Remember when Warranty meant we'll fix it?

[metlmangreg]

I've been to another dealer about my wheels and I am convinced it is a conspiracy among dealers that they don't back the warranty on their wheels. They wouldn't back the brakes after they turned the rotors once, and I've had numerous water leaks and stereo probs. So far, the stereo and water leaks they have fixed. I have done a lot of research on the net and even aftermarket companies will back their chrome if it peels, I own a Harley dripping chrome and different manufactures parts don't always fit together and I have cut chrome peices with a hacksaw, Dremel, and drilled them. I have never had one piece peel. I work in the alloy industry, cylinders you may see everyday in "the world" have chromed shafts that extend and retract through some type of sealing material ( including the shocks and struts on your car ) and they don't peel. But GM is saying that because someone MIGHT have used a cleaner not approved, It CAUSED the wheels on my car to peel. BULLCRAP!!! Surely they could come up with a better excuse. I am now starting to get the noise in the steering, thought i might have dodged that problem, but NOOOOO, so its back to the other dealer to have them have a go at it. Wonder what their excuse will be.
I thought I had bought a really nice car with good backing, as a loyal Ford owner for years I thought it would be OK to buy a GM, I am losing faith fast. I have never had this much trouble with a car or a warranty.
Sorry evereyone, but I needed to vent.
Still a gorgeous little hotrod and still getting 32 on the highway!

[solman98]

I have heard several stories of the peeling wheels on several late model GM's. If the dealership isn't going to help out, get with the GMof the dealership or call the 1-800 number and complain to them.

[MalibuMaxxSS]

hmmm had a customer last week came in and there chrome wheels on their Equinox wre peeling and we got them a new set, no questions asked...

The brakes, well they are a wear item and are warrantied up to 30,000km, whatever that is in miles, at least in here they are. I have seen people go thru brakes in 5000km and mine last almost 40000km now so ya....NO ONE will warranty things like brakes, fuel pumps, that kind of stuff.

[RamJet502]

They don't call them stealerships for nothing, try to find a better one in your area or go above their heads like solman98 said.

[tom3]

I think warranty service died with one model stand alone dealerships. Now the megamalls don't know who you are and don't care if you come back or not. Sure miss Oldsmobile myself.

[jfnz24]

Again, as mentioned in the previous thread, since you weren't the original owner, there is no way to be 100% sure that something such as acid wasn't used. Since you are still under on mileage for the warranty, I would proceed to explain to the effect that it is still under warranty, regardless of what was done previously. However, if it was done prior to your ownership, wouldn't the peeling have begun sooner, to play the devil's advocate. Just have your experiences documented, with names, dates, and phone numbers of everybody you speak with.

[shadams]

The acid line cracks me up. Look at any chrome wheel cleaner at your local parts store. It says in big letters not to use on other types of wheels because it is, get this........ready........ACID BASED.

Ask them where they get their detail chemicals from, then go online and find aout what they offer in the way of chrome wheel cleaner and I bet it is acid based. Just replace the damn wheels already for crying out loud, it is not like it is their money or anything. Sometimes it seems that dealers just want to piss people off, I dont get it....

[montrealvue]

My rims on my 2 year old Vue look TERRIBLE. Corroded, chipped and peeling. What does the dealer say? Its normal. Normal huh? I guess driving 2000 kms more than average a year MUST be the reason. Or I wash my car with car wash soap that isn't bought from the dealer?

I am glad its a leased vehicle, it becomes their problem in 6 months. Yay quality GM! . Never again....

[Michael_S]

Christ.

I'm sorry you gentlemen had such a bad experience.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Chrome wheels always peel by nature... sooner or later... IMO they are not suitable for a regular car, polished aluminium is much better.

The polished rim has a clearcoat, this can chip and peel if you... well drive through fields of rock salt or something.

[metlmangreg]

For chrome to peel from whatever it is applied to ( it doesn't matter if it is a rock) it was not properly prepared. I posted pics of my wheels at Finishing .Com and they would love to know what kind of acid would cause chrome to peel off. They spend millions every year removing chrome from items to be rechromed, not to mention the fact that the EPA is breathin down thier neck because of the chemicals they have to use to remove chrome. I asked when I called the 800 number what kind of training was given to service managers that would allow them to determine that the wheels were not warrantable, but got double talk, I asked what kind of tests could be done to prove one way or the other, still more running around. That guy had to be tired from all that running, not one straight answer for the ten minutes I had him on the phone and haven't heard anything since. that was May 19, he must be really busy. Time for me to call him back, Huh? Wonder what he'll say this time. Probably has his track shoes on!!!

[sonjaab]

SORRY>>>>>>>>I just can't understand your rambling posts.
Exactly what is wrong with your rims?
Are they they the factory installed equipment rims?
Is the car still under the factory new car warranty?

Funny.....I had peeling clearcoat on my factory Cadillac rims when
it was 2 years old and the dealer replaced them FREE under
warranty with no muss or fuss.

[member12]

This is why I don't get chrome on my wheels. Wheels require more cleaning b/c of brake dust, road debris, mud, and sand.

No one can make a chrome wheel last- and in my opinion, GM shouldn't bother selling (and earning money) them if they can't make them last.

[metlmangreg]

Sorry, didn't mean to ramble, but, this runaround is aggravating. The wheels are factory. Two different places have been programmed with the "acid response". There aren't but a few pontiac dealers near here and now the car has 36, 200 on it. The most aggravating is the fact that when you go to the dealership with evidence in your favor they still don't care! If the chrome is properly applied it will be there forever, a lot of hand tools are chrome plated, and if you are anything like me you don't treat them with kid gloves, they are tools, right? Dropped down the engine compartment, on the floor, occasionally hammered on, pry bar??? look at'em, the chrome on them, if done right , is chipped or dented, but it isn't peeling off, so why can't anyone clean their wheels?

[sonjaab]

Your rambling again !

Exactly what are you trying to say?