Everything You Need To Know About Wheel Reconditioning
If you’re in the trucking industry, you’re no stranger to the importance of vehicle maintenance. Every aspect of a commercial vehicle needs careful attention, from engine performance to safety equipment, and one critical component is the wheels. Do you pay enough attention to the condition of your wheels?
Here, we discuss semi-truck commercial wheel reconditioning, shedding light on what it entails, why it matters, and when you should invest in it.
What Is Wheel Reconditioning?
Wheel reconditioning is restoring worn-out or damaged steel wheels to their original condition, ensuring they are safe and functional. In heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks, the wheels endure tremendous stress and wear due to constant road travel, heavy loads, and exposure to various environmental factors. Over time, this wear can lead to issues such as corrosion, rust, and even cracks in the wheel structure.
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The Process of Wheel Reconditioning
The wheel reconditioning process is meticulous, involving several steps to ensure the wheels are brought back to their optimal state:
Step 1: Stripping and Cleaning
Reconditioning begins with technicians carefully cleaning, preparing, and blasting the wheels in to remove the old finish, surface impurities, and any residual paint from the wheels.
Step 2: Inspection
The wheels go through a thorough inspection to identify visible signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or corrosion.
Step 3: Repair and Restoration
After passing the inspection, technicians repair any damage or imperfections. This step may include welding cracks, straightening bends, or correcting bent rims.
Step 4: Sanding and Coating Application
After the repairs, technicians sand the wheel using low grit numbers to remove minor imperfections and create a smooth surface. The next step involves the application of a unique primer to the wheels, which enhances the bond between the paint and the wheel and protects against corrosion and rust.
Step 5: Quality Check
The technician will perform a final inspection to ensure the wheels are defect-free. If all is good, they will recondition and apply several coats of paint or powder coating. The wheels will be ready once the painter has applied a topcoat layer.
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When Is the Right Time for Wheel Reconditioning?
Knowing when to consider wheel reconditioning is crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of your semi-truck. Look out for these signs that indicate it might be time for reconditioning:
- Rust covering over a fifth of the wheel’s surface
- Rubber, debris, or rust on or around the bead seat
- Rust in the vicinity of the bolt area
- Accumulation of powder, paint, or debris surrounding the bolt area that exceeds three mils in thickness
Benefits of Semi-Truck Commercial Wheel Reconditioning
Investing in wheel reconditioning for your semi-truck can offer several benefits:
- Safety and Diagnostics: By eliminating rust, old paint, and debris, you uncover defects, identifying and rectifying problems before they become serious.
- Tire Health: Refinished wheels contribute to efficient tire mounting and dismounting, maintaining the tires’ health and improving the vehicle’s overall performance.
- Extended Wheel Lifespan: Maintaining a professionally finished appearance on your wheels protects them from corrosion and debris and reduces maintenance costs.
- Enhanced Vehicle Aesthetics: Reconditioned wheels impart a “new” appearance without the high costs of purchasing new wheels.
Ensuring Safety & Compliance: Bauer Built’s Wheel Reconditioning Expertise
Wheel reconditioning is a critical aspect of maintaining the safety and performance of your semi-truck. At Bauer Built, we specialize in reconditioning steel wheels for commercial vehicles.
Our wheel reconditioning services meet all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). By adhering to the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) enforcement program set out by the FMCSA, we ensure your wheels are safe and fully compliant with regulatory standards.
Don’t wait until your wheels show signs of severe wear; take action today and keep your wheels rolling smoothly and safely on the road. Contact Bauer Built now.
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