The manufacturer applies a protective clear or colored coating to the surface of stock, cast aluminum wheels. The wheel surface may degrade if this clear coating is damaged or removed. Degradation may occur at automatic car wash facilities using silicon carbide-tipped tire brushes in order to clean white walls and tires. Once the protective coating is damaged, caustic cleaners and/or road salt causes further surface degradation. The following procedure explains how to strip, clean, and recoat damaged aluminum wheel surfaces.

1. Mark the position of the wheel to the wheel studs.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Mark the location of the outboard weights.
4. Remove the outboard weights.
5. Wash the wheel inside and out with a water-based, all-purpose cleaner. Remove grease and oil with solvent cleaner.
6. Mask off the tire. You are not required to remove the tire from the wheel. If you do remove the tire, mark the tire position using the valve stem as an index. Remount the tire in its original position.
7. Perform the required procedure:

•	Refer to Wheel Surface Damage Repair, below.

•	Refer to Clearcoat Damage to Aluminum Wheels.

8. Replace the wheel weights with polyester coated weights.
9. Install the wheel and tire onto the vehicle.

1. Mount the wheel and tire on a brake lathe.
2. Slowly spin the wheel and tire.
3. Sand the wheel with a backing block or pad. Use the following procedure:

3.1.	Hold the abrasive flat against the surface of the wheel.

3.2.	Slowly move the abrasive back and forth from the center to the edge.

3.3.	Use the following grits, in the order listed:

3.3.1.

80 grit

3.3.2.

150 grit

3.3.3.

240 grit

4. Perform the refinishing procedure.

Sand painted areas which will not require recoloring with 400 grit (wet or dry) abrasive in order to promote adhesion of the clear coat.