Aluminum rims over the years - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

96_9c1 · 11-08-2006, 07:33 PM

I'm currently looking at a set of 1990 Geo Prizm GSi rims for my 95 Prizm, but the guy that is selling them to me tried to talk me out of it do to aluminum rims seaping over time.

While the rims and tires were still on the car, I checked the pressure and they seemed to be pretty much firm (except one, which was weather checked), so I doubt they leak, but I would like to know if there is any truth behind what he is saying.

***REN69*** · 11-09-2006, 06:50 AM

By seaping you mean leaking I assume?

Flashmn · 11-09-2006, 06:53 AM

I dont think the rims are the problem, I think its more of the rubber degrading and hardening thus the air leaking out. Thats actually the most stupid thing I heard this week.

***REN69*** · 11-09-2006, 06:56 AM

True, tire shops usually put on black sealant on the tires that eventually "leaks" hence the reason you balance and rotate your wheels at least a couple of times a year.

freakinbox · 11-09-2006, 08:31 AM

alloy rims usually leak with age, common problem

Papa Bear · 11-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Dittos with freakinbox.

punter · 11-09-2006, 02:15 PM

They even leak from brand new alloy is porious.

But does it matter? so you have to pump your tyres up evey few months, big deal.
I check mine every week anyway.

Flashmn · 11-09-2006, 02:50 PM

Hmmh.. I've still got air pressure in my alum wheels (rotas lol) and they've been on the shelf for 2 years (I'm not kidding).

punter · 11-09-2006, 03:09 PM

Yea some are better than others, my painted ones (factory toyota 15") don't leak at all.
But my brothers unpainted rally rims drop about 10psi over 2 months

96_9c1 · 11-09-2006, 03:54 PM

So there is some truth to what he is saying.

BTW: these rims have been sitting on a car that has been staionary for 5 years, not 2 years on a self

Thanks for the information

freakinbox · 11-09-2006, 05:52 PM

it can also depend how much of that black crap they use, if they use any.... MAKE SURE THEY USE LOTS. And they will last longer without leaking, Old ones tend to leak more than new ones... BUt he's right, both do leak. ALso make sure they clean the surface, when I did them I used a small grinder? with this 3m pad thing (got to love me not knowing the names for shit) and made sure the surface that the beed was going to touch was CLEAN!

Bitter · 11-09-2006, 10:28 PM

i LOVE those wheels, i have them on my car and they are the toughest alloy wheels i've ever seen. mine dont leak one bit, if you do get some leakage then dismount the tire and clean the beadseat well, remove any corrosion, and remount the tire.

Flashmn · 11-10-2006, 08:34 AM

Even steel wheels will leak due to age... (when they rust through)

freakinbox · 11-10-2006, 09:55 PM

yea but if you clean it up before you put the new tire on it's alot less likely the steel one will leak

Flashmn · 11-11-2006, 08:28 AM

yeah, I guess aluminum wheels suck and thats why they're used in motorsports, whilst steel wheels are used with shit-box econo cars

... I dont think one should really bother with the hypothetical fact that they're porous and might leak. Its not something you should really bother your head about, seriously.