19
3
Maintenance
against corrosion
(non-Dura-Bright
®
surface treated
wheels)
3-14
The following information is for standard Alcoa forged aluminum wheels without the Dura-Bright
®
surface treatment. See Section 3-15 for specific instructions on the care and cleaning of Alcoa Dura-
Bright
®
surface treated wheels.
1. Clean frequently with high pressure water from a hose. The use of a mild detergent will speed the
cleaning process. Use no strong cleaners.
2. When tires are removed the entire wheel must be cleaned and inspected. (See Section 3). With a
wire brush, remove any foreign products from the tire side of the rim. Do not use a wire brush to
remove dirt and corrosion products from the appearance surface of the wheel. Generously coat the
entire air chamber surface with an approved surface protectant and lubricant each time the tire is
removed (see Section 4-1).
3. To maintain the original appearance of your Alcoa wheels, the following procedures are recom-
mended:
a. After installing new wheels and prior to operating your vehicle, use a sponge, cloth or soft fiber
brush to wash exposed wheel surfaces with a mild detergent and warm water solution.
b. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
c. Wipe dry to avoid water spots.
d. Wax the cleaned surface with Alcoa Advanced Aluminum Care System Polish
or any automotive polish equivalent.
e. Clean your Alcoa truck wheels as frequently as required to maintain their appearance.
Dura-Bright
®
surface treated
wheels cleaning and
maintenance
3-15
1. The Dura-Bright
®
surface treatment is designed to be easy to clean and generally only requires
water. If soils attached to the surface do not come off with cold water, try warm water and wipe
with a soft towel or chamois material. If soils remain, use warm water and a mild detergent (with
assistance of a commerical high pressure power washer, if available). Always dilute the detergent
according to the manufacturer's recommendation; never use the detergent straight without diluting
with water. In the mixed, diluted state the cleaner acidity should be at pH equal or greater than 5;
avoid cleaners that contain any hydroflouric acid. In the mixed, diluted state the cleaner alkalinity
(basicity) should be at pH equal or lower than 9.
2. When tires are removed, the entire rim must be cleaned and inspected (see Section 3). With a
soft brush, remove any foreign products from the rim (portion of the wheel that supports the tire).
Generously coat the entire air chamber surface with an approved surface protectant and lubricate
each time the tire is removed (see Section 4-1).
3. Once in service, Dura-Bright
®
wheels can become nicked or scratched by road debris and/or
mechanical damage. If this occurs, continue to follow the normal washing and cleaning instructions
provided above.
4. Even as durable as Dura-Bright
®
wheels are, the mounting area can become scratched, marred or
discolored when mounted against another wheel, hub or drum. The use of a wheel mounting surface
guard, such as Disc Mates, are highly recommended.
Note: pH value can be found in chemical MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). If the •
cleaner is in concentrated form, contact your cleaning chemical supplier to determine pH
Dura-Flange
®
maintenance
3-13
1. Dura-Flange® has a 24 month warranty against wear which creates a sharp edge that would require
maintenance per section 3-12.
2. Minor wear or minor pitting is not a warrantable condition.
3. Edge re-conditioning cannot be performed on Dura-Flange® wheels including those described in
Section 3-12.
O
nly Alcoa's Warranty Center can authorize warranty claims and determine justified
warranty returns. Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® claims can only be authorized and
determined by Alcoa's Warranty Center.