len_beach
ClioSport Club Member
E92 M3,172 track car
The wheel on my 172 had recently started to split on the back of the right thumb grip. The damage was nothing major but it was irritating and would only get worse.
I soon realised that the issues were down to the fact that the grip wasn't actually attached to the wheel and could be compressed and twisted, breaking the rubber.
I began removing the right hand grip very carefully. When removed, I found a solid glue which didn't flex or stick to the majority of the grip so I carefully removed this from inside the grip and around the leather on the wheel itself.
I then used super glue on the inside of the grip to repair the slight crack on the rear and also on any other weak/thin spots. I built up the layers using the superglue until I had 3/4 decent layers on there.
The next job was to re-fit the grip, time for the silicone. I ran a zig-zag of silicone around the inside of the grip, ensuring there would be sufficient to spread when refitted and hold the grip tightly. Once the grip was back in situ, I carefully lifted the edges and ran a very thin bead of superglue all the way around between the rubber and leather mating face. I then held in place using insulating tape until set.
I left over night et voila, no need for a new wheel, for now at least. I appreciate this won't help those with badly damaged wheels but it may save those that can catch problems early.
I soon realised that the issues were down to the fact that the grip wasn't actually attached to the wheel and could be compressed and twisted, breaking the rubber.
I began removing the right hand grip very carefully. When removed, I found a solid glue which didn't flex or stick to the majority of the grip so I carefully removed this from inside the grip and around the leather on the wheel itself.
I then used super glue on the inside of the grip to repair the slight crack on the rear and also on any other weak/thin spots. I built up the layers using the superglue until I had 3/4 decent layers on there.
The next job was to re-fit the grip, time for the silicone. I ran a zig-zag of silicone around the inside of the grip, ensuring there would be sufficient to spread when refitted and hold the grip tightly. Once the grip was back in situ, I carefully lifted the edges and ran a very thin bead of superglue all the way around between the rubber and leather mating face. I then held in place using insulating tape until set.
I left over night et voila, no need for a new wheel, for now at least. I appreciate this won't help those with badly damaged wheels but it may save those that can catch problems early.
. Mines gone like this 
