Rust On Stock Wt Wheels

[Woodcutter]

This is the first I've had a truck with painted steel wheels. Though I didn't expect these things to outlast the truck, I was quite suprised after washing my truck to find multiple rust spots forming on my 10-month old wheels (on the inside edge of all the oval holes). I know that salt residue and the inside wheel channel that holds an inch or two of water when parked only contributes to this problem. I've gone through the car wash several times already this winter, but this seems ridiculous to me.

 

Will I eventually be able to make a claim on GM's 6-year rust-through warranty?

[jhoff8487]

I find that to be very surprising but I believe you. I just went and looked at mine and mine show no rust spots what so ever. Granted, I only wear my stock wheels in winter I really don't worry about washing or taking care of them because I don't really care much about them. From what I've seen some people have a lot of trouble with their steel wheels and steel painted bumpers rusting and some have no problems what so ever. I've got the steel painted bumper and it is starting to show some rust but I highly doubt GM will take care of it. I reckon they'll say neglect or something of that nature. Keep me updated on your claim(if you choose to make one) for the rusting. I'd like to know if I can get a replacement rear bumper(hopefully a chrome one this time...).

[pm26]

It will take decades for these wheels to "rust through" so no, the warranty will not cover it. Suggest you get some matching paint, get a spot sandblaster, sandblast the rusty spots, prime and then repaint. Then wax the wheels.

 

But I would try taking to a dealer and request new wheels or at least refinishing the existing ones. You are probably better off refinishing them because the new ones will probably rust the same way.

 

What I would recommend using on steel wheels in the winter is CRC marine corrosion inhibitor. It is wax like spray which will protect the paint on the wheel from salt and snow. I use it on my boat trailer wheel lugnuts and they are not rusty after multiple immersions in salt water.

[ken1mod]

I completely agree. Touch up the rust and get over it.

 

Ken

[s-ten]

GM's painted steel wheels rust, just look at any dually that has steel wheels. I would be willing to be that they would all have rust on them. My dad's dually wheels made it almost one winter before they rusted.

[pm26]

Another good idea is to go on e Bay and look for a set of aluminum OEM wheels. Many upgrade to different wheels after buying their truck, and OEM wheels are often sold at bargain prices, often with OEM tires mounted on them with hardly any miles.

[hubbycap]

I sell used OEM wheels of every common manufacturer, they all rust; foreign, domestic. Until it's 30 years old or so, it will not be of any consequence. Scuff them up with some scotchbrite and shoot them with a rattle can of "Dupli-color" "Steel Finish" polyurethane and they will look great for several years.

[Woodcutter]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Like I said before, I knew the wheels would rust - just didn't expect it halfway through the first winter!

 

I'm headed to the dealer on Wednesday for another matter (2nd attempt to stop the oil leak between the motor & trans) and will point it out to them.

 

But point well taken, I'm prepared to just suck it up and get out the wire cup brush and rattle can.

[jsn0801]

I guess I never thought about my steel wheels rusting. They look good so far but I'll definatly use it as leverage on my wife to let me get some Z71 wheels.

[punmax]

Don't buy a work truck then.

[d3athsong]

or get the dealer to swap em for aluminums when you buy it. Im sure they have a pile of take off's in the back.

[Jaredkm]

I have the 17" Custom aluminum ones on my truck, and they are already showing these little black spots, not sure what that is? I would take a picture but its -42*C here !!!(which is pretty much the same in F)

[todoubled05]

I replaced my factory 17" chrome rims ( maybe polished aluminum ) with some 20"s so now they just sit in my dads storage. if the dealer won't do anything for u, I'm willing to sell my factory rims + tires. the rims are in perfect condition and the tires have a little over 3k miles on them, still in good shape. ill sell for 500$ + shipping OBO. pm me if you or anyone is insrasted..

[jsn0801]

Don't buy a work truck then.

 

 

My WT was a deal I couldn't pass up. I'll do a couple upgrades, one at a time.

[unit731]

 

 

1990 Chevrolet 1500 2WD 4.3 Manual Transmission Regular Cab Long Bed. Scottsdale Package.

 

 

This 1990 base model came with an upgrade. The Scottsdale Package. Leather steering wheel, casette with graphic equalizer, upgraded bench cloth seat, and aluminum alloy rims.

 

Well, the aluminum alloy factory rims became tarnished. The smooth shiny finish began to peel off. About 10 years ago, I purchased OEM new take offs steel rims. Then sold the tarnished aluminum rims. The aluminum rims were beyond just a 'polish'. They would have to be completely re-finished and at a cost that was prohibitive.

 

So I got the factory steel rims. Had them for 10 years now. And there is no rust. I live in the rust belt. Yes, wherever the paint chipped - around the very edges where balancing weights came and went, there might be a spot of brown. But all in all they still look quite new. But I do wash them frequently. And wax them.

 

So, either GM is using a cheaper steel now or a cheaper paint process, the factory steel rims should last a long time and look nice for years to come.

 

 

$0.02