Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
Finish Damage Evaluation Procedure
Note:
• If the wheels are chrome-plated, do not re-plate or refinish the wheels.
• If the wheels are polished aluminum, do not refinish the wheels in the dealer environment. Utilize a refinisher that
meets manufacturer guidelines.
1. Inspect the wheels for damage from uncoated wheel balance weights or from automatic car wash facilities.
2. Inspect the wheels for the following conditions:
• Corrosion
• Scrapes
• Gouges
3. Verify the damage is not deeper than what sanding can remove.
4. Inspect the wheels for cracks. If a wheel has cracks, discard the wheel.
5. Inspect the wheels for bent rim flanges. If a rim flange is bent, discard the wheel.
Refinishing Procedure
Warning: To avoid serious personal injury when applying any two part component paint system, follow the specific
precautions provided by the paint manufacturer. Failure to follow these precautions may cause lung irritation and allergic
respiratory reaction.
1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
2. Remove the balance weights from the wheel.
3. Remove the tire from the wheel. Refer to
Tire Dismounting and Mounting
.
4. Use a suitable cleaner in order to remove the following contaminants from the wheel:
• Lubricants
• Wax
• Dirt
Note:
• Do not re-machine the wheel.
• Do not use chemicals in order to strip the paint from the wheel.
5. Use plastic media blasting in order to remove the paint from the wheel.
6. If the wheel had a machined aluminum finish, spin the wheel and use sand paper in order to restore the circular machined
appearance.
Note: The wheel mounting surface and the wheel nut contact surface must remain free of paint.
7. Mask the wheel mounting surface and the wheel nut contact surface.
8. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for painting the wheel.
9. Unmask the wheel.
10. Install a new valve stem.
Note: Use new coated balance weights in order to balance the wheel.
11. Install the tire to the wheel. Refer to
Tire Dismounting and Mounting
.
12. Use a suitable cleaner in order to remove the following contaminants from the wheel mounting surface:
• Corrosion
• Overspray
• Dirt
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved.
Tyres and Wheels
SUSPENSION
10
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CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 BODY REPAIR MANUAL