GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

LEAKING CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS (REPAIR WITH ADHESIVE SEALANT)

SUBJECT: LEAKING CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS (REPAIR WITH ADHESIVE SEALANT)

MODELS: 1993 AND PRIOR TRUCKS

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, p/n 1052366 or equivalent, as described in the following procedure:

1. Remove tire-wheel assembly from vehicle.

2. Locate leaking area by inflating tire to 40 psi and dipping tire-wheel assembly in water bath.

3. If air bubbles are observed, mark leak area 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.

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

6. Mount tire on wheel, pressurizing 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 placard specification.

8. Balance tire-wheel assembly, using proper coated weights.

9. Water test wheel again.

10. Reinstall tire-wheel assembly on vehicle.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Op Labor Time -------- ---------- E0420 See Applicable Labor Time Guide

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.