Wheel Corrosion

[chumart]

The polished forged aluminum wheels on my 2007 Sierra 2500HD are showing lots of corrosion that appears to be under the clear-coat. The

truck is just over 12 months old, 7500 miles and is garage kept in the Chicago area. Anybody else seeing this problem?

[landryd]

I have the same truck as yours with the same amount of time, but with 18K miles. Kept outside. No signs of corrosion on the wheels.

[hubbycap]

Sounds unusual. Is the problem around the valve stem? Wheel weight? All over? Pics would help.

[miked0511]

My 2008 had less than 1500 miles when I noticed the corrosion. They tell me it is common, and an environmental effect. None the less I am still in disputes with GM for replacement of the wheels.

[Bish]

Unfortunately, wheel issues are becoming more and more common since they outsourced to China. I had pitting on one of my chrome 20's after 2 months this winter; also in Chicagoland. I got the dealer to replace that one no problem. I now have another that has pitting and I'll be going back to see if I can get them to replace the second one. I have also heard of TONS of wheel problems in the last few model years.

 

I would suggest a pleasant conversation with your dealer to see if they can help. I have found I have better luck being nice compared to going in with a bad attitude even though there is really no excuse for these problems so soon.

[Bish]

Just wanted to post a follow-up. My new replacement wheel is now showing pitting after 2 weeks. After looking at the rest, ALL of them have a few minor pits. Unfortunately, minor pits will grow and turn into flaking in short order. Now fighting with GM to replace all 4 or give me $$ to replace them with better wheels.

 

These wheels were sealed using Poorboys wheel sealant and I never go through car washes and I hand wash at least once a week.

[95Sierra2500]

Salt. I'm sure there's still some residual from the winter since those of us in the northern Midwest get LOTS of it put on our roads. It's 9 times out of 10 what is causing the pitting. I'm sure the cheap rims from China aren't helping. Also, keeping it in a garage (I presume attached to your house, thus somewhat heated) doesn't help as the salt stays on the metal but the water melts away.

 

Moral of the story: Probably better to park outside, and during the winter, run the truck through a car wash every couple weeks to knock the salt off.

 

Good luck getting GM to pay for it though - I'm doubting that they will.