Well, the weather finallly warmed above freezing so I got my truck cleaned today. As I was cleaning the wheels I started to notice that they look like they're flaking or pitting. Two of the four are doing it and they are front and back, opposite sides. It is not from curb rash, it looks like it is pitting at the seams. Has anyone else with the 20" wheels experienced this. I gotta think that it has something to do with all of the salt that its been through this winter.

My truck is a 2010 FX4 that is only 5 months old. With a little over 9k on the clock, I'm not real happy. Inspection makes me think that all four are gonna get worse before they get better. Does anyone know if this would be a warrantble item or is there any type of letter on this from Ford? It will bother me just looking at them.

 

I would assume that should be in your warranty with the truck being that new and no signs of curb rash to give the rim a place to start pitting.

 

Yeah, I don't think that the dealer could argue that it's curb rash. I've even got the pitting up near the cover that hides the lug nuts. Gonna be going to the dealer tomorrow; hoping to get four new wheels. I really like the wheels from the 2011 FX4s; love to get them with a very small cash outlay.

 

I would imagine that they could do that. And I agree the FX4 rims are good looking!!

 

Mine are fine, no issues...no snow either though

 

No road salt down here except for saltwater covering the road to Grand Isle. I just bought a 2011 yesterday with the Lariat 20's. I'll have to keep an eye on them even though they are the painted ones.

 

Pic? Is the chrome actually flaking off or are there just spots that look like oxidized stains?

I can't speak to OEM warranties, but I have sold aftermarket chrome wheels for years. Their warranty is always "with proper care"...which means regular cleaning (especially in harsh climates with road chemicals) to remove dirt, abrasive chemicals, and brake dust that can bond with the chrome surface over time and ruin the finish. NO chrome is immune to this...so I would assume that chrome plastic is no different. Aftermarket warranties won't cover wheels in that condition.

Now, if the chrome is actually peeling (chrome seperation) then that is a different issue....warrantable....because the plating has not properly adhered to the metal.

Again, not familiar with OEM warranties, but I'd be highly surprised if you walk out with new wheels unless the chrome has actually seperated from the plastic in this case...or unless your dealer just wants to take care of it.

Interested to hear the outcome! I have the chrome clad 18's on my Lariat. I'll have to take some chrome polish to them after the winter I'm sure to clean up staining that won't just wipe off. Anything chrome, even chrome clad, takes a lot of care to keep looking "perfect" if you're in a climate where they use chemicals on the roads in the winter. It simply takes a toll if you don't detail the chrome on a regular (weekly) basis. Running it through the automatic car wash to knock the crud off, unfortunately, doesn't cut it...which sucks...

 

Sorry to hear about your rims what dealership did you buy your truck from.I live pretty close to you off of St.Rt. 303 5 minutes from Streetsboro.

Later Mark.

 

I bought it from Liberty Ford in Solon. I took some pictures this morning and will try to attach.

 

Hopefully this will show. Little dirty now though.

 

Well, for some reason I can't attach photos. I did create an album so maybe you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

 

Clean the wheels to remove the dirt and get some Never Dull cotton wadding and scrub away. I have had four different trucks with the chrome clad wheels and they all look pited after a winter of salt. The fronts always look worse because of the extra brake dust from the increased percent of front braking, but they will come clean. Just because they are chrome doesn't mean they don't take some scrubbing. Then, apply a liberal amount of wax to them and buff off. You'll be fine.

On my 2007, I took it to the dealer for the same reason, and after a bit of elbow grease, the dealer (friend) had me returning home looking sheepish, and plenty of work to do.

 

Clif Hanger, Do you have the 20" 6-spoke machined alumium wheels on your FX4? if so you have what the factory describes as " Filiform Corrosion" and looks like corrosion tracks on the machined surface under clearcoat originating from the edges. I have the same issues from two of my 20" wheels as well. This is a warrantable conditon. the factory has even given us dealers a picture dictionary called "Wheel / Trim Warranty / Quality" booklet. Im sure you r dealer will replaced the defective wheels for you........

 

I have not seen any of that happening to mine but I wash it like twice a week.

 

Many, many thanks. I do have the cast aluminum wheels that are optional on the FX4. The corrosion is exactly where you say it is, on the edges. Glad to hear that someone else is having this issue. I'm taking it in tomorrow, and will mention the "Filiform Corrosion" diagnosis. From your post, it looks like you work for a dealer, hopefully mine will be up to speed with it.