Wheels- tires loosing air

marosmith · marosmith's Garage

My rear driver tire lost about 80% of its air overnight. Since the tires (michelin PS) were purchased at Tire Factory I decided to take them in to get the flat fixed.

They said that the wheel was losing air due to some corrosion of the inner chrome inside the wheel.

The tires were put on 2 year ago but the car has only been driven (sitting quite a bit) about 5000 miles since they were installed.

The wheels look brand new 17" chrome twists. No outer damage at all really. Does this explanation make sense? Could there be damage from the tire install two years ago, or is this normal for a car that has been sitting quite a bit and then recently driven more?

KevinH1990 · 09-30-2011, 04:19 PM

It does happen. I googled wheel corrosion and saw several posts on other forums describing the same problem

Are you the first owner of your car? Is it possible that the car sat in flood water at one time?

marosmith · marosmith's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

It does happen. I googled wheel corrosion and saw several posts on other forums describing the same problem

Are you the first owner of your car? Is it possible that the car sat in flood water at one time?

I am not the original owner but can guarantee it didn't have damage.

M332is · 10-01-2011, 10:02 AM

Before you do anything, spin the wheel and check for a nail or screw in the tread - they may have missed it. You can always put some soapy water around the edge of the rim and see if you are getting any bubbles. Bubbles equal an air leak.

BYprodriver · BYprodriver's Garage

anywhere the chrome is not sealed moisture can get underneath & corrosion begins, this is common on the mounting flange since the chrome platers ignore this area, I have seen wheel/tire that only leak air when in specific position on ground.

marosmith · marosmith's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

anywhere the chrome is not sealed moisture can get underneath & corrosion begins, this is common on the mounting flange since the chrome platers ignore this area, I have seen wheel/tire that only leak air when in specific position on ground.

It's holding fine now I'll keep an eye on it.