Corrosion on Wheels (winter) Less than 1 Year Old

[mollusk]

Mollusk is grumpy, well more than usual!

When we bought the wife's 2012 XC70 we also bought a set of winter wheels and tyres (from the "approved" accessory list). I had intended to source a set of steels and fit my choice of tyres - but 16" Cecinos were available with my preferred tyres (Conti XContact 4x4) and at a good price.

The winter set has now done two winters, approx 9-10 months in total and about 5000 mls. I am verrrry pleased with the performance - but the wheels! Volvo have still got issues with corrosion - albeit on the inner faces.

After each winter the wheels were fully cleaned and waxed before putting into storage. Having unearthed them yesterday ready for fitting I was irked to find patches of corrosion and flaking coating on each wheel. (no sign when wheels were put away). It would seem that moisture had penetrated the coating and has been quietly festering away all summer.

A sample of what was found!









I have informed my dealer, and e-mailed pics, and they can see the wheels on Thursday when a second annual/on call renewal has been booked.

In the meantime I have contacted Volvo car UK "customer relations" - they really have no customer empathy whatsoever. Basically the whole response was much of a "so, what do you want us to do", "go back to your dealer", not prepared to comment at all.
No suggestion that such corrosion might indicate a problem on wheels with a service life of less than a year!
Yes, I know they've not yet seen the wheels etc. but there is a way of dealing with customers that does not suggest that they don't believe a word you're saying! To me it seems that customer relations are only there to fend people off, to ensure that VCUK are not distracted by inconvenient end users.

I worked for Volvo Concessionaires/VCUK from the mid seventies until 1993 and there was a real understanding that the customer paid our wages! - how very different things are now.

Mollusk.

[Prufrock]

Not very good at all, I've had similar issues in the past with Mercedes S Class and Lexus GS alloys: Mercedes were very difficult despite the car being bought new with a full history. Lexus, no argument from them just a new set of wheels.

Perhaps not enough paint leading to porosity and then corrosion.

And just to rub it in the Rigels on my 1986 745 are in better condition than yours!

Jon.

[deefadog]

I,ll back up what prufrock said about Lexus,I,ve just p/ex a Lexus For a Volvo and must admit lexus after sales beats Volvo hands down. I took a 30 month old IS in for a service when I went to collect it they told me they found a small patch of corrosion on the inside of the rear wheel and so had ordered a full set of new wheels which they replaced FOC and gave my wife a bouquet of flowers for the inconvenience.

Chris

[A lex]

I see they are Borbet wheels.

Try the dealer, then Volvo UK, then perhaps Borbet direct......

If no joy, take solace in the fact that a good refurb doesnt cost the Earth these days.

Perhaps the dealer will agree to paying for a refurb as a compromise?

[Ninja59]

Unfortunately, Borbet when it comes to Volvo wheels are rubbish.

Our styx (made by borbet in Germany like yours) after 1 year were suffering with corrosion in honesty we have found even more faults with the wheels.

Bluntness you are better if you can asking for a professional refurb than a respray or new wheel. Mainly thanks to cars only getting water based paint rather than proper powder to create more colours and reduce cost this is what you get.

[oragex]

That's rubbish. At least, no corrosion at the hub.

[D4RKLORDZ]

THE ANSWER TO WHY ALLOY WHEEL CORROSION IS HAPPENING
If your one of the many people who attend car valet centres , the type where you get at least 6 people cleaning your car for you then this is for you. As your in that line of cars waiting to go through the initial car wash , you will of noticed a chap spraying a chemical on to your alloy wheels and windscreens bumpers etc. Well the problem is if its a hot day and your in around 5 place to get washed the guy will walk up and down the line spraying more chemical as to stop it from drying. the chemical people is what is destroying your alloys . its too powerful and as a car painter I can factually tell you that there is very little lacquer on the rims from factory. bearing in mind diamond cut rims are pure aluminium and the lacquer only remains on the rim with the aide of an inhibitor . once the wheel acid penetrates the lacquer the alloy is contaminated. STOP using wheel acid if your wheels have light break dust on them just soap and water. nothing else. the next time your in a car wash observe the colour of the windows as the acid also eats into all chrome plastic and rubber such as wipers. If honest im surprised car manufacturers have not added a clause for warranty claims. ALL FACT

[munis kashin]

Bought my new CX90 less than 2y ago.noticed a start of corrosion on OFS rear chrome window trim which spread to all windows but none of other chrome trims of the car.
Dealer refused to do anything claiming it is due to PH of the washing liquid and not covered by the warranty.
Any one has similar problem??

[Simon Jones]

Do you actually use washing liquid to wash the car? It's true that the ph is bad for the paintwork so probably not something you'd want to admit as part of a warranty claim. The trim around the rear windows on my 2008 XC70 have gone slightly cloudy but after nearly 10 years of exposure to the elements it's not surprising. You could try gently cleaning with a paint restorer and then put on several coats of quality UV protecting wax to keep it at bay.