GTI Performance alloy corrosion/ white worm

[Berwickchaser7]

Just wondering if anyone has had issues with corrosion / white worm with their alloys? Car is only 18 months old so hoping it can be sorted with warranty…

[Carbon VW]

Do a search, there are numerous threads regarding this issue. 

[Rudedog]

I had a full set of VW Grand Prix alloys (made by Ronal) replaced on my previous Golf under warrantee when the out rim started to show signs of WW.

[SRGTD]

Just wondering if anyone has had issues with corrosion / white worm with their alloys? Car is only 18 months old so hoping it can be sorted with warranty…

Yes, unfortunately it happens with diamond cut alloys - often around the 2-3 year mark. The finish on diamond cut alloys isn’t particularly durable as the machined / diamond cut surface doesn’t provide a good ‘key’ for the clear lacquer to adhere to, so if it becomes damaged (e.g. by a small stone chip) and that damage isn’t repaired quickly, then water and road salt can get under the lacquer, causing white worm.

Here’s a recent case - if you use the forum search function you’ll find others.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=287550.0

VW used to replace white wormed alloys under warranty without too many issues, although since Dieselgate, from what I’ve read on some forums they do seem to be taking a firmer line on warranty claims in general. IMHO VW will only replace your white wormed alloy if they consider the white worm is the result of a manufacturing defect. If the wheel shows any other signs of damage - e.g. stone chips, scuffs etc. - or it’s been refurbished before (they’ll probably take paint / lacquer thickness readings to check for signs of a previous refurb) then VW will almost certainly not replace the wheel under warranty.

[joe6]

I think I have been lucky with my 2010 GTI as wheels still almost as new. Scratches around one bolt hole probably from tyre fitter that I lacquered but otherwise had a good innings. Hope the performance GTI holds up - just about 18 months now.

[willni]

It helps if you know someone that works in VW warranty. It's a long fight but don't give in, post some pictures of them at the minute so we can help advise.

FYI my father got 4 new alloys from BMW even after the old ones were all curbed, took a few months but got them think they were £3k if buying new.

[Sniffer]

I had the same issue on one of the diamond cut alloys on my Mk7.5 GTI and I raised it as a warranty claim with my local VW dealer. Their After Sales Manager, initially, tried to argue that it was down to stone damage but I wasn't letting him off that easily.

I stood my ground and pointed out that there was absolutely no evidence of any break in the lacquer, and that it was deteriorating under the surface, so was obviously a manufacturing defect. I had to book the car into their body shop, where they examined the wheel thoroughly (under a microscope, I think!) to check whether it had been repaired but they eventually conceded the case and ordered me a new wheel. It arrived and was fitted the following week.