Took off wheels...found rust - should I be concerned ?

[yvesatlanta]

The title says it all.

I've been performing my 15K maintenance on an otherwise mint 2004 TT cab and was shocked when I took off my wheels.

See pics for what is going on. Really weird because the car is otherwise in stellar condition.

The car is not on OEM wheels anymore since I converted it to 19 inch HREs, but I don't know whether that could have anything to do with it.

Any leads as to what is happening ? Dang, this really ticks me off....

Edited December 29, 2008 by yvesatlanta

[RFM]

Strange that the print of the back side of the wheel is not visible on the bolt holes on the hub ( connect points ) but nearby. Sure that nothing is wrong with the wheels or potentially with the spacers if you use them? I would clean the hub, disc and axle end with rust remover and steel brush and than apply a small amount of grease on them.

[RFM]

Looks like there is a possibility to have water infiltration in the room between the wheel and the hub, but not to escape. There is a lot of rust present, not that normal.

[wross996TT]

where did you get the car from? looks like it was sitting in water (flood damage). it can probably be cleaned up, but I would inspect the rest of the underbody for similar damage.

[yvesatlanta]

The rest of the car is fine. I spent most of my day under it :)

The issue seems to be with how the HRE wheels keep water trapped in that area.

[wross996TT]

OK...yes the reverse lip HRE are known for not allowing the water to drain. There is actually a piece you can get from them to allow the water to "come out" while driving.

[yvesatlanta]

OK...yes the reverse lip HRE are known for not allowing the water to drain. There is actually a piece you can get from them to allow the water to "come out" while driving.

I'mgoing to call them tomorrow. Here's what I think the culprit is :look at the picture which shows the rear side of the HRE rim. You can notice the 5 holes for the lugs, but also 5 other 'pockets' in the back of the rim. I have no clue what they are for, but they certaily look like they accumulated water. You can see those same 5 round circles showing up as corrosion marks on the pictures above.

[1schoir]

OK...yes the reverse lip HRE are known for not allowing the water to drain. There is actually a piece you can get from them to allow the water to "come out" while driving.

I'mgoing to call them tomorrow. Here's what I think the culprit is :look at the picture which shows the rear side of the HRE rim. You can notice the 5 holes for the lugs, but also 5 other 'pockets' in the back of the rim. I have no clue what they are for, but they certaily look like they accumulated water. You can see those same 5 round circles showing up as corrosion marks on the pictures above.

Yves:

More than the 5 "pockets" and the corresponding corrosion marks, I would be concerned about the cause of the much heabier accumulation of rust towards the center of the hub/axle.

Perhaps if you study it more closely, you might be able to determine whether and how more significant amounts of water have gotten into or become trapped in that space.

Regards, Maurice.

Edited November 10, 2008 by 1schoir

[wross996TT]

that is not where the water sits on the reverse lips....My guess is the holes are for balance. I do not have this issue with mine, but I don't drive in the rain either. that does look like some excessive rust.

[Chuck Jones]

I would agree...that's a lot more rust than I've seen on any car except one that sat in water, but you indicate that you've been under it and it looks ok? Pull up the carpets and take a look....I find it curious that an HRE wheel would cause all of that rust??? Obviously it needs a good steel brush and some protectant.

[ghitchco924S]

I think those pockets are reliefs for the wheel bolts if you have spacers installed. They allow space for the bolts that hold the wheel spaces on.