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Failure modes of chrome plated wheel corrosion: Peeling? White Rust? Red Rust?

I'm curious to get the facts on the failure modes of the corrosion on chrome plated wheels. I assume either a break in the surface and/or poor adhesion to the base material will create blistering and peeling followed by white corrosion. My question is, will there ever be evidence of red rust? Thank you. John in Michigan.

John Natoci
Auto accessory reseller - Michigan
March 9, 2008

I would not expect red rust on today's pressure cast aluminum wheels because there is no iron in the system to my knowledge. They may well be copper plating, which is sort of red. The failure mode would be pitting and white corrosion products. Peeling is a manufacturing defect indicating inadequate adhesion. The old "Beach Boys" vintage 'chrome-reverse wheels' would be steel so the failure mechanism would include rust.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 11, 2008

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