Taking apart 3 piece wheels? (BBS RS)

[SpasticDwarf]

I'm about to get to work on refinishing my BBS RS's, but before I take them apart, I want to make sure I wont hurt anything. Is there a full tutorial out there, or can someone here tell me the do's and don't's?

[Wess McCoy]

As One of my current problems,
Air leaks .....
I'm starting to research what to do to fix air leaks, with 3 piece wheels.

I'm fairly sure it the wheels that are leaking, because both outside rims were recently re-plated, and now has an excessive air leak on both. One leaks 2-3 lb.'s per day and other leaks 2-3 lb's per week.

I guess the first thing to do is talk to the mechanic who actually removed rims....but since he didn't right the first time, I'm not inclined to go back unless he will guarantee his work.

Base on what I see, they use a torq's bolt, so the proper socket and torque specs will be a need to start....
Seeing that my problem is only outside rims (I hope) it may be possible to pull the wheel off the car and remove bolts, and rim and look for obvious issues.
Not sure how the wheels are sealed, be it an O-ring or what.....?

any help/insight is greatly appreciate

[Mark 88/M5]

Make sure the mating surfaces are clean and true, bolt the wheels together to manufactures specifications, seal with a bead of silicon sealant on the mating joints in the "valley" of the rim. At least that is what I used to do on the Joungblood wheels we ran on IMSA Porches way back when.

[Wess McCoy]

Make sure the mating surfaces are clean and true, bolt the wheels together to manufactures specifications, seal with a bead of silicon sealant on the mating joints in the "valley" of the rim. At least that is what I used to do on the Joungblood wheels we ran on IMSA Porches way back when.

Just make sure you have torque specs, proper socket, silicone and some elbow grease.....clean to operating room specs.....and re-assemble......?
Ca I do it on the floor/carpet with breaking down the tire off the wheel.....?

thanx

[WBMan]

Definitely could be the silicone didn't seal properly and would have to be done over again, with 24hrs of drying time. Then mount & balance the tire back on and let it sit to see if it holds pressure.

[SpasticDwarf]

Can I get my question answered here?

[Boostedcorrados]

ok First things first...Dismount the tire.

When splitting them take all the bolts out using an 8mm 12pt socket. If you can see exposed silicone take a razorblade and cut along it between the 2 pieces of shell. A rubber mallet or piece of wood will split the 2. I use a piece of wood in the front yard and just beat the inside of the lip against it a time or 2. Some come apart easy others not so much. once split polish,powdercoat or whatever.

putting them back together is the fun part. Clean off ALL the old silicone and go grab 4 tubes of RTV and rubber gloves if your doing 4 you will use it all or close to if not never hurts to have that extra tube. I use a scotch brite pad or a fine sand paper between the 2 pieces to seal it and about 1/2 inch to an inch on each side.

I need to look up the TQ spec for the bolts again but i believer RS is 28-32ft pounds in a X pattern like lug bolts. I do them in 2 steps on 1/2 the tq and then the full on tq. I usually run a fine bead between the lip and the inner shell before bolting it but keep it away from the bolts cause it will seep out to the face and is a pain to take off. Once they are close to tq(I do this with my half tq tighten) run a bead around the wheel and with the glove on rol the wheel using your finger to smooth it out.
you can do it after your done too i just like to make sure the RTV is in the cracks really good and that the first batch isnt dry yet. double check and let sit over night at least so everythings dry and when you have the tires mounted have them checked for leaks in the dunk tank. If it leaks do it again if not go home put them on and take pics for me to see!

[raoke]

Isn't this the sort of thing you'd want a professional to do?

I have some wheels I might refinish as well but I'm thinking of leaving it up to someone whos trade this art belongs to.

[SpasticDwarf]

Boosted, the thing is, I CANT get the wheels apart... I mean.. I've done everything I can... they won't separate.

[MJFX328]

I had to put a car battery on top of my rim center and jumped on the battery 3 times before my wheel would seperate. Try a little harder before you take it to a pro.

One thing you should do! Mark the inside of the peices before you disassemble them, so they go back in the exact same spot. If theyre moved it could affect balance, etc. I dunno exactly but just do it..

[Boostedcorrados]

If all the bolts are out and you have taken a razor blade and cut as deep between the 2 as possible you should be able to get it off.

I have this wood trim in my yard thats nailed down and is almost like a railroad tie i use. I hold it above my head and clip the inner part of the lip where the bead seats and even the Works i just split not cutting the sealant only took 2 hard wacks. First one the face fell out in to the grass 2nd one lip came off.

some people have said a propane torch around where the glue is helps but i have never had to use it. If you try it dont get them too hot.

[Boostedcorrados]

One thing you should do! Mark the inside of the peices before you disassemble them, so they go back in the exact same spot. If theyre moved it could affect balance, etc. I dunno exactly but just do it..


Great idea! Its not going to mean a world of difference but it helps to put them back together exactly as they were before. Now that i have heard it every wheel i will do from now on has to be done this way(OCD lol) i have never done it before and never had an issue most have a notch and only go together one way.

[Mstngcobr761]

ok First things first...Dismount the tire.

When splitting them take all the bolts out using an 8mm 12pt socket. If you can see exposed silicone take a razorblade and cut along it between the 2 pieces of shell. A rubber mallet or piece of wood will split the 2. I use a piece of wood in the front yard and just beat the inside of the lip against it a time or 2. Some come apart easy others not so much. once split polish,powdercoat or whatever.

putting them back together is the fun part. Clean off ALL the old silicone and go grab 4 tubes of RTV and rubber gloves if your doing 4 you will use it all or close to if not never hurts to have that extra tube. I use a scotch brite pad or a fine sand paper between the 2 pieces to seal it and about 1/2 inch to an inch on each side.

I need to look up the TQ spec for the bolts again but i believer RS is 28-32ft pounds in a X pattern like lug bolts. I do them in 2 steps on 1/2 the tq and then the full on tq. I usually run a fine bead between the lip and the inner shell before bolting it but keep it away from the bolts cause it will seep out to the face and is a pain to take off. Once they are close to tq(I do this with my half tq tighten) run a bead around the wheel and with the glove on rol the wheel using your finger to smooth it out.
you can do it after your done too i just like to make sure the RTV is in the cracks really good and that the first batch isnt dry yet. double check and let sit over night at least so everythings dry and when you have the tires mounted have them checked for leaks in the dunk tank. If it leaks do it again if not go home put them on and take pics for me to see!

I have some RS's im trying to take apart also and the bolts dont seem to want to come out...i can break them loose but thats about it

[Mstngcobr761]

:help

[M3dren]

http://the-polisher.tripod.com/id6.html

a rs/rm refurb diy i found a long time ago.

;)

good luck spastic. you planning on getting it painted? if so what color? luckily for me i bought mine refurbished and painted

[Mstngcobr761]

http://the-polisher.tripod.com/id6.html

a rs/rm refurb diy i found a long time ago.

;)

good luck spastic. you planning on getting it painted? if so what color? luckily for me i bought mine refurbished and painted

thanks so much for that big help.....i would of bought mine all done up too but ten times cheaper for how much i got them for.

[M3dren]

np. what size/et rs you refurbing if you dont mind me asking.

yeh i kind of bit the bullet on mine and spent the $$$ just cuz it was the only set i could find after an apparent rs drought. just had to pick em up.

btw this is ot but how do you like that stromung on your e36? i was thinking of picking one up in a few months. after i get some c/o's

[JohnAl]

thank god for that link to the polisher

[INFAMOUSNEEK]

Man great link! I was just about to ask this same question.. time to take apart the 23" OZ VELA's for the lightning! The wheels i got are Sonic Blue but I want them gunmetal or body color to my Silver Lightning.. Can't wait till i get a picture that's not Pchopped on my truck!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/o3tlson19s/Lightningon23s6-2-06004.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q237/carling666/greylightning.jpg

[Jcbe34]

Im having problems removing the centers of my wheels? All the bolts are removed and the lips are off? Is this where they are commonly a PITA?

[KarlSpackler]

Im having problems removing the centers of my wheels? All the bolts are removed and the lips are off? Is this where they are commonly a PITA?

Block of wood + sledge hammer

[kosta]

sorry for bumping this but i have a question.

if i just want to redo the centers of my hre's, can i just remove the center without taking the tires off?

just a major pain to remove, reinstall, balance etc

[MJFX328]

Yes I dont see why not. But for the sake of balance, mark the centers so they go back in the same exact position.


sorry for bumping this but i have a question.

if i just want to redo the centers of my hre's, can i just remove the center without taking the tires off?

just a major pain to remove, reinstall, balance etc

[randytt]

sorry for bumping this but i have a question.

if i just want to redo the centers of my hre's, can i just remove the center without taking the tires off?

just a major pain to remove, reinstall, balance etc
depends on the wheels. if the wheel is a 2 peice u might be able to do it, but i will still at least deflate the tire. if they are 3 peice, i am pretty sure u will need/should to take the tire off.

[KarlSpackler]

depends on the wheels. if the wheel is a 2 peice u might be able to do it, but i will still at least deflate the tire. if they are 3 peice, i am pretty sure u will need/should to take the tire off.

The above is true, but it mostly depends on 2 things.

1. Is it a 2 or 3 piece wheel
2. How is the face attached to the outer lip and barrel.


Lets see some pics and that should help.

[legendary]

Man great link! I was just about to ask this same question.. time to take apart the 23" OZ VELA's for the lightning! The wheels i got are Sonic Blue but I want them gunmetal or body color to my Silver Lightning.. Can't wait till i get a picture that's not Pchopped on my truck!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/o3tlson19s/Lightningon23s6-2-06004.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q237/carling666/greylightning.jpg

these are hot!!!

[kosta]

typical hre

front
http://shutter14.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/20/002/5F/FE/86/C8/U-DWBnJkoDQlgdh2TLbm6kcysVP-5ZIw0300.jpg

back
http://shutter13.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/21/00A/3B/DF/29/35/+xh5oUZlFHvQKEP4oW9MFUxobDgbRa8t0300.jpg

i figured if i deflated them, marked the spot where the air nozzle went through and took them apart it would be ok

just dont know if the silicon bead actually goes into the bolt holes?

[KarlSpackler]

typical hre

front
http://shutter14.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/20/002/5F/FE/86/C8/U-DWBnJkoDQlgdh2TLbm6kcysVP-5ZIw0300.jpg

back
http://shutter13.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/21/00A/3B/DF/29/35/+xh5oUZlFHvQKEP4oW9MFUxobDgbRa8t0300.jpg

i figured if i deflated them, marked the spot where the air nozzle went through and took them apart it would be ok

just dont know if the silicon bead actually goes into the bolt holes?

Yup, they are top face mounted so you should be able to. BBS RS's are outer shell top mounted so you cannot do it then.

Are they 2 piece or 3?

[kosta]

3 pc

[peelsbimmer]

Bump from the dead.

What type of sealant should I use to put the faces back on to the barrels of my RS's? Would any RTV sealant work?

[fastfly]

Pump the tire up to 50psi and then undue the bolts, that should split the rim.

[Car54]

Sorry for the ancient bump.

How did you get the wheels apart?

So the last comment indicates you don't have to get tires dismounted before separating a 3pc, right?

In addition, I'm thinking of swapping inner barrels from front to rear to get a smaller stagger than my OP had these built with. This seems to not jive with you guys marking your wheels to reassemble. I better call Nutek.