Radial crack in rim flange

This damage is attributable to events such as driving over an obstacle, punctures etc. (See attachment: "Radial crack in rim flange picture").

Low section tires are being used increasingly.In the process both the tire and rim are significantly more sensitive to mechanical damage due to the lower sidewall height particularly in combination with too low tire pressure. In the event of a puncture (e.g. while driving over corresponding obstacles) the rim flange is possibly deformed plastically or pre-damaged so that either a radial crack occurs immediately or only occurs later due to the operating load. In the case of the damage mentioned it is not a material fault although this is mistakenly assumed. The damage mentioned is not to be attended to by the manufacturer but is clearly attributable to external influences.

Workshop must replace the cracked rim, it is not allowed to repair and weld rim. For safety reason, we recommend replacing the corresponding tire as well. Because it cannot be ruled out that the tire has suffered internal pre-damage to the fabric or carcass.

This kind of cracking damage is usually accompanied with obvious wheel surface damages, such as rim scratch, tire bulge and so on, so it does not belong to warranty account and the workshop does not need to create a TIPS Case.

If a workshop finds no any external damages on rim, tire, underneath panels or other chassis parts, no any accident or customer misuse evidence, workshop may create a TIPS Case and provide follows in TIPS Case for warranty application inquiry:

1. The original photos of the wheels on the vehicle - refer to “Rim and wheel original reference picture”.

2. The photos of tire and rim brand, production date and size specification, rim part number of cracked rim. Clean dirty rim or tire if necessary. Ref. to “Rim and wheel check reference picture”.

3. Provide check results of dynamic balance and runout test of the cracked rim, e.g. left front rim, lateral runout: 0.3mm, radial runout: 1.5mm. Refer to “Rim runout check reference video”, AR40.10-P-1025A/standard values, and use special tools: W001589532100 and W3635889022100.