Factory Wheels Rusting
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Factory Wheels Rusting
The factory chrome wheels on my 2004 F-150 are rusting quite badly from brake dust. I do wash the truck fairly often. It is still under the 36-36 factory warranty, but the Ford dealer and Ford service rep have flatly refused to replace these under the warranty. I've appealed to Ford on-line, and they saying that it is either misuse or improper maintenance. Anyone else have this problem? Any alternative suggestions?
I'm thinking of just putting some cheap aftermarket wheels on, since the factory wheels look horrible.
I'm thinking of just putting some cheap aftermarket wheels on, since the factory wheels look horrible.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Southern USA
are these the chrome "clad" wheels? also are you sure its brake dust? there have been numerous posts in the 97-03 forum about mud and dirt and whatever getting caught between the chrome outer covering and the steel wheel, there by causing some rusting issues. I'm sure same applies to later yrs.) Esp. up north i would think,,,with the salt added in there. I got rid of my so called crome wheels and bought a set of '05 factory Lariat style alloy's, i didn't like that "fake" chrome wheel appearance. Maybe this isnt your problem,,,but thought i would give my .02 worth paul.... '05 scab,,, black beauty!
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I don't know if they're chrome or chrome clad. I'm almost positive it's from brake dust, since only the ones on the front get rusty and they are typically the ones to show heavy brake dust. That's what the dealer said as well. "Improper maintenance", they say. I've bought 7 Ford trucks in the last 25 years, and this may be the last one since I think they are dead wrong not to cover this under warranty. I think it's just cheap crappy wheels.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Lancaster, CA
8NTX, you should be mad. You pay big money for a truck, and get crappy wheels. They would be better if they were just plain painted. The chrome clad wheels trap dirt, and cause rust. It is really nice that Ford is so willing to help you. NOT!
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Joined: Nov 2004
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8NTX, Are you sure it is rust? Sometimes the built up brake dust can look like rust. You might try a green scotchbrite pad that you can get in the house cleaning or kitchen section of most stores. I have found that to be highly effective at removing the baked on brake dust build up on my chrome clad steel wheels. Hope this helps.
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
you get what you buy...buy cheap wheels/rubber, get bad results.
sorry your rims are rusting, but how is it Fords fault that the rims are rusting on a 3 yr old truck? there is customer service, but that would be going above and beyond
sorry your rims are rusting, but how is it Fords fault that the rims are rusting on a 3 yr old truck? there is customer service, but that would be going above and beyond
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
I think i would be a little mad too. After 3 years there should not be alot of rust on any vehicle, let alone alot of rust.
How it is fords fault that the rims are rusting, is poor quality. How good does that make a 3 year old ford look, when its starting to rust up?
How it is fords fault that the rims are rusting, is poor quality. How good does that make a 3 year old ford look, when its starting to rust up?
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Originally Posted by tylus
you get what you buy...buy cheap wheels/rubber, get bad results.
sorry your rims are rusting, but how is it Fords fault that the rims are rusting on a 3 yr old truck? there is customer service, but that would be going above and beyond
sorry your rims are rusting, but how is it Fords fault that the rims are rusting on a 3 yr old truck? there is customer service, but that would be going above and beyond
I guess it would be a little different if we were in an area that salts the roads regularly for ice and snow. But this is Texas. They are just saying it's improper maintenance. Baloney. I think I've bought my last Ford, and I have bought them almost exclusively in the last 30 years. My wife drives an 06 Expedition. Never had a problem of this type come up. But maybe this is a bi-product of their current financial difficulty. Whatever it is, they are losing a long time customer.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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I bet it's not rust. I used to have the same problem with my old chrome clad wheels. I initially thought it was rust as well, when in reality, it was nothing more than baked on brake dust. The semi-metallics in the brake actuall even feel like rust when you run your hand over it.
Anyway, long story short, take an S.O.S. pad to your pre-soaked wheel and it will rub right off with very little elbow grease required. I did this weekly for over a year and my chrome clad wheels always looked brand new. It does not scratch either. You'll be amazed at the results!
Anyway, long story short, take an S.O.S. pad to your pre-soaked wheel and it will rub right off with very little elbow grease required. I did this weekly for over a year and my chrome clad wheels always looked brand new. It does not scratch either. You'll be amazed at the results!
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Originally Posted by slash12376
I bet it's not rust. I used to have the same problem with my old chrome clad wheels. I initially thought it was rust as well, when in reality, it was nothing more than baked on brake dust. The semi-metallics in the brake actuall even feel like rust when you run your hand over it.
Anyway, long story short, take an S.O.S. pad to your pre-soaked wheel and it will rub right off with very little elbow grease required. I did this weekly for over a year and my chrome clad wheels always looked brand new. It does not scratch either. You'll be amazed at the results!
Anyway, long story short, take an S.O.S. pad to your pre-soaked wheel and it will rub right off with very little elbow grease required. I did this weekly for over a year and my chrome clad wheels always looked brand new. It does not scratch either. You'll be amazed at the results!
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
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From: League City, TX
Originally Posted by lrappl
After being a satisfied customer for 30 years it seems a bit reactionary to say you'll never buy another Ford because of some rusty wheels! Just my opinion.....