corroding aluminum stock wheels

[LVJJJ]

Anybody have trouble with stock aluminum wheels on a 1994 k1500 corrodiing around the stem so that it creates a slow leak?

Got one like that and Les Schwab says it needs to be replaced?? Can it be fixed somehow??

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Not on a 400, but the factory chromed aluminum wheels on Dad's 06 Yukon XL Denali ( the 20" 7 spoke wheels that were only used in 2005-06) started peeling off the chrome, and then began to have the problem you describe. Another reason it's been sitting a while...3 flat tires that won't stay aired up. The truck came from Connecticut so there are other areas where it's grungy like northern vehicles get.

 

[kennythewelder]

Anybody have trouble with stock aluminum wheels on a 1994 k1500 corrodiing around the stem so that it creates a slow leak?

Got one like that and Les Schwab says it needs to be replaced?? Can it be fixed somehow??

Where steel rust, aluminum will oxidize. It turns into a white powdery mess. To repair this, the oxidation has to be removed, and the pitted area can be fill welded then machined or if your careful enough, ground down to OE specs, or very close to it. The reason for the leak is, because the oxidation is preventing a good sealing surface for the valve stem. If the oxidation isn't to bad, you may be able to use a powered wire brush once the valve stem is removed, ( like on a die grinder or whatever) and remove the oxidation, and be OK, if your lucky.

 

[someotherguy]

Where steel rust, aluminum will oxidize. It turns into a white powdery mess. To repair this, the oxidation has to be removed, and the pitted area can be fill welded then machined or if your careful enough, ground down to OE specs, or very close to it. The reason for the leak is, because the oxidation is preventing a good sealing surface for the valve stem. If the oxidation isn't to bad, you may be able to use a powered wire brush once the valve stem is removed, ( like on a die grinder or whatever) and remove the oxidation, and be OK, if your lucky.

Yep.. I'd brush it out and put a new valve stem in there with that black tire goop they use to seal pesky beads with and see if she holds. Not like it would cost you much more than a little effort and a remount at the tire shop.

Richard

 

[Frank Enstein]

I recommend these when you get valvestems.

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[GoToGuy]

I use the threaded with nut, larger fitted washer type valve stem. Wheels that live in areas where corrosion likely, highly polished aluminum wheels have a preventitive maintenance requirement. The cleaner they are the less likely they will surface pitting and corrosion where dissimilar materials meet. As in lug nuts to base or valve stem seals, base. Cast aluminum wheels in rare cases have had reported issues with porosity over the long term. The aftermarket stepped in with inner wheel coatings. Aluminum wheels with slow leaks? Bead seating area? Oxidized cooroded spot? Nicked or scratched during install removal? Rubber pull to seat regular valve, versus better screwdown compression? Good machine shop will drill or mill out a corroded valve stem hole. TIG weld filler in, and mill new seat hole back to OE specs. Rather than letting it sit and settle on flat tires. 4 cheap jackstands for storage, not to put brain and body under, less work and agro when your ready to back to it. Really did it, its hell getting the jack under with four flat ( knife) tires.