Rust on Chrome Rims?

[NC_Mog]

During my semiannual wash job, I noticed what appears to be rust on the stock chrome rims. It is possible that its brake dust that refuses to come off, but I used standard carwash soap and then wheel cleaner. Its mainly in the corners of the triangluar cut outs in the rims. Anyone else run into this?

 

[DPelletier]

No, sorry I have the plastic wheel covers on my 3500 drw. On previous vehicles' chrome wheels and bumpers I have used both Autosol (paste) and Nevr-dull (wadding) with good results. Both get rid of rust fast. The Nevr-dull probably takes less effort. Then I usually coat with a thick wax.

Dave

 

[Casey Balvert]

Not unusual with DC's chrome wheels. My 97 started showing rust by six months and I washed it weekly. Putting a coat of wax on the wheel after I washed it helped a lot. The only chrome on this truck is plastic. No rust now.

Casey

 

[4xquadrod]

Coca Cola and aluminum foil

I hear this works well on chrome rust removal.

 

[NC_Mog]

I guess my beef with this is that its only about 6 months old. Thats crazy for a truck that costs this much. And its not like its some exotic alloy or special finish on the rims either. Chrome on steel is pretty damn simple to get right.

 

[Rosco]

I don't think it's rust. The chrome wheels are "chrome clad", which means you have an underlying steel wheel with a real fancy chrome plated plastic "hubcap" over the steel. More than likely it's some stubborn brake dust.

 

[JLockhart]

Originally posted by NC_Mog

I guess my beef with this is that its only about 6 months old. Thats crazy for a truck that costs this much. And its not like its some exotic alloy or special finish on the rims either. Chrome on steel is pretty damn simple to get right.

I think before cleaning the rust, I'd approach the dealer about replacing them. Not that you'll likely get very far, but you never know. Seems like it is worthy of registering a complaint, so DC gets some feedback about quality.



I cleaned the chrome rims on my 97 with Never Dull and that really cleaned the rust pitting and improved the look.



Despite what some of the replies here say, the rims are chrome plated steel, at least on the side that faces out. It will be interesting to see how the 3G bumpers hold up. The stell is a fraction of the thickness of the 2G.

 

[Briman]

Per Rosco "I don't think it's rust. The chrome wheels are "chrome clad", which means you have an underlying steel wheel with a real fancy chrome plated plastic "hubcap" over the steel. More than likely it's some stubborn brake dust. "



I get a rust like residue on my alloy rims. I don't know exactly what it is. I think its a combination of the unpainted hub components rust and brake dust. I have waxed the rims inside and out every 4500 t0 5000 miles when I rotate them. This residue is hard to remove if I let it stay on for awhile (which I do). I was just wondering if this is what is on your steel rims?

 

[NC_Mog]

The only plastic piece is the center cover that goes over the lug nuts. The rest is chrome plated steel. I'll probably take it to the dealership first, then it'll be polishing and waxing I guess.

 

[robobx]

mine had it at 4 months old I showed the dealer and he said I need to clean them They were actually pitted, but did come clean with a chrome polish

 

[RCapehart]

This problem goes way back for Dodge. My 96 with chrome wheels did this with in 6 months. Dodge said they would give me another set. I asked for a letter stating that I would be covered for the life of the truck for this problem. They did not like that idea. Dodge bought me a set of american racing alum. wheels to correct the problem. I also got to keep the chrome wheels. They now have a set of winter tires on them.



You pay to much for these trucks to have rusty wheels!



Ron

 

[JHardwick]

I've got a dually, so I don't have this problem but.



My guess is this:



First of all, good chrome has been gone for years thanks to the EPA. Secondly if you leave the metallic brake dust sitting on the chrome long enough, the rusting brake dust will tranfer to the chrome.



Just a guess.

 

[Rosco]

Originally posted by NC_Mog

The only plastic piece is the center cover that goes over the lug nuts. The rest is chrome plated steel. I'll probably take it to the dealership first, then it'll be polishing and waxing I guess.

Are you sure? I could be wrong but I think the chrome is a plastic "hubcap" that is permanetly secured to the underlying steel wheel.

 

[RonWeiss]

Plastic "chrome" over steel on my 03



Ron W.

 

[opjohnny]

Mine get water behind them that does not drain out, even after the 4 mile drive from the car wash. I have to use a sponge to soke it up. I could see parking it out at night and having new wheel weights in the morning, till they thawed out and evaperated!

 

[Cooker]

All of the 03 and newer chrome wheels I have seen have been "chrome clad" meaning a plastic chrome cover pasted on a steel wheel.