Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels

[TomC]

At least on cars with magnesium wheels, they have a finite life, as magnesium gets brittle with age. Is this a problem with Alcoa aluminum wheels? I have some on my bus that are from 1985. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

I don't know the answer but I know where a 1954 Auto Car is that has the old tube type (new)tires with the Alcoa locking ring wheels what some would call a split wheel and the wheels they look as good as new 

[Utahclaimjumper]

 The short answer Tom is,, NO,, most aircraft wheels are aluminium and are 50 to 60 years old with no fatigue.>>>Dan 
( 33 year A/P I/A retired)     

[uncle ned]

I have 4 22 inch aluminum split rim wheels if any one is interested in them.

uncle ned

[TomC]

Sounds good, thank you!

[kyle4501]

The long answer is that if there was an issue, wouldn't there would be certification dates stamped on them like portable propane tanks.



All bets are off if you abuse them with overloading, under inflation, improper nut torque, curbing, etc.

[luvrbus]

The bead set on a Alcoa wheel will wear out over time and there is not a thing you can do about it

[kyle4501]

The bead set on a Alcoa wheel will wear out over time and there is not a thing you can do about it

That is very good point. The nut seats can also be damaged. ALCOA has gauge sets to check the condition of both.

[stevet903]

Here's the service manual:

https://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/catalog/pdf/ServiceManual-English.pdf

[TomC]

Thank you Steve-very informative.

[DoubleEagle]

Yes, very useful, thanks!