The care and feeding of aluminum wheels ....

[normzone]

For a long time I didn't give a damn about my wheels - just kept tires on them, and washed them along with the rest of the bike when things got too dirty.

Recently I took a closer look at the rims, and there's a lot of oxidation going on - almost looks as though I live by the ocean, instead of thirty miles inland.

I have not gotten down to the toothbrush and scotchbrite level yet, but we may wind up there.

Of greater concern is some odd patterns around some of the spoke mounts in the hub on the front left, where the linked brakes front disc lives.

They are very localized, next to the spoke mounts. I know you modern guys would have posted a picture already, but I'm going to have to arrange for one of those police portrait persons to do a sketch based on my description.

Do these wheels ('99 EV Bassa) have any history of issues? I have not yet used any aggressive cleaners, just the usual wimpy stuff.

[fotoguzzi]

where I come from 30 miles IS by the ocean.

[Groover]

where I come from 30 miles IS by the ocean.

Me too. Technically, you should be riding a boat not a bike.

[93spada]

Hi Folks
Just a thought.
Did some research on prepping for paint on aluminum.
From Aircraft guys, Found that it prefers an acid base (low pH) cleaner like a citrus type.
Most washes are alkaline (high pH) like S100. That is why they say to rinse off immediately.
The acid is not as good for grease but it is more gentle on ALL (engine etc.) the aluminum.
If you want to know the pH of a cleaner go to the mfg web site and look up the MSDS or newer SDS spec sheet. Just Google something like S100 cleaner MSDS and looking thru some others you will find this.
http://www.sunbelt-labs.com/catalog/msds/SK%20GHS%20Degreaser%20Cleaner%20_S100_.pdf

I am a little more careful now.
Paul

[canuck750]

The inside of aluminum rims take a lot of abuse, moisture seeps in past the spoke nipples and slowly rots away the inside of the rim,

This is typically what I find when I pull the tire and tube off a Borrani wheel



To get the rim cleaned and inspected the spokes need to come off and the rim cleaned to bare alloy.

Soda blasting is safe, if messy



Cleaned but before the spokes have been removed



Once the spokes are out I take a small wire wheel in a dremel and clean the spoke recess in the rim.

Prior to reassembly I coat the inside of the rim with ACF-50



I have had one rim that was so corroded around the spoke dimples that it was dangerous to use, had to throw it out (Florida bike).