GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL POROSITY (REPAIR PROC. & SEALER)

SUBJECT: CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL POROSITY__ AIR PROCEDURE AND SEALER

VEHICLES AFFECTED: ALL MODELS WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS

Should a vehicle equipped with cast aluminum wheels exhibit a slow leak due to a porous condition existing in the wheel, the wheel can be repaired by using Dow Corning Silastic 732 RTV, part number 1052366 or equivalent, as described in the following procedure:

1. Remove wheel and tire assembly from car.

2. Locate leaking areas by inflating tire to 40 PSI and dipping wheel-tire assembly into water bath.

3. Mark leak areas and remove tire from wheel.

4. Scuff inside rim surface at leak area with #80 grit paper and clean area with general purpose cleaner, such as 3M #08984 or equivalent.

5. Apply 1/8" thick layer of adhesive/sealant to leak area and allow six hours of drying time.

6. Mount tire on wheel, pressurize to 40 PSI and check for leaks.

NOTICE:

Caution must be used when mounting the tire so as not to damage the sealer.

7. Adjust tire pressure to meet specifications.

8. Balance wheel and tire assembly using nylon coated wheel weights.

9. Water test wheel again.

10. Reinstall wheel-tire assembly on car.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Use an applicable operation from the Canadian Labour Time Guide and claim 0.6 hours.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.