9-2X F4-2.5L (2006)
Wheels: Technical Service Bulletins
Wheels - Chrome Wheel Staining/Pitting/Corrosion
INFORMATION
Bulletin No.: 00-03-10-002E
Date: March 15, 2010
Subject: Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels
Models:
2010 and Prior GM Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn and Saab)
2003-2009 HUMMER H2
2006-2010 HUMMER H3
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-03-10-002D (Section 03 - Suspension).
Important
You may give a copy of this bulletin to the customer.
What is Chemical Staining of Chrome Wheels?
Figure 1
Chemical staining in most cases results from acid based cleaners (refer to Figure 1 for an example). These stains are frequently milky or greenish in
appearance. They result from using cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome wheels (or any wheels). Soap and
water is usually sufficient to clean chrome wheels, but if a cleaner must be used on chrome wheels, GM Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner, P/N 1052929
(in Canada, use P/N 10953202), or equivalent, is recommended. Do not use cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on
chrome wheels (or any wheels).
Notice
Many wheel cleaner instructions advise to take care to avoid contact with painted surfaces. Most customers think of painted surfaces as the fenders,
quarter panels and other exterior sheet metal. Many vehicles have painted brake calipers. Acidic wheel cleaners may craze, crack, or discolor the paint on
the brake calipers. Damage from wheel cleaners is not covered under the vehicle new car warranty. Soap and water applied with a soft brush is usually
all that is required to clean the calipers.
Important
GM Chrome and Wire Wheel cleaner, P/N 1052929 (in Canada, P/N 10953202), has a mild phosphoric acid, which will not stain the chrome.
However, do not use this product on clear-coated aluminum wheels.
Whenever any wheel cleaner is used, it must be THOROUGHLY rinsed off of the wheel with clean, clear water. Special care must be taken to rinse
under the hub cap, balance weights, wheel nuts, lug nut caps, between the wheel cladding and off the back side of the wheel.
Notice
Do not use cleaning solutions that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome wheels (or any wheels).
If the customer is unsure of the chemical make-up of a particular wheel cleaner, it should be avoided.
