Rusty Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 I just noticed that the chrome is bubbled out slightly, and cracking, near the center hole of the 17" wheels on my 01 STS. These are (were) gorgeous wheels and the best looking designs I have ever seen. The car has 58,000 miles and I really wasn't expecting this. Also, I recently had a slow leak serviced and the tire guy mentioned that there was a lot of corrosion around the inside of the bead area of the rim. Has anyone else experienced this problem ? How long are these fancy wheels expected to last ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 Here was an exchange on the subject http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...00&hl=tire+bead Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhinchley Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 Don't see the city where you are from, but chrome and weather never go together. So if you are anywhere near salt, I would be surprised they lasted that long. But even in warm weather states........60k is alot of miles on chrome rims...........just from the rain, brake dust, etc. You could always have your rims re-chromed..........or just go through a net site that does a wheel exchange program and look forward to a few more years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted February 26, 2006 Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 Just had new tires put on my '02. There was corrosion and peeling chrome on all the bead areas. My daughters '99 has been loosing air in the left rear tire for a few weeks now. I finally pulled the tire today and found no punctures so I suspected a bead leak. A little soapy water around the outside bead showed no leaks. When I flipped the wheel to the inside and applied the water it was like Lawrence Welks bubble machine (I had it pumped up to 70 psi at the time). When I took it to the GY store to have it fixed he showed me the rim bead. Good Lord was it bad. Chrome was all flakng off. He said Caddies are notorious for this. Make me wish I had my old alloy wheels. I always thought they where better looking anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OynxSTS Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 My 02 just got new tires and they are peeling on the inside too... My tire guy says that this is a problem on all Chome on Al wheels, not just a Caddy thing... He told me if the peeling spreads to the "outside" they need to be "re-dipped"... He says this costs "a couple hun per wheel" Easin' down the highway in a new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had three more in the back ZZTOP, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_99_sts Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 My '99 STS chromed rims are peeling on the surfaces that have the dull paint finish, and even a little on the bright chrome. Apparently the brake pad dust is a major contributor to the damage. I don't know what the overall problem is. I remember polishing the chrome on my dads old motorcycles, some that were more than 40 years old, and the chrome was perfect, even on the exhaust which temperature cycles super hot to ambient frequently. Chrome ought to stay on the STS wheels for more than 5 years I can't afford to rechrome the wheels, so will just try to maintain them as best I can. In the spring I'll take them off the car and polish them and paint over the ugly areas with silver paint. Need to fix the trunk leak first though. The spare wheel is submerged in water again! Was fixed once by the dealer. This time I'll do it myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I take offense when statements like this are made: "Chrome ought to stay on the STS wheels for more than 5 years" A lot of chrome wheels are problematic try not to point to one company: Roush Mustang http://www.fnsweet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2778 BMW http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread...1&threadid=8119 Nissan http://www.zcar.com/forums/read.php?f=3&i=109913&t=109913 LEXUS http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...wtopic=11481%26 Ford http://www.f150online.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98725 Chrysler: http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2451 A TON: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134795 Ford http://www.f150online.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33262 Mitsubishi (NHTSA) (search for peeling down the page) http://www.mitsubishisucks.com/cars/class/...lipse/rest.html Enough SAID.....In the late 70's early 80's GM and FORD used what appeared to be a galvanized steel to slow down rust. However the paint didn't adhear good at all, and we all can recall seeing peeling paint on hoods, roofs and trunk lids... UGLY... It seems they got by that problem. I am sure this chroming problem that the industry is going through will be resolved if it has not been already. I don't think GM wants to replace wheels under warranty. I also have a tire that is leaking slowly on my 96... I know that when I have the tire broken down I will have rust or peeling as the leak is constant. I will see if its possible to clean up the bead if it looks bad and have them use some gunk when they re-mount it. I am sure that hot and cold, brake dust, salt, water and corrosion are responsible. Sealing them with a clearcoat is helpful but it does not stop the expanding and contraction not to mention flexing of the wheels on turns and bumps, that I am sure causes/contributes to the problem. Next time a piece of chrome falls off feel it its brittle and while it bends on its thin plane, it tears in the other. We had a 54 Packard with Chrome wire wheels and the chrome flaked, I know because it cut me, here is the wheel http://cadillacworld.homestead.com/Packard...ayeswheels.html Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_99_sts Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I take offense when statements like this are made: "Chrome ought to stay on the STS wheels for more than 5 years" I'm not in the wheel business and don't know why it's so difficult to make chrome durable, I just have to live with the product. It's not good for the car companies to be releasing expensive product that goes bad in a few years. Even if it affects other companies than GM, that doesn't change my impression of the GM wheels. "They all do it" is not making my wheels look any better or building pride in ownership. My wheels went bad after about 5 years, and they are regularly cleaned. I had clearcoated alloy wheels on a Dodge and they didn't handle the winters too well, and corroded in only a couple of years. But, they were cheap to fix. Strip them and reapply, costs a few bucks and you can do it at home with a lot of elbow grease and time. Rechroming is very expensive and buying mint condition wheels on ebay can be cheaper. You can't do the rechroming yourself to save cost. The chrome finish is gorgeous when new, and the '99 STS wheel pattern is very attractive. But it's getting to be an eyesore now and I'm not sure what to do. Full restoration is very expensive, and the problems will likely recur. I will spend money on a permanent fix, if there is one, but definitely won't throw money at the wheels knowing they might flake again within 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I hear your frustration. But I was making it clear that its more wide ranging than our Cadillacs. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poobah Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I had a slow leak issue with one of my chrome wheels which turned out to be a leaking bead. The guy at my corner gas station demounted the tire and cleaned both beads all the way around with a rotary wire brush. This solved the problem (there was quite a bit of white-ish looking corrosion along the bead). Next time I get new tires I'll have them all wire brushed. There should also be some kind of paint-on type sealant that would help seal the rim at the bead. Happiness is owning a Cadillac with no codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 There should also be some kind of paint-on type sealant that would help seal the rim at the bead. There is. He put it on all mine when he cleaned the beads and remounted the new tires. Also put it on my daughters when I was cleaned and remounted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OynxSTS Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 There should also be some kind of paint-on type sealant that would help seal the rim at the bead. There is. He put it on all mine when he cleaned the beads and remounted the new tires. Also put it on my daughters when I was cleaned and remounted. And mine too... It is thick grey goop and they apply it liberally... My wheels were wire brushed too... no leaks to-date but my tire guy warned that this is a temporary fix and that they WILL leak before the tires wear out... Easin' down the highway in a new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had three more in the back ZZTOP, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAB Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 I have an 01 and the 17" chrome rims also. I just had new Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S put on and noticed that I had bubbles under the chrome popping out around the center cap too! I have the cadillac certified warranty and the dealer replaced my rim at no charge. I noticed if you take the center cap off, you will notice the corrosion that gathers inside the center hole. Looks like when dissimilar metals are in contact with each other and they begin to corrode. I will clean out mine when the weather gets warmer since I only have another year on my warranty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justgreat Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 i don't know if it's just caddys' or other makes too, but chrome wheels are not advisable; wheels are just not the place for chrome. the best surface finish, imo, would be the "polished" look covered with clearcoat versus the painted finish. the painted or polished finsih is more durable than the chrome; both can wear off but it's alot easier to touch up than a chrome finish. jackg 90seville 100,00k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cupillac Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 It seems the already expensive price for chrome rims turns out to be still an expensive price to pay in the end. I had a set of 16" Chrome rims on my STS and after 1 year with me (3 with previous owner) they were shot! Cleaned regularly they still bubbled and corroded in several spots. Couple months later I was able to pick up a set of Alloy finished rims really cheap and they have been great. I drove with them for one winter season which some oxidization was noticable, but when spring came, I brought out the shine again with some metal polish. IMO just ask some other people with Alloys and ask how the feel about them. My rims can still shine bright in contrast to a expensive set of chromes. "Cadillac, it's not a car, it's an obsession" -W.Kingdon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poobah Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 To counter all the scary posts in this thread, I offer this: My Eldo is 12 years old and I believe the chrome wheels on it are original (although I have no way to verify it). They are the type that have a smooth face and 14 "D"-shaped holes around the perimeter. The car spent the first 9 years of its life in the Houston area and the past 3 years in Southern California. Aside from the slow leak issue I discussed in my previous post, the wheels are perfect. In my opinion, they look way better than the non-chromed version of the same design. Chrome wheels may not hold up well in salty environments or other climate conditions but, based on my experience, I like them. Happiness is owning a Cadillac with no codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sal.carceller@cox.net Posted April 27, 2006 Report Share Posted April 27, 2006 Here was an exchange on the subject http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...00&hl=tire+bead The link mentioned above was started by me some months ago. I had leaking chrome rims on my 93 Seville and the link above shows how I fixed the rims. I was very time consuming but they have been fixed for several months now and I have not added any air since the fix, they no longer leak. The issues of leaking chrome rims at the bead is further made worst if you have ever used Fix-A-Flat (I did) don't ever put this product into a rim that has the bead chromed it only results in more chrome peal as well as pitting. As tempting as it may be to ever add this type of product DON'T do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted tcb Posted April 27, 2006 Report Share Posted April 27, 2006 My car was built in Dec. of 98, sold to a NewYork state dealer. So, I'm up to 7 winters of salt ... this year, I treated the rims to a winter in my basement. They look as good as anything on the dealer's lot. The rims on my other cars never held up like these ones do. 1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver 1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather 1997 STS Diamond White 1999 STS Crimson Pearl 2001 STS Silver 2003 STS, Crimson Pearl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OynxSTS Posted April 27, 2006 Report Share Posted April 27, 2006 Aside from the slow leak issue I discussed in my previous post, the wheels are perfect. In my opinion, they look way better than the non-chromed version of the same design. I love my chrome wheels.. They look great and really add to the car... But Chrome and Aluminum will never stay stuck forever... Its a physical law thing... Salt, brake dust, "abrasion" from the tire's bead, moisture, etc will all cause the chrome and aluminum to "react" and the chrome to bubble and flake off... and as posted above... ALL chrome on aluminum wheels WILL do this... regardless of manufacture... it is only a matter of time... Sorry to tell you... your slowly leaking wheel is part of this club too. Easin' down the highway in a new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had three more in the back ZZTOP, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epricedright Posted April 28, 2006 Report Share Posted April 28, 2006 My chrome wheels are a year and a half old and are starting to show some pitting (very-very slightly). You can barely see it. If you weren't looking for them, you'd never see them. They are the 2004 Deville rims that I picked up from Cardio-Doc. This was my first set of chrome wheels and I love them. They make my car look 100% better! The tint and the new Michelin blackwalls helped as well. I just hope that pitting doesn't get any worse. I left them on this past winter...won't do that again! No more winter salt, if I can help it! I'm so glad I kept my old wheels and tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.