I have a 2002 Z28 with the stock chrome rims. The front left wheel has had a slow leak since I bought it back in Dec. 04. I have had it fixed twice already at 2 different shops. The bead will hold for awhile and then it begins to leak again. I saw that the chrome is chipping off of the inside of the wheel where the bead is. I have heard that this is a common problem with chrome wheels. Is this a fixable problem? What should I do?

 

Did they use bead sealer when they did it?

 

Yeah. I believe that they wire brushed it and then sealed it up with bead sealant. It will not leak for like a couple of months then I find the pressure starts dropping again. I know its leaking through the bead because it bubbles up in 2 different spots when I cover the wheel with soapy water.

 

Wire brushes dont get everything off. Where i work we would use a air powered buffer then use the bead sealer. Thats all that you could really do. If it still leaks then your rim could be damaged around there.

 

I have the OEM chrome rims on my 94 and they leak like crazy. Prepare yourself for more pain down the road. I am looking for a painted to set and will be ditching these ASAP. Good luck. If you find a workable fix, please let me know. I was told by a GM rep they are crap (the chroming).

 

It really sounds like there is no fix to this at all. I was also wondering if anybody knows of any non-chrome wheels that fit the stock tire size: P245 50 R16