Cracked Wheel?

[phewop118]

I noticed a little bubble in the chrome on one of my wheels on my 2001 Intrigue about two weeks ago. I only got it about 3 weeks ago, so it probably has been there from the purchase date. However, when I looked at it today, I saw a small fracture in the chrome in the middle of the bubble. Is this just wear and tear or water or brake dust getting under the chrome and peeling it, or is it a result of a cracked wheel? Could it just be that the previous owner scraped the curb, but didn't damage the wheel? What's all your ideas. Anybody had this sort of problem or had a cracked wheel? How much does it cost to replace?

[GTP Dad]

If the wheel is chrome like you said it is probably rust developing under the blister and causing the chrome to crack or split. I doubt the wheel is damaged beyond a cosmetic issue but if it bothers you, you will need to have the wheel either rechromed or replaced. Check the local wrecking yards for a replacement. If the wheel were cracked you will start slowly losing air from the tire. If you are in doubt have the tire removed and check the internal portion of the wheel. If there really is a crack the wheel must be replaced immediately.

[phewop118]

The "bulge in the chrome" is now seeming to get worse, at least compared to when I last looked at it last month. It seems to have spread and the chrome has a crack in the middle of the bulge. Also, it isn't soft, but hard, as though the aluminum were bulging underneath it. The tire has no problem holding air, though. If I took it to a local tire shop for a balancing (which I know one of my other wheels needs), could they reliably tell me if it's cracked? If I can, sometime I'll upload a picture.

[panzer dragoon]

there is a GM service note about not using chemical tire (rim or wheel)cleaners on GM chrome wheels or else the chrome starts to peal off.

Use soap and water.

I think with painted rims it doesn't matter.

[lunasea808]

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

there is a GM service note about not using chemical tire (rim or wheel)cleaners on GM chrome wheels or else the chrome starts to peal off.

Use soap and water.

I think with painted rims it doesn't matter.

Yea it does. I have painted wheels. I ruined it by using a wheel cleaner. I don't know if the owner before me took care of the rims. Maybe it was missing the clear coat when I bought the car. Oh well that's just my 2 cents.

[panzer dragoon]

Well that means I'll be looking forward to my rim paint peeling off in another year or two.

[phewop118]

I'd say it's just chrome peeling from the previous owner's fault, but there is a hard bubble - it feels like the aluminum is actually bulging. I don't know if that's what it actually is, but it is starting to make me worry.