Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to repair a damaged wheel?
2. Are your repairs guaranteed?
3. How much does Cliff Jacobs' Wheel Repair charge?
4. Does Cliff Jacobs' Wheel Repair refinish wheels?
5. Are there wheels that cannot be straightened?
6. Can wheels be welded?

7.

 What happens to unclaimed wheels?
How long does it take to repair a damaged wheel?
Cliff Jacobs' Wheel Repair is committed to customer service and knows the importance of quick turnaround.  Wheels are repaired and shipped in 1 business day.  Severely damaged wheels may require 2 business days to repair, however customer will be notified.
 
Are your repairs guaranteed?
Yes.  We offer a limited guarantee.  Our repairs are guaranteed to deliver a wheel that runs straight within specifications, balances with a quality tire and has no air leaks*.  If we are unable to repair your wheel, you will not be charged. *Promise of no air leaks requires a quality tire.
 
How much does Cliff Jacobs Wheel Repair charge?
Although charges are based upon damage severity, repairs generally range from a low of $80 to a high of $125. (13 inch to 20 inch wheels)  Additional shipping charges apply.  Customers are provided a price quote before repair begins.
 
Does Cliff Jacobs Wheel Repair refinish wheels?
No.  Wheels are straightened, welded and repaired but not completely refinished.  In some cases wheels receive light touch up in the damaged area.  Complete refinishing often also involves plating or restoring a wheels original finish and machining.  Our experience has shown that most wheels do not require complete refinishing.  Significant machining of a wheel can also result in weak spots that jeopardize the overall integrity of the wheel.  Some customers have commented that refinishing produces one wheel that is new in appearance, while the others appear worn.   
 
Are there wheels that cannot be straightened?
Yes.  Wheels that are severely bent in the center (lateral bend) are not candidates for straightening.  The significant pressure (measured in tons) required to straighten the wheel center can damage the overall integrity of the wheel and is not recommended.  In some cases a wheel that is subject to a radial impact, such as pot hole or running over an object, results in the wheel center being pulled rather than bent.  Wheels that have cracks in their spokes are also not candidates for repair.  A wheel with light lateral run out can often be machined to remove this imperfection.  While Chrome plated wheels can be repaired, the plating process used by most manufacturers can cause Hydrogen embrittlement.  As a result, the wheel  might be susceptible to fracture during the straightening process.  In many cases these fractures can be welded. (see welding)
 
Can wheels be welded?
Yes, but with restrictions.  If the crack damage runs around the wheel (circumference) it does not have a tendency to re-crack as easily if hit in the same area again.  Wheels with severe lip damage can often be repaired by cutting and removing the damaged area and splicing in a replacement section.  A crack from the lip inward is common especially on the large chrome wheels with extra low profile tires (25-35 series).  We drill and slice these cracks and weld them root to root.  These are more prone to re-crack if hit again in the same place.  There are many wheels on the road that are welded.  We suggest running them on the rear of the car since the rear of the car is sprung softer and hits easier, making them less likely to crack.  If we weld a wheel we will leave the weld on the outside of the inside barrel if possible to give it extra support.  We have seen many wheels that have been welded and totally machined down (CNC). This process makes for a weak spot because the welded area is softer than the rest of the wheel.  This is characteristic of welding aluminum.  We cannot guarantee a weld because of the above experiences, but will weld if restrictions are observed.  Our objective is to straighten the wheel without cracking or compromising the area damaged.  We do have an eddy current test on site to use if necessary.
 
What happens to unclaimed wheels?
Wheels that are not paid for or claimed after 45 days will be recycled.  All profits from the recycle of these wheels will be donated to the Cincinnati Shriner's Hospital.
Do you have a question that we have not answered?  E-mail us your questions and we'll respond!