DON'T IGNORE A BENT OR CRACKED WHEEL
If a severe pothole or track day has left your car vibrating at highway speeds, or your tyre is slowly losing pressure, you likely have a bent or cracked wheel. Ignoring structural damage is dangerous. A bent rim causes uneven tyre wear and suspension damage, while a hairline crack can suddenly expand, leading to catastrophic wheel failure.
At AWR, we specialise in the safe, structural repair of alloy and mag wheels. We use hydraulic straightening presses and precision TIG welding to restore the integrity of your wheel, saving you the massive cost of buying a replacement.
WHY IN-HOUSE MACHINERY MATTERS
Structural wheel repair cannot be done safely on a driveway. It requires heavy, specialised machinery and controlled heat.
- Hydraulic Straightening: We use dial indicators to measure the runout (the bend) to the fraction of a millimetre, then use a hydraulic press and controlled heat to gently massage the alloy back into perfect roundness.
- Precision TIG Welding: For cracked wheels, we V-groove the crack to ensure full penetration, then use a TIG welder to build a strong, clean weld that is often stronger than the original alloy.
- Safety First: We will never repair a wheel if the damage compromises its core structural safety. If it's not safe for our cars, we won't put it on yours.
OUR STRUCTURAL REPAIR PROCESS
- Runout Testing: We mount the wheel and use precision gauges to locate the exact point and severity of the bend.
- Controlled Heating: The damaged area is carefully heated to soften the alloy, preventing it from snapping during the straightening process.
- Hydraulic Pressing: We use targeted hydraulic pressure to push the barrel back into its factory-correct circular profile.
- Crack Welding (If Required): Any cracks are dye-tested, V-grooved, and TIG welded, then machined smooth.
- Dynamic Balancing: The tyre is refitted and the wheel is dynamically balanced to ensure zero vibration on the road.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE ALLOY WHEELS WORTH REPAIRING?
Yes. Replacing an OEM alloy wheel can cost upwards of $1,500. A professional straightening or weld repair is a fraction of that cost and restores the wheel to safe, factory tolerances.
CAN CRACKED MAGNESIUM OR ALLOY WHEELS BE REPAIRED?
Most cracks on the inner or outer barrel can be safely TIG welded. However, cracks through the central hub or spokes compromise the core strength of the wheel and cannot be safely repaired. We will assess your wheel and advise you honestly.
HOW LONG DOES WHEEL STRAIGHTENING TAKE?
Single wheel straightening is typically completed within 24 hours. If the wheel also requires crack welding and cosmetic refinishing — including OEM-matched paint and clear coat — the process takes 24–48 hours.
STOP THE VIBRATION TODAY
Don't risk driving on a compromised wheel. Drop by our Grey Lynn workshop for a safety check, or send photos for a fast quote. We'll straighten it out and get you driving smoothly again.
Over a decade
of five-star results
From daily Corollas to weekend Porsches — here's what they said after getting their wheels back.
Expert Repairer for 60+ car & wheel brands
Discover factory-finish alloy wheel repair for every kind of vehicle — prestige, performance, SUV, EV, or everyday runabout. Our specialist technicians restore alloy and mag wheels to a flawless, OEM-quality finish.
location
We service alloy wheels nationwide from our high-tech workshop in Auckland.
grey lynn, auckland
Nearby? Swing by our workshop for a quick, no-pressure check and we will give you a quote while you wait.
Loan vehicles, and loan wheels are available.