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FR rims rusting in the center cap area

Old Mar 27, 2009 | 10:58 PM
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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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Attached Thumbnails FR rims rusting in the center cap area-img_1650.jpg   FR rims rusting in the center cap area-img_1651.jpg   FR rims rusting in the center cap area-img_1652.jpg   FR rims rusting in the center cap area-img_1653.jpg   FR rims rusting in the center cap area-img_1655.jpg  


Last edited by Oggie; Mar 29, 2009 at 10:23 AM.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 06:50 AM
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wow, I thought our stockies were aluminum?
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 08:40 AM
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got any pictures?
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 09:14 AM
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interesting. pics would be helpful.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 09:51 AM
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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...?
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 10:25 AM
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I believe even aluminum rust too, although not as fast as steel would. Otherwise, I can't explain why I am having this problem.
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 10:58 AM
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hmm. did you use harsh acid cleaners ?
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by vINCe_Inc
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.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 09:31 AM
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This is what winter does to wheels but usually not for a few years. Road Salt sux.
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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 01:01 AM
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Soap only
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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 07:09 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 11:26 PM
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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.

Last edited by Oggie; Apr 1, 2009 at 11:54 PM.
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Old Apr 29, 2009 | 01:57 PM
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^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!!
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Old Apr 29, 2009 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Blackjack
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.
+1... but hey as long as you get it replaced!
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Old Apr 29, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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i don't think aluminum can rust
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