Corroded Alloy Wheel - Which option?

Hussman · 14 Sep 2015 at 19:35

Hi,

My 56-plate Lexus has a corroded alloy.

This has resulted in the tyre needing to be re-inflated every other day. I can't work out which is the best option to go with out of the following. Any sensible advice would be welcomed.

1) Get the alloy refurbished

Issue :

a)This could result in the plastic inserts being broken. The alloy has plastic inserts (Google "gs450h wheel" {images} to see what I mean.)

Each one is £25. The refurb company will not guarantee they can fix the wheel without breaking the inserts.

b) Also it could fix this wheel only for the others to produce the same issue shortly as they are of course all the same age.

2) Look to replace all wheels with new after-market alloys

Issue:

a) The car has tyre pressure sensors. Would these fit to a non-OEM wheel?

b) How do I ensure I get alloys that would be a direct replacement?

3) Use "Tyre-Gunk" type substance to attempt to seal the leak.

Issue :

a) Will this damage the tyre pressure sensor?

b) I've heard "horror stories" about such liquids. Will it destroy the tyre etc?

4) Buy a new alloy from Lexus?

Issue :

a) OEM wheel would be VERY pricy.

b) Also could result in the same issue as described in 1b.

5) Something else?

Thanks in advance.

Hussman

rjk · 14 Sep 2015 at 20:46

Have you got a quote for a new wheel? It may be cheaper than you think?

Clarkey · 14 Sep 2015 at 20:49

Clean up the corrosion and use bead sealer, simple. Why the drama? Any competent tyre shop would have done that anyway.

Tinders · 15 Sep 2015 at 07:22

We had the same issues on our landcruiser and toyota actually replaced the alloys under the corrosion warranty.

Hussman · 15 Sep 2015 at 19:46

rjk said:
Have you got a quote for a new wheel? It may be cheaper than you think?

Yes, £440 per wheel :eek:

Hussman · 15 Sep 2015 at 19:46

Tinders said:
We had the same issues on our landcruiser and toyota actually replaced the alloys under the corrosion warranty.

Asked about that, dealers wouldn't play

Hussman · 15 Sep 2015 at 19:47

Clarkey said:
Clean up the corrosion and use bead sealer, simple. Why the drama? Any competent tyre shop would have done that anyway.

Going to try this - will report back.

Thanks

Hussman

opstrat · 15 Sep 2015 at 20:36

Clarkey said:
Clean up the corrosion and use bead sealer, simple. Why the drama? Any competent tyre shop would have done that anyway.

Done this with a previous car. lasted about 6 months before needing done again.

pepsilol · 15 Sep 2015 at 20:40

opstrat said:
Done this with a previous car. lasted about 6 months before needing done again.

Lasted 18 months for me .

tiffanys · 15 Sep 2015 at 22:12

Tinders said:
We had the same issues on our landcruiser and toyota actually replaced the alloys under the corrosion warranty.

Worth contacting Lexus dealership. They will be pleased to replace esp if you had services maintenance done there before.

Si105 · 15 Sep 2015 at 22:25

If you have to get a new one does it have to be new? Look on eBay / owners clubs

Hussman · 15 Sep 2015 at 22:26

Si105 said:
If you have to get a new one does it have to be new? Look on eBay / owners clubs

Have looked on the bay of e for the last few weeks.

No matching wheels have so far come up for sale.

Hussman · 14 May 2016 at 22:53

Update!

Used this stuff...

http://www.tyre-sealant.com/tube-tyre-sealant-tyre-bead-rim-sealer/

Had no problems with it since Oct last year.

Pleasing outcome for once!

Nasher · 15 May 2016 at 10:03

Usually once they start to corrode you can only slow it down, not stop it permanently