Centerlock discoloration
02-05-2018, 07:25 PM
#31
Burning Brakes
In case anyone doesn't understand why a product's pH is important:
Each full increase in the numeral value of pH is a 10X increase in acidity or basicity(also known as an alkaline). So in the case of a product having a pH of, say 9, another product with a pH of 10 is literally 10 times more basic.
For a fun time, think of 7.0-7.5 as neutral, like milk, water or human blood(generally speaking). Each jump is significant and each beyond that is an incredible step away from truly neutral. Can you see why understanding why certain products should or should not be used a certain way on a car, touching your skin or even breathed into lungs? When a chemical becomes so acidic or basic(or is left to contact a surface beyond its intended exposure time), it becomes reactive. When it's reactive, that means it begins to cause significant damage to the molecular structure. Those center locks were exposed to a reactive chemical. With them being wheels, I would guess someone used wheel acid...which are very common in dealership wash bays as they "work" fast. (I can't possibly roll my eyes harder...)
Want to learn more about the products you use on your car? Try to locate a source for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Though, MSDS's are becoming harder and harder to located as they're being replaced with SDS(similar acronym) which contain far less information.
Here's an example of a MSDS for Meguiar's Wheel Brightener: http://www.meguiars.com/content/es/msds/D140%20SDS.pdf
Each full increase in the numeral value of pH is a 10X increase in acidity or basicity(also known as an alkaline). So in the case of a product having a pH of, say 9, another product with a pH of 10 is literally 10 times more basic.
For a fun time, think of 7.0-7.5 as neutral, like milk, water or human blood(generally speaking). Each jump is significant and each beyond that is an incredible step away from truly neutral. Can you see why understanding why certain products should or should not be used a certain way on a car, touching your skin or even breathed into lungs? When a chemical becomes so acidic or basic(or is left to contact a surface beyond its intended exposure time), it becomes reactive. When it's reactive, that means it begins to cause significant damage to the molecular structure. Those center locks were exposed to a reactive chemical. With them being wheels, I would guess someone used wheel acid...which are very common in dealership wash bays as they "work" fast. (I can't possibly roll my eyes harder...)
Want to learn more about the products you use on your car? Try to locate a source for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Though, MSDS's are becoming harder and harder to located as they're being replaced with SDS(similar acronym) which contain far less information.
Here's an example of a MSDS for Meguiar's Wheel Brightener: http://www.meguiars.com/content/es/msds/D140%20SDS.pdf
05-21-2018, 12:19 AM
#32
Drifting
Bumping this thread. My NEW 991.2 GT3 centerlocks looked like this straight from the factory. My car came off the boat, straight to dealer. Dealer did not wash the car. So I know nothing touched the wheels. And they are discolored like the photo in the OP. I guess it's no big deal in the grand scheme of things. But is this permanent or can they be restored? I did wash my car yesterday with just normal soap/water. Rest of the car looks great. But the center locks are definitely all sorts of messed up.
05-21-2018, 01:35 AM
#33
Bumping this thread. My NEW 991.2 GT3 centerlocks looked like this straight from the factory. My car came off the boat, straight to dealer. Dealer did not wash the car. So I know nothing touched the wheels. And they are discolored like the photo in the OP. I guess it's no big deal in the grand scheme of things. But is this permanent or can they be restored? I did wash my car yesterday with just normal soap/water. Rest of the car looks great. But the center locks are definitely all sorts of messed up.
05-21-2018, 02:02 AM
#34
Drifting
So weird. I've seen plenty of .1 GT3s that are years old at dealerships, along with .1 RS cars, and .2 GT3s. And none of them had discoloration on the centerlocks. So why is it happening to cars right from the factory, I wonder.
05-21-2018, 02:06 AM
#35
I was was thinking to do ceramic coating on the wheels and the caps. Has anyone done it? Does it help prevent this discoloration?
05-21-2018, 02:25 AM
#36
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I’ve had my wheels, centre locks and brake calipers ceramic coated and so far no issues. My detailer warmed against this issue so I thought better to take the precaution.
Daft you even have to think about it though, should be finished more suitably by Porsche.
Daft you even have to think about it though, should be finished more suitably by Porsche.
05-21-2018, 09:20 PM
#38
Drifting
For the hell of it, I stopped by a local Porsche dealer since I was in the area. Keep in mind, I did not buy my car from this dealer. But the service manager took a look and said, "It's normal. Happens to every Porsche." I said, really? My car has less than 300 miles. I've never touched the wheels with any products. And people online are saying they got theirs replaced under warranty. He quite literally laughed and said there was nothing he could do. The discoloration doesn't really bother me to the point of wanting to make a fuss about it. But it's a bit disappointing when I see GT3/RS that are 4-5 years old and their centerlock nuts are still factory fresh lol.
05-21-2018, 09:25 PM
#39
For the hell of it, I stopped by a local Porsche dealer since I was in the area. Keep in mind, I did not buy my car from this dealer. But the service manager took a look and said, "It's normal. Happens to every Porsche." I said, really? My car has less than 300 miles. I've never touched the wheels with any products. And people online are saying they got theirs replaced under warranty. He quite literally laughed and said there was nothing he could do. The discoloration doesn't really bother me to the point of wanting to make a fuss about it. But it's a bit disappointing when I see GT3/RS that are 4-5 years old and their centerlock nuts are still factory fresh lol.
05-21-2018, 09:29 PM
#40
Drifting
05-22-2018, 12:14 AM
#41
The wheels get covered up at the factory when shipping the car. Did your car show up with all the shipping protectors in place? That sure does look like the center locks were sprayed with a cleaner. But either way, I'm sure your dealer is replacing them so why stress about it.
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Macduc (09-13-2019)
05-22-2018, 12:54 AM
#42
Mine were like that from new also. Im not stressed- im sure it was salty over in Germany or something. I want the old style anodized ones anyway- blue on one side, red on the other.
My car is almost always covered in bugs and grit, so I try not to freak out. I am not entering any car shows tho...
My car is almost always covered in bugs and grit, so I try not to freak out. I am not entering any car shows tho...
05-22-2018, 12:59 AM
#43
Drifting
The wheels get covered up at the factory when shipping the car. Did your car show up with all the shipping protectors in place? That sure does look like the center locks were sprayed with a cleaner. But either way, I'm sure your dealer is replacing them so why stress about it.
Yes, the car showed up with all the wrappers and plastic on.
05-22-2018, 02:05 PM
#45
Race Director
For the hell of it, I stopped by a local Porsche dealer since I was in the area. Keep in mind, I did not buy my car from this dealer. But the service manager took a look and said, "It's normal. Happens to every Porsche." I said, really? My car has less than 300 miles. I've never touched the wheels with any products. And people online are saying they got theirs replaced under warranty. He quite literally laughed and said there was nothing he could do. The discoloration doesn't really bother me to the point of wanting to make a fuss about it. But it's a bit disappointing when I see GT3/RS that are 4-5 years old and their centerlock nuts are still factory fresh lol.
Last edited by Mike in CA; 05-22-2018 at 02:37 PM. Reason: typo