leaking rims on 86- 300sdl
 

my chrome wheels on my 300 sdl(86) are leaking air right after I replaced my tires. I have michelins on now and when I took the problem to the installers, they informed me that the chrome is flaking and any tire caulking they put on will not help...is this true and how do I replace these wheels, especially if any wheel that old will have the same problem. Are there replacement wheels that will fit or are the specs proprietary to that year and model?

Perhaps this relates to the fact Mercedes produced a technical bulletin forbidding chrome plating Mercedes wheels.

There is a local wheel shop in Denver that does a modification to re-machine the inner rim area on flaking chrome wheels. This is intended to stop the leak. You may want to check with wheel shops in your area.

You need to dismount the tires and grind off the flaking chrome on the inside lip of the wheel.

I had this problem with my rims. It was cheaper and less frustrating to just get new wheels.

I'll never get chrome wheels again. Looks nice, but too much hassle in the long run. IMO chrome wheels WILL flake...it's just a matter of time. It has happened to everyone I know.

I know some will say they've never had problems with their chrome wheels and that's great....I'm just speaking from my experience.

GL

Those who say they haven't had problems with them just haven't had them long enough. I will no longer buy a car with chrome wheels - because I won't own them myself and hate to dump them on someone else.

I exchanged my 18" AMG wheels +$$$ for a chrome-plated set at my local MB dealer who did the tire mounting,balancing,installation,and included a 4-year written guarantee/warranty against any chrome chipping,flaking,discoloration,etc.
:sun_smile

Not sure what your point is but many dealers sell chrome wheels - which I'm sure is a good business. The more relevant question is whether it's wise to buy them. The inability to hold air would not typically happen in the first four years. The factory aversion to them has to do with the fact that the process apparently weakens the wheel. My aversion to them is that they look so silly, but to each his own, and the fact that they will inevitably be unable to hold air for any length of time.

leaks are common from flaking/ pitting peeling chrome.

i will never have chrome wheels on any of my cars.

leaking rims
 

It's a little trouble but they can be fixed cheaply. I took my wheels/tires to the tire store and had them dismount the tires. Then I took the wheels home and with a wire brush on an electric drill scoured all the loose flaking and corroded areas where the tire bead seals against the rim. Then...I cleaned the bead area with 120 grit sandpaper. Then I painted the bead area only with a stainless-silver color Dupont paint (spray can from Autozone). The area painted soes not show when the tires were then remounted and rebalanced.
I did this summer of '04 and the tires do not leak yet. I don't know how long the fix will last but my investment was about $40 and 3 hours of work.
Al