posted on: September 5, 2023 01:03 pm

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: Customers bring wheels to their local tire centers. Our tire centers send the wheels to one of Bauer Built’s three wheel refinishing plants.

Step 2: We clean and prepare wheels for refinishing.

Step 3: Our team blasts the wheels with steel shot & abrasive grit. This removes built-up dirt, grease & old paint.

Step 4: We then inspect the wheels for potential safety issues.

Step 5: After the wheel passes inspection, we repaint the wheel. Our Lesta robotic painter applies the paint to a standard 3 mils thickness for a more consistent powder finish. 7 standard paint colors available.

Step 6: Primer applied (optional).

Step 7: Wheels are cured in an infrared catalyst oven for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Powder-coated finish transforms into a durable, permanent finish that looks like new.

Step 9: We inspect and prepare refinished wheels for customer return.

Step 10: We label every customer’s wheels. This guarantees that you will receive your own wheels.

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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.

Categories: Bauer Built Blog