speedform

So this is the aftermath of what happened coming out of turn 5 at Buttonwillow raceway this past weekend. The day started with me posting some terrible lap times and ended with this little mishap. No, I didn't hit anything. It looks like a structural failure with the wheel itself. It did some damage to my caliper as well.
I called Enkei to see if anyone else has experienced a problem with their RPF1's but they claim I'm the first. COOL! I'm a pioneer!
Anyway, here are some pics.

speedform

here's another...

speedform

last one...

Todd@ProDyno

ouch! Im sure Enkei will be very helpful in determining the cause and making a quick resolution to the problem

speedform

Actually not so much because I had the wheel powdercoated. They said they would get back to me with a decent replacement cost but I haven't heard back. It's been 3 days. I think I'm screwed...

zeroday

that is scary as hell...you are lucky though; it could have been much worse.

teh215

iTrader: (8)

Replacement? I won't run that style wheel again unless they know exactly why it failed. What's to say it won't happen again.

speedform

It was pretty scary. I'm just glad I wasn't on one of the faster turns or the highway for that matter.
I'm probably just going to throw my R-compound tires on the stock wheels for now, until I can find a decent replacement. Your right teh215, I probably won't run the same wheels again. Just get a replacement wheel and sell the set.

Vlad

Doesn't powdercoauting includes extensive heating? And sanding before it? I'd say it puts additional stress on already-on-the-limit lightweigt wheel. I won't be surprised if Enkei will make it your fault...

JeffR116

Wow. That looks like it could have been much worse. Still sucks though. Are those your last set of Enkei's?

zeroday

could be the powder coater's fault. heating up the aluminum too much during the powder coating can make it brittle.

speedform

According to Enkei the powdercoating might be to blame. I contacted the powdercoating facility who said they've done thousands of wheels with no "harmful side effects". Everyone's playing the blame game right now.
All I know is that I don't plan to track these wheels again. It's just not worth the risk.

zeroday

so are you going to sell them to someone? :nervous:

speedform

I don't think I'll sell them. Don't want that hanging over my head. Maybe I can make a nice coffee table out of them or sell them as hose reels.
Anyone out there need a stylish hose reel?!

ranger5oh

Wow! I know which wheels I wont ever be buying. Sorry to see it F'ed up your Z. I hope Enkei pays for the repairs somehow?

Strife350z

iTrader: (4)

oh man, glad to hear you're ok

are your calipers damaged now? do they still work properly?

I'd have it checked out just in case for safety reasons

speedform

When the spokes broke they started banging into the caliper. Metal to metal contact at 70mph will scare the sh*t out of you. Braking performance seems fine though. I took it to the dealer and they couldn't find any thing wrong except for some shearing of paint off the caliper. I am hearing some high pitched squealing when in motion though, which may indicate damage to the hub assembly. I'm taking it back in next week for a follow-up.
Needless to say there will be no more track days until this thing gets sorted.

dczoner

iTrader: (1)

Damn Speedform... A LBC fellow Z'er in pain!!!

Well, good luck with everything. If you do decide to change out your rims pm Red6 on this board. He's taking care of me for a set of rims and a good deal on tires too, and he carries a good selection.

Anyways, glad you're alright and especially glad you were in a closed circuit environment. Once again a reminder to the street racing people that even the best parts can fail under pressure.

Reggi914

iTrader: (3)

damn! Im glad your ok

FLA - Zman

WOW - and I was lookin at these wheels for my Z!

I would get that wheel tested to determine the material properties. Then compare the results to the Enkei engineering specifications.

It could have been many things to cause a failure like that.
I would think the folks at Enkei would be very interested to determine the failure mode. I bet their quality control people would be happy to help.

Keep us posted...