Well, I guess I can be one of the few to tell you that the rims seem to have a 3 yr life span before they start to pit again.

I had bought my 06 GX470 new and in 09 my rims started to pit. My story is on here somewhere. After a major fight with the dealership and Lexus they replaced my rims free of charge to me.

We had taken exceptional care of the rims, washing them by hand and not with any harsh detergent soap. They were waxed with what was recommended to us to keep the snow/salt off of them and today we notice a spot the size of a pencil eraser. This is once again around the 3 yr mark.

This is clearly a defect but I'm sure the chances of Lexus standing behind them is slim to none so do any of you have any ideas as to what can be done?

 

Yes, call and complain and than no doubt you will have to replace them with other wheels. I have tried as well. It has been a well documented problem for years. The same thing happened to the wheels on the Toyota Sienna. Aftermarket wheels or newer GX460 wheels are your only alternative. It is more rare to see a GX with good wheels than pitted. Try EBay or Craigslist for wheels or keep refinishing yours every 3 years. There should have been a class action suit a long time ago.

 

Can't believe we are even having this problem with Lexus. Thanks!

 

I suspect the peeling due to waxing. I don't think you're doing any good by applying a wax.

I simply wash the wheels and no peeling whatsoever.

 

Nothing to do with wax, in fact I don't see why wax wouldn't help? The wheels are painted with clear similar to your exterior. The wheels put and peel because of corrosion from the inside out. It's a well documented problem affecting all areas of the country. Search used GX's with pics from even Florida and Texas and you will notice pitting. I'm sure some dealers "refinish" the wheels prior to selling the truck but the problem isn't the finish, it's the alloy itself. I had mine refinished and the bubbling started from underneath. I always kept the wheels clean and only used soap and water. There are even cases where new wheels in the boxes at the dealerships were pitting

 

that is true, i bought a set of refinished wheels on ebay, they were good for a couple of years but i am starting to notice the same thing all over again. I guess if i cant stand it and i continue to own the truck i will go for the 18" 4runner wheels next time.

 

Good call or the GX460 wheels would work too.

 

You do realize that 4Runner wheels, GX470 wheels and GX460 wheels are all made the same way, probably even at the same plant?

In my experience, as long as you dont' use any chemicals (waxes, etc..), wheels will last for a long time. Your experiece, of course, may vary...

 

Not necessarily. The wheels were not made by Toyota, that is a fact. Wax will not cause corrosion, that is a fact. Now I don't know for sure if the same company made both the GX470 and GX460 wheels but there was Definetly a problem with the GX470 wheels. When wheels are pitting new in a box at a dealership than its obvious wax or cleaning agents had nothing to do with it. There is plenty of threads about the wheels and its pitting issues so search and see yourself.

 

Sounds like you work for Lexus, I've heard those excuses before.

 

If you believe this is a common problem, I'd suggest to contact your Lexus dealer again. By complaining here on the forum there is nothing we can do for you.

 

Sounds like she does work for Lexus. Why go to the dealership if Lexus is "listening"?

 

No way wax is causing corrosion , there are plenty of people out there that neve ever wax any part of their car ever and still.....they have the same issues. And which wax would be responsible for corrosion, carnauba? Synthetic???

 

What are the exact symptoms of this issue? I have a 2005 GX and i wonder if mine could be affected. Link to some pictures would be very helpful.

Also, what happens if i don't do anything about it? Is it a slow moving problem or should i expect sudden rim/tire pressure failure?

Thanks!

 

There are plenty of pictures posted. Please use search function.