A protective clearcoat and/or base color is applied to the surface of the original equipment cast aluminum wheels. Surface degradation can begin to develop if the wrong balance weights are used, or if frequent, repeated automatic car wash cleaning wears off the factory applied protective clearcoat and base color. This can happen at some automatic car wash facilities that use aggressive silicone carbide tipped tire brushes to clean the whitewalls and the tires. Exposure to caustic cleaners and/or to road salt causes further surface degradation once the protective clearcoat is damaged.

The refinishing of aluminum wheels requires that the wheel surface be plastic media blasted to remove old clearcoat or paint. The remachining or the use of chemical strippers is not recommended due to the concerns for repair durability. The service procedure details how to strip, how to clean, and how to recoat the aluminum wheel rims that are affected by the above condition.

There are three different paint systems that can be used to refinish the aluminum wheels. The products listed in this manual have shown the required repair durability. The products listed in this manual are the only paint systems that meet General Motors specification 4350M-A336.

Use only the following paint systems listed below to refinish the aluminum wheels:

Important: Refer to and follow the individual formula and process provided by the manufacturer of each specific paint system. Use the products listed as a system. Do NOT mix other manufacturers' product lines with the required materials of a given system. The products listed in this manual have shown the required repair durability. The products listed in this manual are the only paint systems that meet General Motors specification 4350M-A336.

Refer to the paint manufacturer's color book for the color selection and for verification.

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 tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Removal
2. Perform the following steps to remove the balance weights from the tire:

2.1.	Mark the location of each balance weight on the tire.

2.2.	Record the weight of each balance weight on the tire in relation to the balance weight's location when removing the balance weights from the tire.

3. Use a suitable remover to wipe the following from the wheel:

•	Wipe the excess grease from the wheel.

•	Wipe the excess wax from the wheel.

•	Wipe the excess dirt from the wheel.

Important: 

•	Do not re-match the aluminum wheels.

•	Do not use chemical strippers.

•	Do not re-clearcoat the aluminum wheels alone due to concerns of repair durability.

4. Remove the old clearcoat and remove the old paint.
5. Mask off the wheel and tire assembly.
6. Follow the individual formula and process provided by the manufacturer of each specific paint system to perform the painting process.
7. Unmask the wheel and tire assembly.
8. Install new, coated balance weights at the previously marked locations on the tire.
9. Clean all the wheel mounting surfaces of the following:

•	Of any corrosion.

•	Of any overspray.

•	Of any dirt.

10. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Installation