Repairing wheel bead locks?

Britt Robinson · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 6:36 am Post subject: Repairing wheel bead locks?

A while back I ruined one of my Douglas magnesium wheels when I tried to remove the tire without unscrewing the bead locks.

Is there any chance I might be able to drill and tap the holes to a larger size and have it work? I'd like to hear of repair success or failures before I pull the trigger on a new set of wheels...
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Greg Wright · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 7:22 am Post subject:

Tap out to a 6m x 1.0 thread, then used 6mm beadlocks instead of the normal 5mm.
I"ve got hundreds of them.
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Walt Gifford · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:03 am Post subject:

Some bead locks are spaced tight. If you go to a bigger size you could have problems getting them in past the tire. I'd shop around for someone who can weld magnesium and see what they think. I've welded cast aluminum wheels.

Gif Cool

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Doug Ring · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:35 am Post subject:

I'd say drill, tap, put a tire on, inflate to 20-25 lbs, and let it sit for a couple of hours. If no leaks detected, then you are good to go.

Cory Ross · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:11 pm Post subject:

What do you have to lose by drilling and tapping. Sounds like if you don't you are going to trash the tire so you are risking nothing trying to fix it.

Britt Robinson · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:56 pm Post subject:

Brian Degulis · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 6:09 pm Post subject:

I've done it many times no problems. I use an ordinary pan head screw of a larger size with an 0 ring to seal it.

Brian

Juan D Gomez · Joined: 28 Apr 2010 Posts: 263

I have done this once and fixed it successfully. I've been using that wheel for 3 years now and no issues.
I usually put Teflon tape on the treats to help it seal a little better. Try different size o-rings under the head. mount them, let them sit for a day or so check pressure and if no leaks you should be golden.
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Walt Gifford · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:13 pm Post subject:

If you use a regular bolt you can't tighten it down too much or the o-ring will squeeze out. Use something made as a beadloc screw for best safety.

Gif Cool

_________________
FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001
Yamaha KT100 Service Center
40 years karting experience