3 wheels on my wagon and I'm still rolling along. . .

[ZPM]

Hi Everyone,

Well. It's not a wagon but a 2003 much-loved and well cared-for Avensis 2.0 Litre Automatic saloon. The problem I'm observing has to do with 3 of its wheels. I have not had a car that has done more than 100,000 miles before so do not know what to expect, but has anyone else had bubbling or rippling actually appear on the spines (fat-spokes) that connect the wheel hub area to the rim? I have bubbling on two and an area on a third that actually gave way, and a piece just about bigger than a 50p piece of the shiny metal finish disappeared from it after I gently washed it. What is revealed underneath looks not unlike a white-chocolate version of the inside of an "Aero" bar.

Has anyone else had structural defects with their Avensis wheels on 2003 cars?  I'd like to know if anyone thinks these are serious symptoms affecting structural integrity and, therefore, safety.  Thanks, guys.

ZPM

[Heidfirst]

a picture is worth a thousand words .... ;)

It certainly would not be unusual for the enamel/paint/powder coating or whatever on the wheels to go - it is a 14 year old car after all!

[ZPM]

Hi Heidfirst and thanks for replying.

I'm not brilliant at phone photos but did some quickly and have ringed the most affected areas and tried to append them herewith. So, follows three photos of three separate wheels. See what you think, but, as I said, I have never come across this particular problem before, having never had a car that has done so many miles myself - I grew up around cars in various states of disrepair as mechanics were in the family and have seen many kinds of wheels rust or degrade over the decades, yet new materials bring unexpected faults, which is why I'm not proud to ask for other people's opinions. Thanking you again.

ZPM

[Heidfirst]

Hi, well the photos are somewhat out of focus but as I said it is not unusual for the enamel/paint/powder coat to flake/go even on wheels much newer than 14 years old. There are companies that specialise in refurbing alloys (typically ~£50 per wheel) or there are plenty of posts/videos on the internet on how to diy.

[ZPM]

Thanks Heidfirst,

I'll check out refurb details.

Regards

ZPM