bcforged-na.com Mike Robuls Sales/Social Media...

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JNS and Third, thanks to both! Very helpful.

 

get a photo of the pothole and go after the city

Get the rims repaired for sure,I have had 2 done on my
macan with no issues at

 

I wish I could...but the pothole was on I-880 (CA state jurisdiction I believe) and when I drove by the same location 2 days later, it was... Gone! Repair crew must have filled it in. So it was just my luck

Now, to find a set of 19" wheels. Or 20" forged. Because I just know this is gonna happen again...

 

@kfahmi : Why not hedge your bets and look for a set of 19-inch forged wheels?
Advantages:

• may be slightly less expensive than 20-inch forged ones
• may be less expensive than OEM cast ones
• will be lighter than comparable cast ones
• will be stronger than comparable cast ones
• tires will be significantly less expensive

The only real advantage 20-inch rims have over smaller diameters is in looks, and that's subjective. Get a really good-looking set of aftermarket forged 19s, and even that won't be an issue. ;P

 

Viffermike: Excellent point. Besides BC Forged, what other brands might you consider?

 

I have these with about 1,200 miles on them.

 

Scratcher -- I'll send you a PM! Lovely ride you've got there...