Alcoa Wheel Corrosion

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bartz paul

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Dec 3, 1997
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Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.

Used some #0000 steel wool pads to attempt to clean away the corrosion. Was
able to scrub away most of the corrosion, however not the small pits.
Decided to use some of the Alcoa spray cleaner, a solution containing
phosphoric acid to eliminate the "pits". Even still, had to rub the surface
with the steel wool pad. It finally cleaned up the "black" freckle's, but
the small pits remain.

Curious if anyone else has taken the time to clean the inside of their Alcoa
wheel's and if corrosion was present what you used to eliminate it.

If you haven't yet looked at/cleaned the inside surface of your Alcoa
wheel's, I recommend that you do so at least annually so that the effects of
corrosion don't become to overwhelming. That's what I intend to do now that
I've looked at one wheel.

Paul Bartz
 
Hi Paul,
I don't have Alcoas yet, But I had the same thing happen
to my dodge wheels! My guess is that the metal dust
from the brakes is causing the corrosion. I had the specks
on my wheels and on the trim running down the side...
"ON MY DODGE TRUCK". Thats what I think.
Rob Teed 74 Painted Desert

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Bartz, Paul
> Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 2:31 PM
> To: 'GMC Motorhome Mailinglist'
> Subject: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion
>
>
> Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
> installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
> happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
> see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
> corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
> in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
> our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
> guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.
>
> Used some #0000 steel wool pads to attempt to clean away the
> corrosion. Was
> able to scrub away most of the corrosion, however not the small pits.
> Decided to use some of the Alcoa spray cleaner, a solution containing
> phosphoric acid to eliminate the "pits". Even still, had to rub
> the surface
> with the steel wool pad. It finally cleaned up the "black" freckle's, but
> the small pits remain.
>
> Curious if anyone else has taken the time to clean the inside of
> their Alcoa
> wheel's and if corrosion was present what you used to eliminate it.
>
> If you haven't yet looked at/cleaned the inside surface of your Alcoa
> wheel's, I recommend that you do so at least annually so that the
> effects of
> corrosion don't become to overwhelming. That's what I intend to
> do now that
> I've looked at one wheel.
>
> Paul Bartz
>

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Rob & Paul
One thing that you might consider is that you need to clean and polish
both sides of your Alcoa's. Granted the back side doesn't need the same
buffing as the other side but a good cleaning and polish will reduce the
chances of corrosion build up on the wheels.

J.R. Wright
GMC Greatlaker
77 Eleganza II
Michigan

>
> Hi Paul,
> I don't have Alcoas yet, But I had the same thing happen
> to my dodge wheels! My guess is that the metal dust
> from the brakes is causing the corrosion. I had the specks
> on my wheels and on the trim running down the side...
> "ON MY DODGE TRUCK". Thats what I think.
> Rob Teed 74 Painted Desert
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> > [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Bartz, Paul
> > Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 2:31 PM
> > To: 'GMC Motorhome Mailinglist'
> > Subject: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion
> >
> >
> > Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
> > installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
> > happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
> > see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
> > corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
> > in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
> > our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
> > guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.
> >
> > Used some #0000 steel wool pads to attempt to clean away the
> > corrosion. Was
> > able to scrub away most of the corrosion, however not the small pits.
> > Decided to use some of the Alcoa spray cleaner, a solution containing
> > phosphoric acid to eliminate the "pits". Even still, had to rub
> > the surface
> > with the steel wool pad. It finally cleaned up the "black" freckle's, but
> > the small pits remain.
> >
> > Curious if anyone else has taken the time to clean the inside of
> > their Alcoa
> > wheel's and if corrosion was present what you used to eliminate it.
> >
> > If you haven't yet looked at/cleaned the inside surface of your Alcoa
> > wheel's, I recommend that you do so at least annually so that the
> > effects of
> > corrosion don't become to overwhelming. That's what I intend to
> > do now that
> > I've looked at one wheel.
> >
> > Paul Bartz
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________
> NetZero - We believe in a FREE Internet. Shouldn't you?
> Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
> http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
 
I believe what you are seeing is corrosion caused by brake dust. That is
why I use Performance Friction pads, low dust and low rotor wear. My car
group refers to them as Perfect Friction, great stopping power.

I'm working on 6 wheel disk brakes now. I have 80 mm calaiper up front
and modified Eldorado backing plates in the rear. Will put a 80 mm
caliper on the front bogie and one from an Eldorado with parking brake
on the rear. While the rest of you are out there traveling having fun I
keep messing around.

I have a friend who is a Tidewater Crab,that is relentless trying to get
me out to rally's. I belong to the Crabs also. Will be out soon.

Bruce
77 Palm Beach
Mechanicsburg, PA
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 14:30:43 -0400
> From: "Bartz, Paul"
> Subject: GMC:
>
> Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
> installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
> happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
> see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
> corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
> in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
> our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
> guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.
>
>
> Paul Bartz
>
> ------------------------------
>
 
Bruce:

I'm skeptical about that theory. I've been using Performance Friction pads
since early 1995 and put on the Alcoa wheels in mid 1997. I saw no evidence
of any brake dust on the wheel I cleaned

If it is brake dust, it is awfully tenacious. It took considerable
scrubbing with steel wool to remove.

Paul Bartz

From: Bruce Herrin [mailto:allherrin]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion

I believe what you are seeing is corrosion caused by brake dust. That is why
I use Performance Friction pads, low dust and low rotor wear. My car group
refers to them as Perfect Friction, great stopping power.

Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 14:30:43 -0400
From: "Bartz, Paul"
Subject: GMC:

Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.
 
Jim:

I just finished talking to Chuck in the tech services department at Alcoa.
He tells me that the condition I found on my wheels, although varied in
effect, is universal all over the country. They have been unable to
pinpoint the exact cause, but believe that it occurs due to a combination of
brake dust, road and air contaminants.

He does not agree that using steel wool on the wheel is any problem, other
than possibly imparting very light scratches, which are not that much
concern on the inside of the wheel. I've previously heard of concern that
some of the steel wool fiber's would become imbedded in the aluminum, being
that it's a softer metal and in the presence of moisture would led to
rusting. He said the Alcoa wheels are forged, and therefore much harder
than the usual aluminum metal stock.

His advice for prolonging the wheel appearance longevity is to use the Alcoa
3 component kit, cleaner, polish, and spray on sealant. He says application
of the sealant is key and provides up to a six month protection.

Paul Bartz

From: jim white [mailto:ajwhite]
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 1:29 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion

Bruce:
I'm skeptical about that theory. I've been using Performance Friction pads
since early 1995 and put on the Alcoa wheels in mid 1997. I saw no evidence
of any brake dust on the wheel I cleaned.
If it is brake dust, it is awfully tenacious. It took considerable
scrubbing with steel wool to remove.
Paul Bartz
From: Bruce Herrin [mailto:allherrin]

Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion
I believe what you are seeing is corrosion caused by brake dust. That is why
I use Performance Friction pads, low dust and low rotor wear. My car group
refers to them as Perfect Friction, great stopping power.
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 14:30:43 -0400
From: "Bartz, Paul"
Subject: GMC:
Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.

should never use steel wool on aluminium
jw
 
>
> Bruce:
>
> I'm skeptical about that theory. I've been using Performance Friction pads
> since early 1995 and put on the Alcoa wheels in mid 1997. I saw no evidence
> of any brake dust on the wheel I cleaned
>
> If it is brake dust, it is awfully tenacious. It took considerable
> scrubbing with steel wool to remove.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
> From: Bruce Herrin [mailto:allherrin]
> Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 10:09 PM
> Subject: Re: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion
>
> I believe what you are seeing is corrosion caused by brake dust. That is why
> I use Performance Friction pads, low dust and low rotor wear. My car group
> refers to them as Perfect Friction, great stopping power.
>
> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 14:30:43 -0400
> From: "Bartz, Paul"
> Subject: GMC:
>
> Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels, since
> installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and was
> happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however, to
> see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
> corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the coach
> in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads in
> our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them. I'm
> guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.

should never use steel wool on aluminium
jw
 
Paul:

This has been a known problem for cars running alloy wheels for some
time. That "dust" is doing the same thing to everything in the wheel
well area too. It is very corrosive. I can go back and find articles if
you want. I think salt leaves a white residue.

Every week when my sons and I wash our cars, we start with two types of
brushes and a gentle cleaner on our allow rims. Every year our dealer
and car club sponsors a detailing clinic. Nothing quite like having
someone teach you how to wash your car. Course they furnish all the
cleaners, polishes and wax.

Bruce
77 Palm Beach
Mechanicsburg, PA


Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 10:05:57 -0400
From: "Bartz, Paul"
Subject: RE: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion

Bruce:

I'm skeptical about that theory. I've been using Performance Friction
pads
since early 1995 and put on the Alcoa wheels in mid 1997. I saw no
evidence
of any brake dust on the wheel I cleaned

If it is brake dust, it is awfully tenacious. It took considerable
scrubbing with steel wool to remove.

Paul Bartz

From: Bruce Herrin [mailto:allherrin]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Alcoa Wheel Corrosion

I believe what you are seeing is corrosion caused by brake dust. That is
why
I use Performance Friction pads, low dust and low rotor wear. My car
group
refers to them as Perfect Friction, great stopping power.

Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 14:30:43 -0400
From: "Bartz, Paul"
Subject: GMC:

Yesterday I decided to start cleaning the inside of my Alcoa wheels,
since
installing them two years ago. Started with the right front wheel and
was
happy to not find any evidence of grease there. Was surprised however,
to
see a fair amount of "black" freckle looking spots, actually surface
corrosion, covering the aluminum surface. Although we don't use the
coach
in the winter time when you can expect to encounter salt covered roads
in
our area, I have driven on a couple roads that had some salt on them.
I'm
guessing that's what caused the condition I found on my wheel.
 
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