Hey guys, Had a search around the net regarding the repair of magnesium wheels can seem to find a definite answer. It may be me not searching the correct thing but... I have recently had my 916 serviced to discover the rear axle drive pins that locate into the rear wheel, have been sheared off at some point during use and caused the locating holes on the wheel to oval. Where do i stand in terms of repair??? Some people would insist on buying new wheels as the exposed magnesium alloy begins to degrade immediately compromising the wheel. Others say it could be fixed by drilling out the oval holes and push fitting a aluminium billet to allow the holes to be re-drilled the correct size. If anyone has any experience with magnesium wheels and their repair, the help would be most appreciated. Regards Dan
Try Ian here (near York) he has repaired magnesium motorsport components. Jemison Engineering... Ian Jemison Engineering The business, established in 1977 by Ian, originally concentrated on the manufacture and repair of Motorsport components and competition cars. Over the years they have been proud to be entrusted with the repairs and refurbishment of wheels for Prodrive Subaru, Rallyart Mitsubishu, Hyundai, Triple Eight and Jaguar. Aluminium and magnesium welding has always been a large part of the business and this has led to a specialisation in the repair and refinishing of aluminium and magnesium wheels, now accounting for 80% of the business.
I think you are on the right track with enlarging the existing holes and using a boss to relocate the hub pins (assuming there's enough meat in the wheel)
This problem has been caused by a loose wheel nut. The rotation of the wheel on the hub is prevented by the friction of the wheel hub surface interface providing that the securing nut is tigghtened to the correct torque. The pins are not drive pins, rather they prevent the wheel from rotating during the tightening process. So you can use the wheel as is as the pins will still engage in the wheel to enable tightening
I've never seen this on any single sided hub before, as said above it's motor than likely due to incorrect torque of the wheel nut at some point. I'd have the wheel drilled/ reemed and sleeved if it were me but you'd need to choose the correct material for the sleeves to prevent a reaction with the magnesium. Magnesium engine casings use steel dowels without issue.
