Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - How can I remove surface corrosion from aluminum wheels?

mlrs · 10-13-2009, 08:38 PM

Does anyone know how I can remove some light surface corrosion and discoloration from my '07z polished aluminum wheels?

RocketSled · 10-14-2009, 07:43 AM

Elbow grease. And note that the way Aluminum oxidizes is by "sacrificial" corrosion. The layer of oxidized aluminum prevents additional oxidation (unlike iron, which will continue to corrode) - normally, the oxidation layer is thin and uniform (think: the way aluminum guard rails corrode to a uniform shade of gray). But when spot corrosion occurs (like, through cracks in a lacquer coating) this almost certainly results in pitting when the oxidation is removed, and if you don't re-treat the freshly exposed aluminum it will simply oxidize again.

ChrisA1433 · 10-14-2009, 11:12 AM

Some people will think I'm crazy but ask any auto detailer if you want to confirm: Try some 0000 steel wool. It also works great for getting water spots off GLASS i.e. windshields and windows. For heaven't sake don't use it on mirrors. This is assuming the aluminum wheels aren't painted.

Discount Tire · 10-14-2009, 12:18 PM

Take them to a powder coating company and see what they can do for you. Polished aluminum wheels can be a pain in the neck to keep clean. There is a clear Powdercoat on the market now that will make it so all you have to do is clean them with soapy water. A lot of guys are doing this in states that get snow in the winter the durable powder coat makes it so they can run year round without worries.

427 Kid · 11-13-2009, 01:02 AM

Semi chrome polish and some sweat.

EPR145 · 11-19-2009, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 427 Kid

Semi chrome polish and some sweat.

x2

Mothers has good stuff. Worked great on mine.

Mokkan · 12-14-2009, 05:05 PM

I have a similar problem, and am looking for advice. I had some brake fluid make its way onto my rims from a leaky bleed valve (my fault there - didn't tighten enough

) and didn't notice for a couple days. In that time, the brake fluid did some damage to the rims. It looks like it ate through some sort of protective coating and then went to work on the aluminum. Is this something polish can fix? and would all of the protective coating need to be removed and replaced?

XFordGuy · 12-30-2009, 07:43 AM

You may want to ask your local Porsche service department who they use. The one near me has a guy that drops in periodically and performs magic on blemished wheels.

Jacob · 12-30-2009, 06:22 PM

I was under the impression these wheels were clear coated. Polishing a clear coat will not help surface corrosion.

Perhaps someone can confirm they are clearcoated or not.

Jacob

Mokkan · 01-03-2010, 02:30 PM

There is definitely a coating of some sort on the rim. It was peeling around where the brake fluid ate through it.

Z06Dad · 01-03-2010, 08:03 PM

CTYANK2 · 01-20-2010, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mokkan

There is definitely a coating of some sort on the rim. It was peeling around where the brake fluid ate through it.

I was looking at a 2006 the other day with optional polished aluminum wheels. Did they come with a clearcoat?