A protective clearcoat and/or base color is applied to the surface of the original equipment cast aluminum wheels. The use of improper balance weights and frequent, repeated automatic car wash cleaning may cause surface degradation. Frequent automatic car wash cleaning may abrade or wear off the factory applied protective clearcoat and base color. This can happen at facilities using aggressive silicon carbide tipped tire brushes to clean whitewalls and tires. Once the protective clearcoat is damaged, exposure to caustic cleaners and/or road salt causes further degradation.

The refinishing of aluminum wheels requires that the wheel surface is a plastic media that has been blasted in order to remove the old clearcoat or paint. Do not re-machine or use chemical strippers in order to ensure repair durability. The service procedure details how to strip, clean and recoat the aluminum wheel rims that are affected by the above condition.

There are three different paint systems that can be used to refinish aluminum wheels. The following products have shown the required repair durability:

Important: Refer to and follow the individual formula and process provided by the manufacturer of each specific paint system. Use the products in the list as a system. Do not mix other manufacturers' product lines with the required materials of a given system. Products listed in this manual have shown the required durability, and are the only paint systems that meet General Motors specification 435m-a336.

For body color selection and verification, refer to the paint manufacturer's color book. For color uniformity it is recommended that all four wheels, and their center caps be refinished.

Caution: 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 wheel(s) from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Removal . Tires may remain mounted on the wheel.
2. Remove the balance weights and mark their location on the tire. Record the weight of the balance weights for re-installation.
3. Wipe the excess grease dirt from the wheels using a wax and grease remover.
4. Blast the wheels' plastic media to remove old paint or clearcoat.

Important: Do not re-machine or use chemical strippers on aluminum wheels. Do not use re-clear coating on aluminum wheels in order to ensure repair durability.

5. Mask off the wheels and the tires.
6. Refer to the individual formula process provided by the manufacturer of each specific paint system.
7. Follow the specific painting procedure.
8. Unmask the tires and the wheels.
9. Install the new coated balance weights at the locations marked on the tires.
10. Clean all the wheel mounting surfaces of any of the following conditions:

•

Corrosion

•

Overspray

•

Dirt

11. Install the wheels onto the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Installation .