rukkee

iTrader: (3)

Document ID# 2048913
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


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Subject: Low Tire Pressure, Leaking Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with Adhesive Sealant) #05-03-10-003C - (01/15/2008)



Models: 2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)

2008 and Prior HUMMER H2, H3

2008 and Prior Saab 9-7X

with Cast Aluminum Wheels




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This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year and update the Warranty Information section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-003B (Section 03 -- Suspension).


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Condition
Some customers may comment on a low tire pressure condition.

Diagnosis of the low tire pressure condition indicates an air leak through the cast aluminum wheel.

Cause
Porosity in the cast aluminum wheel may be the cause.

Correction
Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service procedure in SI.
Locate the leaking area by inflating the tire to 276 kPa (40 psi) and dipping the tire/wheel assembly in a water bath, or use a spray bottle with soap and water to locate the specific leak location.
Important:

• If the porosity leak is located in the bead area of the aluminum rim (where the tire meets the rim), the wheel should be replaced.

• If two or more leaks are located on one wheel, the wheel should be replaced.


If air bubbles are observed, mark the location.
• If the leak location is on the tire/rubber area, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-001D or newer - Tire Puncture Repair Procedures for All Cars and Light Duty Trucks.

• If the leak is located on the aluminum wheel area, continue with the next step.

Inscribe a mark on the tire at the valve stem in order to indicate the orientation of the tire to the wheel.
Dismount the tire from the wheel. Refer to Tire Mounting and Dismounting.
Remove the tire pressure sensor. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-16-002 regarding tire pressure sensor grommet replacement, and the appropriate Tire Pressure Sensor removal procedure in SI.
Scuff the INSIDE rim surface at the leak area with #80 grit paper and clean the area with general purpose cleaner, such as 3M® General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, P/N 08984, or equivalent.
Apply a 3 mm (0.12 in) thick layer of Silicone - Adhesive/Sealant, P/N 12378478 (in Canada, use 88900041), or equivalent, to the leak area.
Allow for the adhesive/sealant to dry.
Notice: Caution must be used when mounting the tire so as not to damage the sealer. Damaging the repair area may result in an air leak.

Align the inscribed mark on the tire with the valve stem on the wheel.
Reinstall the Tire Pressure Sensor. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-16-002 regarding tire pressure sensor grommet replacement, and the appropriate Tire Pressure Sensor installation procedure in SI.
Mount the tire on the wheel. Refer to Tire Mounting and Dismounting.
Pressurize the tire to 276 kPa (40 psi) and inspect for leaks.
Adjust tire pressure to meet the placard specification.
Balance the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off-Vehicle.
Install the tire and wheel assembly onto the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service procedure in SI.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description

12378478

(in Canada, use 88900041)
Silicone - Adhesive/Sealant

3M®

08984
3M® General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner

bluecobaltss06

That's not really new. It's been out a while, it's just being updated for the new cars and trucks.

SSdan

Ironically, my passenger tire ALWAYS gets low after a week or two.

Rukee, I'm also having a hard time getting the dealer to find a TSB# for the painted wheels peeling. Can you find it?

rukkee

iTrader: (3)

This is the closest thing i could find .



Document ID# 1841203
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


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Subject: Info - Refinishing Aluminum Wheels #99-08-51-007C - (06/19/2006)



Models: 2007 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn)

2003-2007 HUMMER H2

2006-2007 HUMMER H3

2005-2007 Saab 9-7X




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This bulletin is being revised to add additional models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-08-51-007B (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).


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This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening or re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed.

Evaluating Damage
In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility -- Outside Company later in this bulletin.

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing Recommendations
• Chrome-plated aluminum wheels

Re-plating these wheels is not recommended.

• Polished aluminum wheels

These wheels have a polyester or acrylic clearcoat on them. If the clearcoat is damaged, refinishing is possible. However, the required refinishing process cannot be performed in the dealer environment. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility -- Outside Company later in this bulletin.

• Painted aluminum wheels

These wheels are painted using a primer, color coat, and clearcoat procedure. If the paint is damaged, refinishing is possible. As with polished wheels, all original coatings must be removed first. Media blasting is recommended. Refer to GM Aluminum Refinishing Bulletin #53-17-03A for the re-painting of this type of wheel.

• Bright, machined aluminum wheels

These wheels have a polyester or acrylic clearcoat on them. In some cases, the recessed "pocket" areas of the wheel may be painted. Surface refinishing is possible. The wheel must be totally stripped by media blasting or other suitable means. The wheel should be resurfaced by using a sanding process rather than a machining process. This allows the least amount of material to be removed.


Important: Do not use any re-machining process that removes aluminum. This could affect the dimensions and function of the wheel.


Painting is an option to re-clearcoating polished and bright machined aluminum wheels. Paint will better mask any surface imperfections and is somewhat more durable than clearcoat alone. GM recommends using Corsican SILVER WAEQ9283 for a fine "aluminum-like" look or Sparkle SILVER WA9967 for a very bright look. As an option, the body color may also be used. When using any of the painting options, it is recommended that all four wheels be refinished in order to maintain color uniformity. Refer to GM Aluminum Refinishing Bulletin #53-17-03A for specific procedures and product recommendations.

Refinisher's Responsibility -- Outside Company
Important: Some outside companies are offering wheel refinishing services. One such company, Transwheel Corporation (800-892-3733), provides this service within GM guidelines. Other companies may also exist. Such refinished wheels will be permanently marked by the refinisher and are warranted by the refinisher. Any process that re-machines or otherwise re-manufactures the wheel should not be used.

A refinisher's responsibility includes inspecting for cracks using the Zyglo system or the equivalent. Any cracked wheels must not be refinished. No welding, hammering or reforming of any kind is allowed. The wheel ID must be recorded and follow the wheel throughout the process in order to assure that the same wheel is returned. A plastic media blast may be used for clean up of the wheel. Hand and/or lathe sanding of the machined surface and the wheel window is allowed. Material removal, though, must be kept to a minimum. Re-machining of the wheel is not allowed. Paint and/or clear coat must not be present on the following surfaces: the nut chamfers, the wheel mounting surfaces and the wheel pilot hole. The refinisher must permanently ID stamp the wheel and warrant the painted/clearcoated surfaces for a minimum of one year or the remainder of the new vehicle warranty, whichever is longer.

Important: Whenever a wheel is refinished, the mounting surface and the wheel nut contact surfaces must not be painted or clearcoated. Coating these surfaces could affect the wheel nut torque.

When re-mounting a tire on an aluminum wheel, coated balance weights must be used in order to reduce the chance of future cosmetic damage.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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insylem

Wow, According to this, I need new rims/wheels. Hmm...

Mr Mall Cop

iTrader: (1)

It never stops with inferior parts on their cars

Spawne32

iTrader: (1)

and here i thought everyone was under the assumption that cobalt's were the Ferrari of GM.

Xmetalhead2003X

iTrader: (3)

This is a common issue, not just with GM. My dad had an issue with his alloys and cooper tires. Apparently cooper doesn't play well with aluminum.