Crome blistering on 05 custom rear wheel

floorit · #1 13th July 2009

I was washing my bike today and noticed that in several places the crome is blistering and peeling off the rear rim. I did a search but didn't notice anybody else with this so I thought I'd ask how common this is? I guess it's time to swap out for the spokes I been wantin.

williamv1203 · #2 13th July 2009

Is it a chromed over alloy cast wheel? Either or; All it takes is just a pinhole chip in the chrome for air or water to get under and start the oxidization which will start the chrome on its' path to the bubbling and peeling. It will continue to spread unless you can stop it. It's like gangrene on an animal body part. Except amputation isn't the cure on a wheel. To possibly stop it where it is, use a dremel tool with a small cutting/grindind wheel to score the chrome around where the bubbling reaches. Peel it away to expose the cast wheel underneath. Clean off the oxidization (furry white crap) to bare metal. Paint over it with clear metal lacquer and cover some of the chrome at the edges. Then touch up with chrome effect paint. It may not look as good as the rest of the chrome wheel, but you'll probably have stopped it getting any worse. Superglue brushed over works as well as the clear metal lacquer.

bsheets64 · #3 14th July 2009

Dont feel like the lone ranger. I have an 06 1200c and noticed the exact same thing the other day on my rear wheel. I couldn't believe it when I noticed it.

funnythebunny · #4 14th July 2009

Mi friend's 07 started doing it only 6 months after buying it... He now rides a RK, so a solution was never sought. Chromed cast aluminum is not the best idea. Wanna go with spokes? Learn to care for your wheels first, or you'll be posting here with the same problem.

rfranz1952 · #5 14th July 2009

I have the same problem. The wheels need to be kept really-really clean, because the dust from the brake pads is corrosive and will eat the wheels. They probably ought to be washed daily, and of course, no one does that--particularly in the winter.

There are some treatments and coatings that are supposed to provide protection--but I don't know how well they work. Chemical Guys manufactures some stuff, there may be others.

floorit · #6 14th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by funnythebunny

Mi friend's 07 started doing it only 6 months after buying it... He now rides a RK, so a solution was never sought. Chromed cast aluminum is not the best idea. Wanna go with spokes? Learn to care for your wheels first, or you'll be posting here with the same problem.

"Learn to care for my wheels"? Thats easier said than done when you live 1/2 mile of gravel from a paved road. Maybe if I Mothersed them once a week that wouldn't be a problem.