addressing flaws after polishing bores

[ngyoung]

The wheel bore polish process gas been described in detail. What I haven't seen addressed dealing with any flaws that may still remain. Do you consider it a lost cause? You redo the step 1 on a q-tip stem?

I kind of came across this with my basx wheels. The first race I took the 2 best to use in the rear and the next best for the DFW. The 4th I didn't notice until after the 2nd prep was buffed out. There was a line that kinda seems like a mold flaw running down the bore. I decided to just put it on the lifted axle.

Now for this second race one of my rear wheels I discovered a dent in the outer hub where the double step was removed and coned. It left a bulge in the cone. I think it happened in shipping. So now I was left trying to decide if I should try polishing out that lifted wheel with the line in it or just re prep like normal and just clean and re apply the red rocket.

I ended up moving my DFW wheel to the back and using the lifted wheel as the new DFW. I also decided not to try to polish it up again with a qtip for now. I may try when it comes back again when I have more time.

 

[cycrunner]

For the small bore line scratch, try using Novus #3 (Heavy scratch remover), then follow with Novus #2 (Fine scratch remover). Novus #2 looks just like Red Rocket to me and seems equivalent. If you have Red Rocket just use that after Novus #3. I also use Novus #1 (fine polish after Novus #2 for the final shine. It is too fine, however, for scratch removal.

For the bump in the wheel bore I think you will have to drill, or preferably ream, that out to final size and repeat the prep process. Sounds like the bump is too much to expect removal from just re-prepping. The Novus #3 might be of help after reaming to size. If this doesn't work just get a new set of wheels.
Good luck!

 

[ngyoung]

Any of you have to repeat the q-tip polish step to get rid of some fine stubborn scratches? Or is the risk of widening the bore make it not worth it?

 

[cycrunner]

I doubt that the Q-tip polishing can significantly enlarge the wheel bore. Do it and see if you can get rid of the scratches.

 

[The Iceman]

The wheel bore polish process gas been described in detail. What I haven't seen addressed dealing with any flaws that may still remain. Do you consider it a lost cause? You redo the step 1 on a q-tip stem? I kind of came across this with my basx wheels. The first race I took the 2 best to use in the rear and the next best for the DFW. The 4th I didn't notice until after the 2nd prep was buffed out. There was a line that kinda seems like a mold flaw running down the bore. I decided to just put it on the lifted axle. Now for this second race one of my rear wheels I discovered a dent in the outer hub where the double step was removed and coned. It left a bulge in the cone. I think it happened in shipping. So now I was left trying to decide if I should try polishing out that lifted wheel with the line in it or just re prep like normal and just clean and re apply the red rocket. I ended up moving my DFW wheel to the back and using the lifted wheel as the new DFW. I also decided not to try to polish it up again with a qtip for now. I may try when it comes back again when I have more time.

Outer hub in the back is a killer, if its on the very edge that it rides on the axle. (spin it and if its perfect you won't hardly hear it) Now you could swap out the one with the front since the front doesn't ride against the axle head.

Those lines are in almost all bores I believe. If mine still has them I hit it with Novus 2 again and again till its gone.

I just learned a huge lesson this past 2-3 weeks in between races trying to find speed. Your ear is a great tool!!!!

I doubt that the Q-tip polishing can significantly enlarge the wheel bore. Do it and see if you can get rid of the scratches.

Hey Cyrunner, you know I came across a couple of wheel bores that I might have used too big of Q-tips and I think I actually saw stress cracks!

 

[cycrunner]

Wow, If you had stress cracks then for sure you used Q-tip that was too big! I was referring to the actual polishing work done by the Q-tip. You must have really forced it into the bore to make cracks, I think.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

The glory of BSA molds.

 

[~JBD RACING~]

I never use Novus 3... Most of my wheels have some places ... And the are plenty fast enough. Most of the problem isn't the wheels .. It's the prep, neatness, and setup..and staging

 

[bracketracer]

The glory of BSA molds.

+1
I think the wheels I've seen so far this year appear to be worse in quality. LOTS of cold fills. I thought they were just rushing the molds this spring but it hasn't gotten any better through the summer.

 

[ngyoung]

I guess I need to adjust my expectations about getting the bores to a flawless mirror finish. As long as they are all "valleys" vs bumps they will get filled with wax and oil. I just assumed that all the top guys are getting theirs glass smooth to eek out every thousandth of a sec. I have another set of BASX wheels that need to be prepped that I was hoping to save for my scout but may end up taking the best 3 from the 2 sets.

 

[~JBD RACING~]

Depending on the mold not all wheels will shine up.. I have a few sets that are my best sets and they have a dull finish.