FR rims rusting in the center cap area
 

On Thursday, I’ve gotten my front rims replaced under warranty. Apparently, the front center bore where the wheels sit on the front axle, the axle is hallow and debris and water, etc. could get onto the back of the center cap area to cause rust. I had my two rims replaced and I am going back into the dealership to get my bearings replaced as well on Monday. Service manager said Infiniti should be coming out with a permanent fix soon. In the meantime, he suggested that I should be cleaning up that area regularly. There was another demo G37S in the waiting area and it had the same problem as well. I believe this problem is most noticeable for cars that see winters using factory rims with snow tires.

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wow, I thought our stockies were aluminum?

got any pictures?

interesting. pics would be helpful.

hmm. mine is like that too
 

but i though it is normal >? no ? and i dont understand why your rims got replaced when its aluminum...?

I believe even aluminum rust too, although not as fast as steel would. Otherwise, I can't explain why I am having this problem.

hmm. did you use harsh acid cleaners ?

+1 on this question.

Those pics look horrible. Doesnt look like rust from the pics. Looks like something ate away at the paint and coating. Even the center cap is jacked, isn't that made of plastic.

This is what winter does to wheels but usually not for a few years. Road Salt sux.

Soap only

Those effects on aluminum are typical when using harsh detergents. Are you sure you are being honest? This can also be caused by road salt if not cleaned regularly as another poster mentioned.

Gentlemen, honesty has nothing to do with the type of soap that I use.:)

In Toronto, the roads are salted and I used good quality car soap to wash my car. I can accept/expect rust around my wheels if they were 5 years old or so, But I only had my car for 5 months, it doesn't make sense that the wheels are already rusting.

The reason why I have rust around the center caps is due to the fact that the center bore is hollow in the middle where road salt gets into the back of the wheel caps. Take your wheels off and you will see. Furthermore, if you take off your front wheels and compare against your rear wheels, you will see the back of your rear wheels are cleaner and no rusty coloration but the front wheels do.

^1. When I was swapping out my wheels a few weeks ago, I noticed that inside of my front bores were filthy. I think there was still road salt caked in there from months ago. Now that I'm aware of it, I'll be a lot more careful to keep that area clean every time I take my wheels off!!

+1... but hey as long as you get it replaced!

i don't think aluminum can rust