cracked rim on my 2010 RX 350
11-02-16, 06:57 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
11-02-16, 02:57 PM
#17
Lead Lap
Casting flaw or design issue, maybe a bit of both. Torque applied at the hubs found the weakest spot, right at the narrowest part of the spoke.
Might be a reason Lexus did not continue the design into 2010.
Friend of mine had new OEM chrome rims put on his '10 RX about a year ago. No issues to date.
Might be a reason Lexus did not continue the design into 2010.
Friend of mine had new OEM chrome rims put on his '10 RX about a year ago. No issues to date.
11-02-16, 07:12 PM
#18
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What scared me was my wife was driving highway speeds when she noticed this. What could have happened, didn't, thank god.
Update: the dealer sold me some factory take off's. I probably paid too much but we are back on the road...$890 Lexus did assign a person to investigate this. I would be happy if they paid for my factory take offs and do a recall to have similar wheels inspected by Lexus. I can't be the only one with bad wheels. This could easily kill someone. I will post a update when I find more out.
Update: the dealer sold me some factory take off's. I probably paid too much but we are back on the road...$890 Lexus did assign a person to investigate this. I would be happy if they paid for my factory take offs and do a recall to have similar wheels inspected by Lexus. I can't be the only one with bad wheels. This could easily kill someone. I will post a update when I find more out.
11-03-16, 07:19 AM
#19
Lexus Champion
What scared me was my wife was driving highway speeds when she noticed this. What could have happened, didn't, thank god.
Update: the dealer sold me some factory take off's. I probably paid too much but we are back on the road...$890 Lexus did assign a person to investigate this. I would be happy if they paid for my factory take offs and do a recall to have similar wheels inspected by Lexus. I can't be the only one with bad wheels. This could easily kill someone. I will post a update when I find more out.
Update: the dealer sold me some factory take off's. I probably paid too much but we are back on the road...$890 Lexus did assign a person to investigate this. I would be happy if they paid for my factory take offs and do a recall to have similar wheels inspected by Lexus. I can't be the only one with bad wheels. This could easily kill someone. I will post a update when I find more out.
11-03-16, 07:39 AM
#20
A factory takeoff should be an OEM part taken off by the dealer in effort to replace it with a different part, and the different part could be either upgraded or downgraded OEM, or it could be AM. The "takeoff" itself would be the OEM equipment.
11-03-16, 01:38 PM
#22
It looking at the back of the wheel, it looks like someone took some shortcut to get the job done and compromised the aluminum.
11-04-16, 06:35 AM
#23
Intermediate
Have to agree with this. Electro plating chrome to aluminum is a pretty expensive process. The problem is the aluminum will oxidize almost immediately and nothing will stick to it. IIRC you first have to zincate the aluminum and then copper plate before you can get the chrome plating to stick (someone please correct me here if I'm wrong.)
It looking at the back of the wheel, it looks like someone took some shortcut to get the job done and compromised the aluminum.
It looking at the back of the wheel, it looks like someone took some shortcut to get the job done and compromised the aluminum.
You mentioned aluminum. I can't fathom the stock Lexus wheels being aluminum since they are easily the heaviest wheels I've come across in 20 years. My 19"x7" stock wheels (with tires) are noticeably heavier than my 20"x12" Work VSXX with a 325/25/20 tire on it. I think Lexus used lead!
This problem the OP had is frightening and unbelievable. I'm so glad he caught it before disaster.
11-04-16, 03:43 PM
#24
Pole Position
You are absolutely correct.
Chrome plating rims are not cheap and easy.
The pics OP posted looked like whomever did thd chrome plating took some short cuts.
I had chrome rims on my MB SLK55AMG done at the following place:
https://www.lawheel.com
Very reputable and all they do is chrome plating and powder coating, and etc. But it will not be cheap.
If chrome plating is not done correctly, the process will weaken the rim structurally. The problem will not be evident until years and many many miles later. Most MB dealers will not officially offer chrome rims. You would have to do it aftermarket on your own due to liability issues. I guess Lexus HQ allows this to hsppen?? IDK??
Chrome plating rims are not cheap and easy.
The pics OP posted looked like whomever did thd chrome plating took some short cuts.
I had chrome rims on my MB SLK55AMG done at the following place:
https://www.lawheel.com
Very reputable and all they do is chrome plating and powder coating, and etc. But it will not be cheap.
If chrome plating is not done correctly, the process will weaken the rim structurally. The problem will not be evident until years and many many miles later. Most MB dealers will not officially offer chrome rims. You would have to do it aftermarket on your own due to liability issues. I guess Lexus HQ allows this to hsppen?? IDK??
Have to agree with this. Electro plating chrome to aluminum is a pretty expensive process. The problem is the aluminum will oxidize almost immediately and nothing will stick to it. IIRC you first have to zincate the aluminum and then copper plate before you can get the chrome plating to stick (someone please correct me here if I'm wrong.)
It looking at the back of the wheel, it looks like someone took some shortcut to get the job done and compromised the aluminum.
It looking at the back of the wheel, it looks like someone took some shortcut to get the job done and compromised the aluminum.
11-05-16, 06:47 AM
#25
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Lexus agreed to give me a $1000 credit at their service department. I'm happy with this but wish they would inspect other cars that might have these wheels on them. Unfortunately they wouldn't pay me for the wheels I already purchased. This will pay for a couple of oil changes at the dealership 
11-08-16, 03:37 PM
#26
OP says they were put on by the dealer. That does not mean they were brand new castings. The dealer may very well have bought 4 refurb, chromed wheels. That would not be uncommon for some dealers. Lexus, or the dealer, at very least, should stand behind this. They are lucky someone was not killed
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