Bad Wheel Rims !

Posted by Steve Giannoni on January 10, 2009, 7:44 pm

Corrosion on 2001 rims causing leaky tires !

New set of rims is over $,400 parts !

Comments & other's experiences welcome ....

Posted by Ike on January 10, 2009, 7:52 pm

Steve Giannoni wrote:

Wheels can be economically repaired.

If yours are beyond help, many wheelmakers have products that will fit
the Prius. Pick something economical and attractive and you'll be fine.
But shop around... we found a three to one price difference on precisely
the same product!

What environment and driving pattern caused such damage?

What irreparable corrosion damage could cause leaky tires?

Posted by Steve Giannoni on January 11, 2009, 2:14 am

Kept outdoors about 35 miles East of New York city, a few miles from
salt water.

Degraded metal beneath the tire in the areas making the seal.

The worst tire looses about 1 to 2 PSI/day.

The plating metal has also blistered and flaked off on many outside
areas of the rims.

Posted by Ike on January 11, 2009, 2:40 am

Steve Giannoni wrote:

I've never seen it that bad on anything but steel. Well, there are
inexpensive new replacements. And for even less money, it may be
possible to find four ok wheels from a car with the same bolt pattern
and wheel size at a junk yard.

But the Prius deserves better...

Posted by Steve Giannoni on January 11, 2009, 5:04 pm

My tendency is to go with Toyota replacements,
'cept for that $,400 hit ! ...