Wheel Question

[Hasan]

I finally found the car I was looking for and have secured it with a deposit last night. []

The only thing that lets it down is the wheels (Sport Design Alloys)

They all seem to be corroded (When you scratch the outer rim, white powder like stuff comes away onto your hands) and I'm wondering if I should get them re-furbished or just go for a new set?
The cost advantage of refurbishment is obvious but how long would it last before they start to deteriorate again?
Anyone with personal experience?

Secondly, The rears were on 265 tyres which looked slightly odd. Wouldn't 285's be better?

 

[Rotorhead]

There have been previous reports of similar problems with the Sport Design wheels.

I've no direct experience, but I would suspect that over-agressive cleaning may contribute to the problem.

Obviously the design of the wheel makes cleaning more difficult, so it is more likely that the use of chemicals, brushes and the dreaded jet washers have perforated the paint.

3.6 996s (2002>) had 285/30 rears and 225/40 fronts

 

[TopBear]

I had them on my MY03 Boxster S as well, and like you say the polished rim suffers badly from corrosion.

As far as I can tell, you just have to live with it and get them refurbed every couple of years to get them back to pristine condition.

I got my two rear wheels rims refurbed at http://www.wheelrefurbishing.com, and they done a superb job. That was only a about 6 weeks ago, and so far so good.

 

[NIL98]

A refurb should make them as good as new if its done by a reputable operation. I've had a couple of sets done by a place in Woburn Sands. First set were absolutely perfect, but my 996 carrera 5 spokes were not as good though - outside surfaces and spokes ok but not perfect inside the rims and wheel nut recesses. For that reason I hesitate to receommend them.

 

[Guest]

From what I can gather, the alloys have a coat of laquer, which when breached allows mositure to penetrate under, causing corrosion. This is particularly worsened in winter with the freeze/thaw effect, and of course with the assistance of salt.

As Oliver says, overly aggressive cleaning and chemicals can accelerate the deterioration but in any event, small cracks or chips can also remove the protective laquer also reducing longevity.

 

[Guest]

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=133341 discusses also