m33porsche Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I have noticed a lot of new cars with horribly rusty hubs, accentuated by large open alloy wheels. I have a theory that it is NOT unavoidable. I have managed to keep unpainted hubs on several cars rust free. Two things help this, NOT using aggressive alloy wheel cleaners. These can have surprisingly extreme pH levels that I'm sure strip the hubs of protective oil. I have in the past taken cars (not mine) to reputable hand wash locations only to find that the wheel cleaner used strips/discolours the black wheel bolts - it's strong stuff to be avoided at all costs. If a hand wash is a necessity take your own alloy wheel cleaner, nothing stronger than regular car wash shampoo. A favorite of mine is Meguiars Shampoo Plus for these kinds of jobs The second factor is regular washing, pressure washing the wheels/arches/calipers etc takes me longer than the bodywork itself. It is obviously where all the crap is flung and if left will gradually bake on and degrade the surface. I have taken to a wheel/arch pre-soak with an all-purpose cleaner then an extended pressure wash. These are the two techniques I'm using to avoid the accumulation of rust on the R's hubs. So far, 1 month in and 2300 miles later all is clear. Fingers crossed m33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_blue Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 On my last motor the sealant used on the diamond cut wheels wasn't up to spec, and Citroen replaced the whole set for free, anytime up to the 3 year warranty period. In fact, it was only the inside centre badge bit that used to go, so it wasnt that bad, but they didn't usually quibble. They cost over £1200 a set too. My point being, if your wheels appear to prematurely deteriorate, then consult the dealer far exchange under warranty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stobsie Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 The only thing you can do to prevent it on the R is constantly keep on top of it with Iron- X or a similar product as water runs down the vents in the disc (rears are the worse) and the starts to rust the hub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_blue Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I've seen some hubs painted black, but they didn't look right even in matt black Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stobsie Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I've seen some hubs painted black, but they didn't look right even in matt black This is how bad mine were. http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/8760-rusty-discs/?hl=%2Brusty+%2Bdisc Booth11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_blue Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 This is how bad mine were. Really good job- did they last long like that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stobsie Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 Really good job- did they last long like that? Still as good as the day I did them I just spray them with Iron-x every time the dreaded rust marks start to appear which is about every other wash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_blue Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 Good to know. Will see how mine go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m33porsche Posted October 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I personally wouldn't be using Iron-X on a regular basis as it is also a very strong product. I may be proved wrong but I'm going to persist with whats worked for me in the past and see how she fairs... m33 Stobsie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_blue Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 You've got to watch those acid based wheel cleaners too. Horrible for the hands that's for sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noggin Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 My hubs are getting really horrible with rusty patches. Can someone tell me if it's the disc hub that's rusty or is it part of the car. What I'm getting at is can I get rid of the rust by changing the discs? I'd like to spray them but it's beyond my capabilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stobsie Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 My hubs are getting really horrible with rusty patches. Can someone tell me if it's the disc hub that's rusty or is it part of the car. What I'm getting at is can I get rid of the rust by changing the discs? I'd like to spray them but it's beyond my capabilities. It's the disc's hub that rusts. noggin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noggin Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 Cool. I think I'll just buy new discs then. Expensive way to fix it but they're doing my nut -car looks perfect apart from the rusty hubs. @stobsie - Thanks for clearing that up for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy1 Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I only use meguiars gold class shampoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stobsie Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Cool. I think I'll just buy new discs then. Expensive way to fix it but they're doing my nut -car looks perfect apart from the rusty hubs. @stobsie - Thanks for clearing that up for me. noggin, if you can take a wheel off and use a roll of masking tape it really is an easy fix to do and all for less than £15. If your near me I'll do it for free. noggin and invisiblekid 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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