Hi everyone - I ahve a 2011 FX4 with the factory grey wheels (20's) and have noticed some black areas popping up on the wheels. I know these wheels are grey but have never noticed if these black spots are somewhat normal. I ask as I have to take the truck in for service (still under warranty stuff) to the key pad panel on the door - it seems the last two no longer light up.

Anyway, here are some pic - can anyone confirm if this is normal?







Sure looks awkward to me but would like some input on if this has happened to anyone else.

TIA.

 

I just had a close look at all four of my 20" FX wheels and I do not have the issue in the pictures that you posted. I assume those wheels are clean in those pictures so I would say it isn't normal. Check out the local Ford dealer's inventory of trucks with these wheels to see if any exhibit the same concern, then check with the dealer for possible replacement.

 

Thanks for the info with your wheels, rangerrick. I haven't been by the dealer yet but I'm sure they will tell me it's my fault.

And yes, the wheels are clean in the pics.

 

Weird! Almost looks like overspray, doesn't it cop? You purchased the truck new, yes?

 

I agree with DewserB. Looks like over spray.

 

Third vote for possible overspray

 

Looks like brake dust acid damage to me...

 

I thought brake dust at first, but then he said they were clean, and I discarded that thought. If brake dust is acidic/corrosive though, it could certainly be that! I never knew/thought about whether or not it could actually damage the coating or paint, but I certainly could see it doing so.

 

What kind of wheel cleaner do you use?

 

It's not over spray - the discoloration is as smooth as the wheels are. It sort of just appeared and I only wash the wheels with Meg's soap (the Ultimate stuff).

 

I did purchase it new and it's still under warranty. I'm going to the dealer on Monday but wanted some ideas if this has happened to someone else.

 

Overspray can be really hard to "feel," but unless they've painted something without you knowing or they've corrected curb rash via a grind and respray, it probably isn't that. What color is the truck?

 

Hmmm. I bought my truck (2013) brand new a couple of months ago, and I too have black spots. Not nearly as many as you do, but while washing it last week I was thinking to myself "Hmmm, look's like they didn't do a perfect paint-job (or whatever they do) on my wheels.

 

Was at the dealer today - looked at three different sets of 20" wheels and all had the same thing I have. From what I was told, this is a normal thing. The wheels are a "charcoal" (as Ford said) color , then given the black "accents" (as Ford said) to "enhance" the appearance. I'm okay with it as long as I don't have any issues further down the road.

On a side note, they did a flash of the computer and man what a difference! Shifting is smooth as butter.

And on another side note, I found some brand new OEM Pirrelli tires for $100 a piece. Still have the ******* on the tread! Some guy bought a new truck and didn't want them - good for me. I'm not gonna say no!

 

That made me laugh I'm glad your wheels are fine, though what you were told obviously doesn't mean jack. But it likely is a normal issue if three others had it as well. Black accenting is common, but usually covers the entire thing it's added too . . . we had a very dark brown speckle added when we resurfaced two of our sinks and counters in the bathrooms