luxou812

The 17" chrome wheels on my NE Ohio based LS430 (2004 - 50k mi) have started to peel and are having trouble maintaining air pressure. My mechanic told me that the problem is irreversible and will only get worse. He recommended replacement with the silver alloy wheels instead of the chrome because of the climate.

I have seen multiple online sellers offering reconditioned-oem and replicas at reasonable prices, but have also seen some scary reviews.

For example, here are replicas for $190 each including shipping http://www.jegs.com/i/OE-Wheels/494/...ductId=1692217 This seems too good to be true.

Does anybody have any comments or recommendations for best replacement option?

Lynzoid

Replicas are chinese soft metal knock offs. Every pothole will bend them.
Get non-chrome OEM alloys.

DriftGirl

iTrader: (6)

its just gonna get worse..........

OEM's should be easy to find or just have yours sandblasted and powder-coated.

Jeremiah87

I would avoid the Chinese made replica wheels since they tend to bend easily. I know this because some friends have purchased some with the misfortune mentioned.

I suggest getting brand new OEM wheels if you wanna maintain the stock aspect, if cost is a concern consider refurbished OEM wheels or a set of aftermarket wheels from Enkei. You can also cop some Rotas, they are very good wheels for the money. Some will say they are bad wheels but they dont know, I have seen them autocrossed and used on highway battles on some of the crummiest roads...they hold up.

Good luck, personally I would spring for a set of Enkei wheels, you can find a conservative looking set if the stock look is what your after or a more aggressive set if thats your desire.

walleyeman

I would question the advice that the chrome peeling is causing the tires to lose air. While alloy wheels can develop micro fissures, I find it hard to believe that it is the chrome that is keeping the air in. So, your wheels may be shot but I don't think it's because of the chrome peeling, unless the peeling is right where the bead seals against the rim.

I looked long and hard to find a set of OEM 17's in the silver finish. Like the posters said above, the OEM wheels are tough. If you go aftermarket, you will need to have different lug nuts. If you want to stay with 17's many will not fit the large brake calipers on the LS.

There are several companies that will refurbish your existing wheels and I assume they would guarantee against air leakage.

aypues

I think Discount/America's Tire has a trade out program...I've done it before on my old SC400's. It's about $250/wheel to rechrome them. They send new wheels that someone else has turned in to have rechromed.

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

The problem is going to get worse. My father had the same issue with chrome rims on his 2001 Chrysler 300m, these rims were notorious for chrome peeling and loosing air because of it. He just put used alloys instead.

Kweigel

I tried to buy those wheels through JEGs. Turns out they are discontinued, called OE wheels in Sarasota, they don't make them any more. JEGs website needs updating.

Still wanted chrome wheels, so I bought the 18" 5-spoke chromies from OE wheels through JEGs.

The wheels arrived. I put brand new Bridgestone Turanza Serenity + tires on them. I run them at 35 PSI. They lose a pound or 2 every month. Even new. But they are worth it. They look great.

Had chrome wheels on a Chrysler 300M. They leaked really badly. Finally had the rims re-bead-sealed. (Grind, weld new bead seating surface, 125.00 per wheel). Leaking stopped. Wheel medic told me that ALL chrome wheels eventually leak. Corrosion gets under the tire bead seal, and makes them leak. Can't be helped, if it's chrome, it will leak. Lexus, Caddy, Mercedes, Chrysler; it will leak!

I can put up with it, because I love the way they look. 1 or 2 psi per month on 1 or 2 wheels is tolerable.

Also, you should know that the 18's cost a little bit of mpg (1 or 2 tops). But the steering is slightly stiffer, and handling is tighter. I still have my factory 16's with Bridgestone Blizzaks on them. They are now my winter wheels!

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

if you don't want to spend the money the fix is relatively easy, ive done it to two sets of chrome wheels.

-have the tires removed
-flake off all the loose chrome on the inner lips where the tire beads
-take a grinding stone drill bit attachment, and grind all the loose chrome off
-use a wire wheel drill bit to clean
-finish with sandpaper(course to fine)
-spray with a good automotive sealer
-Install tires , enjoy wheels for a few more years

Stu

Although every city is different, from recent experience I discovered that used OEM Lexus LS430 wheels in good condition are not easily found, and when you find some, they are expensive, $700 and up with used tires.

If you want new 17" wheels, not very many will fit over the LS430's huge front brakes. Your choice will be limited. If you want to keep your wheels, follow 1Willy1 and get your chrome wheels fixed. It will work - I have done it before

... or just buy the wheels you want.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If you don't mind the looks, the GS350 wheels. For a bit less $, having the chrome finish sand blasted off then powder coated is an option. With the finish removed they could be polished out but that is additional work that will cost $. Not worth it when used OEM wheels can be found ranging from $400-$900 based on condition.

molecule

Living in SoCal I have access to several wheel Distributors who will re chrome a stock wheel for under $200. I'm planning on having my spare done as soon as it gets to my A list.
You might see if you have one close by.