Wheels: Service and Repair

Aluminum Wheel Porosity Repair

1. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
2. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specified pressure as stated on the tire.
3. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order to locate the leak.
4. Inscribe a mark on the wheel in order to indicate the leak areas.
5. Inscribe a mark on the tire at the valve stem in order to Indicate the orientation of the tire to the wheel.
6. Remove the tire from the wheel. Refer to Tire Dismounting and Mounting Service and Repair.

Important: Do not damage the exterior surface of the wheel.


7. Use number 80 grit sandpaper to scuff the inside of the rim surface at the leak area.
8. Use general purpose cleaner such as 3M(R), P/N 08984 or equivalent, to clean the leak area.
9. Apply 3 mm (0.12 in) thick layer of adhesive/sealant, GM US P/N 12378478, Canada P/N 88900041 or equivalent, to the leak area.
10. Allow for the adhesive/sealant to dry.
11. Align the inscribed mark on the tire with the valve stem on the wheel.
12. Install the tire to the wheel. Refer to Tire Dismounting and Mounting Service and Repair.
13. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specified pressure as stated on the tire.
14. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order ensure the leak is sealed.
15. Balance the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - On-Vehicle Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - On-Vehicle.
16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
17. Lower the vehicle.