sthakor92

I have the 2011 18 inch wheels in graphite (non-fsport) on the passenger driver wheel, there have been some dark patches (they look like brake dust but won't come off with sonax wheel cleaner they're also rough to the touch) that won't come off so I was picking at them with my finger nail and it comes off but what comes off appears to be flakes of metal. what can this be? is it covered under warranty?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

The wheel's paint won't be a warrantied item...I've tried.

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

They will if it corrosion not paint chips. I done it 3 times under factory warranty. But the place they used suck like the factory paint.

sthakor92

I feel like its some kind of corrosion I don't know what else could've caused it i regularly clean off the brake dust. I'm going to bring it up next time I take the car in to the dealer and hope for the best. thanks!

darkdream

Some wheel cleaners use very harsh chemicals. This issue is very common. The paint on the wheels are not durable. If you want a cheap fix, you can get your wheels powder-coated from $200-400 depending on location.

ICU2

If it's like this:

The coating has been damaged. There is a black layer underneath and then it's electrostatically coated with monocoat metallic which gives it the shadow like appearance. This layer was damaged by acidic brake cleaner and might be what you're peeling off?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Yeah, I found out that the Hyandi Genesis Track wheels I have were done in the same manner. The color is hyper silver, at least on the Track wheels.

sthakor92

Heres what it is... All I've used on the wheels is chemical guys soap and have recently have tried sonax

darkdream

^ Looks like it is due to using harsh tire cleaning chemicals. The best way to avoid having to use harsh chemicals is to use a sealant on the wheels so the brake dust just washes off.

sthakor92

I don't see how it'd be harsh chemicals.. Everything I've used has been ph balanced including the soap. Its been washed by the dealer 4 times. The wheel was refinished by lexus cause the curb rashed it once. (doubt that would have any effect

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Generally-speaking, the wheel finishes (especially the clear coat) on the OE Lexus wheels I've seen are quite thin. Not only that, they're susceptible to heat and bubble!

sthakor92

I see.. lol I guess I'll have to see if the dealer can do anything for me next time I take it in