Rotor alloy corrosion.

[MarkS_S3]

So I was washing my car last week and noticed that my front driver alloy has corroded quite badly around the diamond cut rim. Pretty surprised that it's happened so fast as was cleaned about 3 weeks prior and definitely wasn't rough around the edge!

Don't have a pic but basically it's corroded and pitted around the diamond cut edge - none of the other wheels are affected.

Called Aberdeen Audi who told me warranty on wheels is only 3 years (car is 2011) and that it can't be repaired, then quoted £700 for a replacement

Is this a common problem? Anyone know of anywhere that can refurb these type of wheels?

 

[nluk100]

Very common, but in your case as it's only one wheel, then it could mean that it's been refurbished in the past and not lacquered correctly. Lots of places do diamond cut refurbishing now.

 

[SootySport]

Excuse me, £700 for one wheel?

 

[Sayam]

Never mind what aberdeen audi say. Find yourself a good refurb place, they'll be able to sort it

 

[Sherv]

I've been looking at tons of places down here in Fife but I'd imagine would be too far to travel from Aberdeen. Fife Powder coating in Glenrothes is £60 per wheel, We restore alloys in Kirkcaldy is £70 per corner.

 

[desertstorm]

Unfortunately Diamond cut finishes are very susceptible to corrosion damage and only require the slightest nick in the finish to allow water in and it's all over. This time of the year with the salt on the roads that just accelerates it. As stated above the wheel may have been kerbed at some point and repaired. In which case it's not likely to be as good as the original factory finish.

 

[pluves1]

If you want new then ebay.de is your best bet. These wheels for some reason are hard to come by. Wish I'd bought all the stock when these were being sold on ebay at less than £400 for a set of 4 via one of the VW Audi overstock specialists.

 

[MarkS_S3]

Thanks for all the responses, I'll start searching for someone local who can refurb it.

And yes, £700 for one wheel without a tyre! Absolute madness. Puts you off even checking Audi in the first place lol.

 

[Dan-Jnr]

The rotor wheels brand new from Audi are expensive. I think these wheels were a £2500 for a set option from new. Your best bet is get it professionally refurbished.
Your looking at about £100 to £120 per wheel for a decent finish depending who you use.
That includes strip, paint, diamond cut, and lacquer.

Dont fall for those mobile wheel refurbishers who say they can do it for £60-70. They wont be diamond cutting the edge.

 

[Micxee]

Apologies - I am not too sure how this works but I have a question and would be grateful for any advice. I have A3 TFSI, soft top - purchased new May 2017. There is corrosion on inside edge of 2 alloys - bubbling but not 'broken' at surface. As still under warranty I have had Audi look - the service manager has said in his 11 years only seen problem 3 times BUT will not repair/change under warranty as feel sure stone chips - Audi UK will not budge as they are taking their lead from this service manager. How can I avoid stone chips when driving......... ;0( ?????????? Any advice out there? Thank you. Plus since they removed the wheels to look at them tyre pressure thingy keeps going off on separate wheels despite correct tyre pressures?

 

[SootySport]

Your at the mercy of the service manager i’m Afraid, you could try another main dealer.

 

[Micxee]

Your at the mercy of the service manager i’m Afraid, you could try another main dealer.

Thank you for replying so quickly! I think you are correct but now I have brought this up as a warranty issue can I change dealers? Interestingly I have just spoken to him as the TPSI warning has alarmed 4 times since they removed the wheels (despite tyre pressure being found to be as set & me storing said pressures) - he states that it is nothing that they have done but will look at it - he is suggesting a sensor failure (all 4?????) or a management system problem - needless to say the only other time it has alarmed was when I had a nail in the tyre.................................

 

[SootySport]

You can go to any Main dealer, you are not tied to the dealer you bought the car from. Can’t help on the TPMS fault though.

 

[Micxee]

You can go to any Main dealer, you are not tied to the dealer you bought the car from. Can’t help on the TPMS fault though.

thank you - lets see how I get on.......................