For the last month or so I have been losing air pressure on my drivers side rear tire. Yesterday one of the mechanics at my job pulled the tire off and finally found the problem. The wheel had started to corrode on the inside so it could not hold air like it was supposed to. He went to put bead locker on it but the person who had the car before had already done this so I am lacking confidence that it will truly hold. He said the best fix is to buy a new wheel but I know I will need new tires by the end of the year. Does anyone have any suggestions about this? I don't know if I should buy a new set of wheels our fix this set. I currently have the 18" Nissan factory chrome wheels.

 

Sometimes tire shops will give you good incentive, like a tradin for some tread life left, plus buy 3 get 1 free, or some other BS promotional thing.

Point is, if you're looking to change tires at the end of they year anyway, start pricing it out, see what they will offer you for a full set with wheels.

The other option, get a black beauty or a used wheel for $40, figure $20 to mount and balance, and for $60 you have peace of mind until the end of the year.

 

At my tire shop I do this exact same method. Forget all of the other stuff. If its a chrome wheel use this to grind all the chrome around the edge where the tire and wheel meet by using this. You can find it at the local hardware or Home Depot.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...&ci_sku=339004

After you done all that take some coarse sandpaper about 800 grit and smooth it out checking with your fingers for high and low spots. Next get the shop to put bead sealer and there wont be any problems. It honestly takes like 10 min to fix this problem. I did the exact same thing on one of my wheels and it fixed the problem.

 

Ok, Im definitely going to look into this method because buying a new set of wheels is going to get expensive..

 

Corroded or oxidized aluminum rims can mean anything from just some sticky road grime and brake dust all the way to much more harsh damage such as pitting. The amount of time and effort that will be needed to clean them is primarily based on how severe the condition is. You need to be aware that oxygen is definitely one of the worst enemies for aluminum. Just by allowing your rims to be exposed to the air will result in them turning dull coloured, old and weathered.

 

I'm currently having this same problem with my Max, and have had it for the past couple years. Even with the additional wheel and tire warrantee I purchased, and the bumper to bumper factory warrantee, Nissan still doesn't want to cover the wheels. They claim I'm the only person having this ussue...BS

 

You're not the only one, but it's not Nissan specific... pull the tires off and clean the bead really well with some sandpaper and etc. once it's clean and smooth, put a coat of paint on them to help prevent additional oxidation. let it dry, then reinstall the tires.

 

I had same problem a year ago and had tires pulled and the bead area sanded down with a green 3M "scrubby". No problems after that.

 

The aluminum factory rims on my 96 maxima did not hold up well at all. I wouldn't dream of wasting time on them.When they really go, I will send them to the dump and get better rims. At least, that is what i recommend. The other option is to get a junk yard rim for now to replace the one you have that is losing air.Use it for now and then do something with the whole set at a later time.