Steel Wheels Rust

[Matthew Ross]

Hey everyone.

I have a 2013 CR-V LX (28K miles) with steel wheels. They are the type that don’t have hub caps. I noticed that the wheels are developing spots of rust. It’s not terrible, but I want to nip it in the bud. What can I do to remove the rust and prevent more from forming? The rust is mainly starting near the 5 holes where the bolts go through.

Thanks,

Matt

Topic

[Gary]

The truth of that matter is, any steel will eventually rust unless you live in the arid southwest. Best bet to prevent rust is to oil whatever you don’t want rusted…it makes a mess, but it’s effective. Paint is only as good as the application of it, as is any other sealer. What I would do in your situation is lightly sand the spots of rust down and apply something to seal what you just sanded. With wheels, there ain’t much you can do to keep them perfect forever. I have some basic metallurgy background and I can tell you that the steels used now have been recycled so many times, the quality and longevity are compromised. Steel with more impurities WILL rust faster, it is just the nature of the ferrous metal. Cast iron rusts less due to it being purer and more close to it’s natural state. Older steel used chromium, lead and nickel to strengthen it and to resist corrosion. These alloying elements(except perhaps nickel) have been removed in modern steels due to “environmental concerns” and cost. Double sided galvanization is the “new” way to prevent corrosion(but has been available since the 50s or so), however it is a thin protective coating unlike actually being alloyed with the base metal(Iron), and if it is compromised rust will occur anyways.

This is my understanding of it, if I made a mistake someone please correct me.

[Matthew Ross]

Thanks for the info. I think I’m going to try to clean up the rust and repaint the spots. I wonder if Honda sells the paint used for the wheels. If not, is there a good brand of paint to use that will slow down the rusting process?

[Gary]

[quote=”matthewross1987″ post=124484]Thanks for the info. I think I’m going to try to clean up the rust and repaint the spots. I wonder if Honda sells the paint used for the wheels. If not, is there a good brand of paint to use that will slow down the rusting process?[/quote] Both Rustoleoum and marine paint contain rust inhibitors. In your case, just use rustoleoum, works like a charm!

EDIT: depending on the size of the spots, I’d also use an etching primer before the paint. Usually you always want to use a primer for best paint adhesion.

[rgiaco777]

[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=124485]Both Rustoleoum and marine paint contain rust inhibitors. In your case, just use rustoleoum, works like a charm![/quote]

Yep, I’ve had good luck with Rust-Oleum. Had some rusty wheels a while back on my Civic. First I cleaned the wheels with a stiff wire brush to knock off the majority of the rust, and then I applied primer and matte black paint. It’s lasted at least 6 or 7 years now.

May I suggest that you don’t do this while the wheels are still mounted to the vehicle, if you’re planning on repainting the whole wheel or large portions of it. I put the wheel and tire flat on the garage floor to dry, to ensure that the paint didn’t run to one edge of the wheel and create streaks as it dried. Plus, it ensured that the wheel was still in balance (I know paint doesn’t weigh very much, but still…)

[James O’Hara]

I also suggest sanding till you see shiny metal, clean entire wheel with soapy water, rinse, let air dry, etching primer, rustoleum and do the whole wheel let it dry till its tacky and repeat and put 3 coats on it. I think rustoleum might actually make a high heat paint and I would use that if they do like for brake calipers. Have to remember the temperature from the brakes is right there at the wheels.

[Lorrin Barth]

[quote=”MDK22″ post=124620]I also suggest sanding till you see shiny metal, clean entire wheel with soapy water, rinse, let air dry, etching primer, rustoleum and do the whole wheel let it dry till its tacky and repeat and put 3 coats on it. I think rustoleum might actually make a high heat paint and I would use that if they do like for brake calipers. Have to remember the temperature from the brakes is right there at the wheels.[/quote]

What you write will do a beautiful job i am sure but I take a different tack. Over the years I have painted many steel wheels. I did little or no preparation, used whatever rattle can I had on hand and they always turned out great – years of service. The main problem with steel wheels is that they have very little paint on them to begin with.

I do agree with laying them flat and painting where the car is not. Over-spray goes everywhere.

Probably, the easiest solution would be to buy some cheap hubcaps – take a shopping trip to the salvage yard.

[Author]

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