SledDriver

Heads up boys & girls. Long story......................

I had a set of factory chrome wheels on my 2008 RX350. After 3 years the chrome is peeling & chipping off. Plus the inside of the rim is corroded from the brake dust.

I went to the dealer to see if they are covered under warranty. Well, yes, but only for two years.

This is the second Lexus I've owned that has come with chrome wheels. Ironicly both have had problems with the chrome peeled/chipped off.

Now I know what your thinking. Why did I buy TWO Lexus cars with chrome wheels? I bought both used & got a good deal on them.

On my SC430 I replaced 2003 wheels with a set of 2007 OEM 5 spoke alloy wheels. Perfect fit & they look great.

Now on my RX350, I figured I would do the same thing, so................

I bought a set of 2011 RX350 18" OEM alloy rims from a Lexus dealer back east. I figured they would be a easy swap & got new seals for the TPMS in the deal.

Guess what? Between 2008 & 2011 Lexus changed out the front brake calipers.

The 2011 rims rub on the edge of the 2008 caliper holder & gouge the hell out of the spokes on the rim. Now the can be made to fit, but I now have two new rims with the back side of the spokes blended out.

The fix is to remove the caliper holder & grind a chamfer on the inside center edge. Once that's done the rims clear just fine.

Some my argue, why didn't I just get some spacers for the wheels? Not really a safe approach & longer lug bolts should also be used ($$) Or the ultimate fix? Buy a pair of 2011 front brake calipers (more $$$$)

RXSF

lol I was going to suggest spacers, which seems like the easiest fix but as long as you got it figured out. Thanks for the heads up.

Take pics please when they are installed properly.