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Cast Aluminum Wheels - Leaking

Bulletin: 93-3-14

Date: July '93

Ref.No.: 93-168-3

Corp.Ref.No.: 393504

SUBJECT:
LEAKING CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS
(REPAIR WITH ADHESIVE SEALANT)

MODELS AFFECTED:
ALL BUICKS WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS

Should a vehicle equipped with cast aluminum wheels exhibit a slow leak due to a porous condition existing in the wheel, the wheel can be repaired by using Dow Corning Silastic 732 RTV, p/n 1052366 or equivalent, as described in the following procedure:

1. Remove tire-wheel assembly from vehicle.
2. Locate leaking area by inflating tire to 40 psi and dipping tire-wheel assembly in water bath.
3. If air bubbles are observed, mark leak area and remove tire from wheel.
4. Scuff INSIDE rim surface at leak area with # 80 grit paper and clean area with general purpose cleaner, such as 3M # 08984.
5. Apply 1/8" thick layer of adhesive/sealant to leak area on INSIDE of rim and allow six hours of drying time.
6. Mount tire on wheel, pressurizing to 40 psi and check for leaks.

NOTICE:
Caution must be used when mounting the tire so as not to damage the sealer.

7. Adjust tire pressure to meet placard specification.
8. Balance tire-wheel assembly, using proper coated weights.
9. Water test wheel again.
10. Reinstall tire-wheel assembly on vehicle.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Labor Operation Number: E0420