[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?

 

[MalibuMaxxSS]

Hes trying to say his wheels are brokeded







And I think GM done give a ****

 

[redlipp]

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.

fuel pumps actually are showing to be under the gm 5yr 100k warranty now!

 

[shadams]

First of all, I disagree with some of the posts in here. Chrome wheels, and I mean good, high quality (expensive, not crap pepboys) are some of the most durable wheels you can have. Polished aluminum is a SOB to keep shiny and can corrode fairly easily. Painted wheels fade and peel, clearcoated wheels are super sensitive to cleaners.

Chrome wheels are cleaned with a certain type of Acid, so I cant understand why they are telling you acid caused the peeling. If they were stained from leaving the cleaner on too long, thats a different deal.

I agree that if they are peeling, that it would be due to improper application, and I think they should have been replaced.

Here is the official rule:

#00-03-10-002D: Info - Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels - (Aug 1, 2006)


Subject: Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels


Models: 2007 and Prior GM Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn)

2003-2007 HUMMER H2

2006-2007 HUMMER H3

2005-2007 Saab 9-7X




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years as well as update the information and subject. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-03-10-002C (Section 03 - Suspension).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Important: You may give a copy of this bulletin to the customer.

What is Chemical Staining of Chrome Wheels?
Figure 1




Chemical staining in most cases results from acid based cleaners (refer to Figure 1 for an example). These stains are frequently milky or greenish in appearance. They result from using cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome wheels (or any wheels). Soap and water is usually sufficient to clean chrome wheels, but if a cleaner must be used on chrome wheels, GM Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner, P/N 1052929 (in Canada, use P/N 10953202), or equivalent, is recommended. Do not use cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome wheels (or any wheels).

Notice: Many wheel cleaner instructions advise to take care to avoid contact with painted surfaces. Most customers think of painted surfaces as the fenders, quarter panels and other exterior sheet metal. Many vehicles have painted brake calipers. Acidic wheel cleaners may craze, crack, or discolor the paint on the brake calipers. Damage from wheel cleaners is not covered under the vehicle new car warranty. Soap and water applied with a soft brush is usually all that is required to clean the calipers.

Important: GM Chrome and Wire Wheel cleaner, P/N 1052929 (in Canada, P/N 10953202), has a mild phosphoric acid, which will not stain the chrome. However, do not use this product on clear-coated aluminum wheels.

Whenever any wheel cleaner is used, it must be THOROUGHLY rinsed off of the wheel with clean, clear water. Special care must be taken to rinse under the hub cap, balance weights, wheel nuts, lug nut caps, between the wheel cladding and off the back side of the wheel.

Notice: Do not use cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome wheels (or any wheels).

If the customer is unsure of the chemical make-up of a particular wheel cleaner, it should be avoided.

For wheels showing signs of milky staining from acidic cleaners, refer to Customer Assistance and Instructions below.

Warranty of Stained Chrome Wheels
Stained wheels are not warrantable. Most acid based cleaners will permanently stain chrome wheels. Follow-up with dealers has confirmed that such cleaners were used on wheels that were returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC). Any stained wheels received by the WPC will be charged back to the dealership. To assist the customer, refer to Customer Assistance and Instructions below.

Pitting or Spotted Appearance of Chrome Wheels
Figure 2




A second type or staining or finish disturbance may result from road chemicals, such as calcium chloride used for dust control of unpaved roads. The staining will look like small pitting (refer to Figure 2). This staining will usually be on the leading edges of each wheel spoke, but may be uniformly distributed . If a vehicle must be operated under such conditions, the chrome wheels should be washed with mild soap and water and thoroughly rinsed as soon as conveniently possible.

Important: Road chemicals, such as calcium chloride used for dust control of unpaved roads, can also stain chrome wheels. The staining will look like small pitting. This staining will usually be on the leading edges of each wheel spoke. This is explained by the vehicle traveling in the forward direction while being splashed by the road chemical. If a vehicle must be operated under such conditions, the chrome wheels should be washed with mild soap and water and thoroughly rinsed as soon as conveniently possible.

Warranty of Pitted or Spotted Chrome Wheels
Wheels returned with pitting or spotting as a result of road chemicals may be replaced one time. Damage resulting from contact with these applied road chemicals is corrosive to the wheels finish and may cause damage if the wheels are not kept clean.

Important: Notify the customer that this is a one time replacement. Please stress to the customer the vital importance of keeping the wheels clean if they are operating the vehicle in an area that applies calcium chloride or other dust controlling chemicals! "GM of Canada" dealers require prior District Service Manager approval.

Customer Assistance and Instructions
GM has looked for ways customers may improve the appearance of wheels damaged by acidic cleaners. The following product and procedure has been found to dramatically improve the appearance of stained wheels. For wheels that have milky stains caused by acidic cleaners try the following:

Notice: THE 3M CHROME AND METAL POLISH REQUIRED FOR THIS PROCEDURE IS AN EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE POLISH/CLEANER. THE WHEELS MUST BE CLEANED BEFORE APPLICATION TO AVOID SCRATCHING THE WHEEL SURFACE. THIS PRODUCT WILL REDUCE THE THICKNESS OF THE CHROME PLATING ON THE WHEEL AND IF USED INCORRECTLY OR EXCESSIVELY MAY REMOVE THE CHROME PLATING ALL TOGETHER, EXPOSING A LESS BRIGHT AND BRASSY COLORED SUB-LAYER. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

Wash the wheels with GM Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner, P/N 1052929 (in Canada, use P/N 10953202). Follow the instructions as indicated on the bottle for stubborn stains. This step will clean and may reduce wheel staining. Flood all areas of the wheel with water to rinse.
Dry the wheels completely.
Notice: Begin with a small section of the wheel and with light pressure buff off polish and examine results. ONLY apply and rub with sufficient force and time to remove enough staining that you are satisfied with the results. Some wheels may be stained to the extent that you may only achieve a 50% improvement while others may be able to be restored to the original lustre. IN ALL CASES, only apply until the results are satisfactory.

Apply *3M Chrome and Metal Polish #39527 with a clean terry cloth towel. As you apply the polish, the staining will be diminished.
When dry, buff off the polish with a clean portion of the towel.
Repeat application of the 3M Chrome and Metal Polish until satisfied with the results. If continued applications fail to improve the appearance further discontinue use.
This procedure will improve the appearance of the wheels and may, with repeated applications, restore the finish dramatically. For wheels that exhibit spotting from road chemicals the above procedure may marginally improve the condition but will not restore the finish or remove the pitting. In this type of staining the wheel finish has actually been removed in spots and no manner of cleaning will restore the finish.

*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description

1052929 (US)
*GM Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner

10953202 (Canada)

39527
**3M Chrome and Metal Polish (10 oz)