Various Vehicles - Wheel Concern Analysis (G0000036)

VARIOUS VEHICLES - WHEEL CONCERN ANALYSIS

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

SUMMARY

This article supersedes GSB 20-7011 to update the vehicle model years affected.

This article is designed to provide examples of wheel damage to assist in determining if the condition is warrantable/non-warrantable. Refer to the latest version of the Warranty and Policy Manual for the latest wheel warranty coverage.

Use this document to assist in determining warrantable wheel concerns.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Wheel cleaning and care

• All wheels should be cleaned prior to warranty evaluation as outlined in the vehicle Owner's Manual. Also note these guidelines:

• Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuels, or strong household detergents as this may damage the finish.
• Do not use industrial-strength or heavy duty cleaners in combination with brush agitation.
• Do not to apply cleaners to warm or hot wheels.
• Do not use Motorcraft • Custom Bright Metal Cleaner or other 'chrome cleaner, on physical vapor disposition (PVD) 'chrome-like, wheels.
• NOTE: If the concern can be cleaned, replacement is not warrantable.

• Alloy wheels are coated with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain their condition, vehicle owners should be cleaning the vehicle wheels weekly using Motorcraft • Wheel & Tire Cleaner, using a sponge to remove heavy deposits of dirt and brake dust accumulation, and Motorcraft • Bug & Tar Remover for grease and tar.

Warranty tips

• When capturing images for Ford Motor Company, mark the wheel's location using labels (sticky notes/masking tape) to identify the location(s) on the vehicle.

• When returning wheels to the Warranty Parts Analysis Center (WPAC), mark defects clearly for visual inspection.

• Return the wheel in the container in which the replacement was received, taking care to package it properly to prevent damage in shipping.

• Damage is not covered under warranty.

Warrantable: Filiform corrosion, with no impact damage. In most cases, originating from edges (example: spokes, valve stem, lug nut, center caps, etc.). (Figures 1-2)

Not warrantable: Filiform corrosion that originates from impact or abrasion (e.g. chips, pry marks near center caps, etc.). (Figures 3-4)

Warrantable: Peeling (without damage) due to finish adhesion defect. (Figures 5-6)

Not warrantable: Aftermarket finishes (often noted by refinisher labels on the wheel after tire removal). May exhibit a similar shiny color or different colors in the removed area. (Figures 7-8)

Warrantable: Chrome-like PVD peeling. Missing chrome may reveal a black sub-finish. This edge can be felt. (Figures 9-10)

Not warrantable: Missing finish with staining may be interpreted as peeling. This discoloration may also exhibit a spray/drip pattern. (Figures 11-12)

Warrantable: Dirt/debris in the paint. Orange peel that does not compare to like units. Some orange peel is considered normal. (Figures 13-14)

Not warrantable: Chips with removed material will have jagged, feathered edges. Scratches from contact with abrasive outside influence. (Figures 15-16)

Not warrantable: Cracks and dents are the result of impact causing wobble/shake/vibration. This is most often seen around the wheels inside/outside edge. (Figures 17-18)

Not warrantable: Wheel/tire assemblies are balanced during assembly. Cracks can occur opposite dents. If damage is not visible, run-out will confirm impact. (Figures 19-20)

Not warrantable: Chips or scratches caused by wheel weight installation/removal. These may be noted on the inside/outside of the wheel. (Figure 21-22)

Not warrantable: Abrasion, chips, pry marks, etc. May be located in areas other than the outside edge. (Figure 23-24)

Not warrantable: Stains/etching from harsh chemicals. (Figure 25-26)

Not warrantable: Stains/etching and pitting from metallic brake dust that corrodes on the surface. Brake dust should be removed by regular cleaning as outlined in the owner's manual. (Figure 27-28)

Not warrantable: Impact/abrasion of white ceramic coating on (front, inside) of wheels. (Figure 29)

Not warrantable: Dry fiber is a normal appearance on the inside of a carbon fiber wheel. (Figure 30)

Not warrantable: Peeling around the aluminum lug inserts from loose nuts on a carbon fiber wheel. (Figure 31)

Not warrantable: Abrasion may be interpreted as peeling. (Figure 32)