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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Johnny A on 23 May 2007, 21:51

Title: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Johnny A on 23 May 2007, 21:51

Had my GTi in for its first service a couple of weeks ago and gave it a wash and a good look over before taking it in to the dealer.  Hadn't washed it for a while and was shocked to see that two of the 18" Monza alloys (front nearside and rear offside) had corroded quite noticeably round the edge of the rims. :sad:  Strangely, the wheels on the other corners were unmarked.

Mentioned it on the phone to the Service Department before taking the car in and they assured me they'd check it out.  Reminded them again when I dropped it off and came back to pick it up later that day expecting to either have an argument or be told that I'd have to wait several weeks for new ones to be ordered.  Much to my surprise two brand new wheels had been fitted, same day, no questions, no problem. :smiley:

Anyway, apart from saying something positive about a dealer for a change, I'd be interested to know if anyone else on the forum has had the same problem with their Monzas in such a short period of time or have I just been unlucky?  The corrosion was in the form of small pits, through the lacquer and into the alloy, all round the circumference of the rims.  I thought I'd left rotting alloys behind when I sold my Lexus!!

Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: 2007GTI on 23 May 2007, 21:59
I am gob smacked, a dealer that cares and didnt moan and fitted them without question, that has to be a first or a miracle!   :laugh:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Merlinman on 23 May 2007, 22:15
Known and regular problem - just make sure there's no 'kerbing' evidence or the dealer will not want to know.....
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 24 May 2007, 08:43
I have this problem - will post pics before I go to dealer and will update you as to how I get on.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Phil mcavity on 24 May 2007, 17:57
Yes had the same complaint, went back to VW 5 months after purchasing complaining of laquer peeling and also rusty hubs. they fixed free of charged and resprayed all hubs aswell.................
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s264/philmcavity/wheelrepair002.jpg)
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: charri42 on 25 May 2007, 23:25
I am surpised they still fit that kind of polished and laquered wheel - as it must cost a fortune in warranty costs will they ever learn?

It is something Toyota and lexus are very bad at - and also good, in that several IS200 and MR2 / Celicas seem to get a new set free every year due to the bubbling. No questions asked and with a healthy dollop of kerbing in some cases.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Cass on 25 May 2007, 23:40
Great result and nice to hear a positive VW main dealer story for a change. Well done :smiley:

Cass
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Johnny A on 27 May 2007, 22:04
You're dead right about the Lexus IS200, Charri. 

I had an IS200SE before the GTI and the wheels corroded at an amazing rate.  Having said that, it was a very well known problem and there was never any argument about having them replaced under warranty. 
 
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: TeddyKGB on 28 May 2007, 02:58
Does this mean my monza's are gonna go all bubbly and crispy then? :cry: :cry:
Wish I just got the bog standard ones now :cry:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 04 June 2007, 11:14
Anyone got any decent pics yet, showing the corroded Monza IIs ??
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: charri42 on 04 June 2007, 12:32
My guess is they go milky (water under laquer) like ALL these etched / laquered wheels.

Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 04 June 2007, 14:10
Anyone got any decent pics yet, showing the corroded Monza IIs ??

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/RedRobin_05/18s_corrosion.jpg)
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: maxamus on 04 June 2007, 14:45
Anyone got any decent pics yet, showing the corroded Monza IIs ??

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/RedRobin_05/18s_corrosion.jpg)


 :sick:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: wantmygti on 04 June 2007, 15:57
Cheers for the quick pic of the white worms Robin. Have you given up on a warranty claim now?

(Have followed your plight on TSN)
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 04 June 2007, 17:34
Cheers for the quick pic of the white worms Robin. Have you given up on a warranty claim now?

(Have followed your plight on TSN)

....Hi buddy - Yes, I've decided to wait until the wheels get worse and then go to Lepsons and have a different finish applied. To have pursued my claim any further would have meant spending money with solicitors etc and with no guaranteed result. For those who don't know, I originally had Monza 17's then bought 18's with only 7 miles on them but VW won't honour my warranty claim because my car is originally registered with them on 17's - A looooong story!

I'm now actually looking forward to a unique finish on my Monza 18's which is also more durable. The 'worms' haven't got any worse so far but next Winter will be the worst time. Apparently the UK uses stronger road salts than any other country.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 05 June 2007, 16:48
Yew, those rims do look pants  :sick:

RR, do I take it you didn't buy your rims from a stealer?
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 05 June 2007, 18:17
Yew, those rims do look pants  :sick:

RR, do I take it you didn't buy your rims from a stealer?

....No, from a friend in the car business who imported the GTI knowing he was going to immediately change to BBS CH 19's, hence my buying them with only 7 miles done. But his GTI was subsequently stolen so we couldn't even put them back on his GTI and claim under warranty. There's no point me being p!ssed off - The photo makes it look worse than it is for some reason and I'll enjoy a more durable finish from Lepsons in due course. No regrets from me. I've still got my original 17's.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 05 June 2007, 23:31
Yew, those rims do look pants  :sick:

RR, do I take it you didn't buy your rims from a stealer?

....No, from a friend in the car business who imported the GTI knowing he was going to immediately change to BBS CH 19's, hence my buying them with only 7 miles done. But his GTI was subsequently stolen so we couldn't even put them back on his GTI and claim under warranty. There's no point me being p!ssed off - The photo makes it look worse than it is for some reason and I'll enjoy a more durable finish from Lepsons in due course. No regrets from me. I've still got my original 17's.

OK, fairy-nuff.  I suppose VW don't need to try to hard when worming their way out of paying for warranty repairs!

BTW, have Lepsons ever done any Monza IIs before?  I ask, because there was a very good magazine article, praising Spit and Polish, who successfully refurbed them, when the common opinion was Monza IIs were unrepairable.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 05 June 2007, 23:44
OK, fairy-nuff.  I suppose VW don't need to try to hard when worming their way out of paying for warranty repairs!

BTW, have Lepsons ever done any Monza IIs before?  I ask, because there was a very good magazine article, praising Spit and Polish, who successfully refurbed them, when the common opinion was Monza IIs were unrepairable.

....I think Lepsons have but don't know for sure. But I definitely won't be having diamond-cut+clear lacqueur again anyway, so it doesn't matter. I'll be going for a custom paint finish, which is much more durable.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 06 June 2007, 12:59
OK, fairy-nuff.  I suppose VW don't need to try to hard when worming their way out of paying for warranty repairs!

BTW, have Lepsons ever done any Monza IIs before?  I ask, because there was a very good magazine article, praising Spit and Polish, who successfully refurbed them, when the common opinion was Monza IIs were unrepairable.

....I think Lepsons have but don't know for sure. But I definitely won't be having diamond-cut+clear lacqueur again anyway, so it doesn't matter. I'll be going for a custom paint finish, which is much more durable.

OK, we await pics in due coarse.  :wink:  :smiley:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 06 June 2007, 14:19
....I think Lepsons have but don't know for sure. But I definitely won't be having diamond-cut+clear lacqueur again anyway, so it doesn't matter. I'll be going for a custom paint finish, which is much more durable.

OK, we await pics in due coarse.  :wink:  :smiley:

....I've just noticed this morning that the white worms have slightly increased. I might have to visit Lepsons sooner than I had planned.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: telboy on 06 June 2007, 20:57
Ani idea on costs of a refurb per wheel from lepsons????

Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Johnny A on 06 June 2007, 22:28
Good pic of your wheels Robin. 

I didn't take any pics of the two I had replaced (by Specialist Cars Aberdeen) but, comparing my recollection of what they looked like with your pic, they hadn't reached the "white worm" down the face of the wheel stage - just the small pits of corrosion round the edge.

Look forward to seeing your refurbed Monzas in due course!   
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 06 June 2007, 22:33
Ani idea on costs of a refurb per wheel from lepsons????

....Approx £55 per wheel but best you phone for a more accurate price.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 05 July 2007, 22:07
Hoping to get my CH's changed for Monza's this w/e... I am actually thinking that at some point i might well go for a matt black finish... like this on the Euro ED30: (http://digiads.com.au/car-news/images/synd/media81_168_12_1242007070503_pic-lrg_article_5683-img_0.jpg) (http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-VOLKSWAGEN-news/VW_Golf_GTI_Edition_30_20060523.html)

My car is red, I actually like the black wheel look on the red car, but wouldn't mind some second opinions... just to see how off the ball my taste is  :smiley:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: maxamus on 05 July 2007, 22:43
i think black rims on red or white loook gorgoues!
Paint the outer ring red (for red cars and white for white cars) on the alloys and it will look fantastic.

by the outer ring i meant a 1cm strip on the most outer region of the alloy
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Hurdy on 05 July 2007, 22:51
Hoping to get my CH's changed for Monza's this w/e... I am actually thinking that at some point i might well go for a matt black finish... like this on the Euro ED30: (http://digiads.com.au/car-news/images/synd/media81_168_12_1242007070503_pic-lrg_article_5683-img_0.jpg) (http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-VOLKSWAGEN-news/VW_Golf_GTI_Edition_30_20060523.html)

My car is red, I actually like the black wheel look on the red car, but wouldn't mind some second opinions... just to see how off the ball my taste is  :smiley:

Don't do it :sick: You can just about get away with black alloys on a white car, but that's it (IMO of course :rolleyes:)
Colour coding wheels (ie red alloys on a red car) looks cool on Porsches and I would have to see one on a Golf GTI MKV before deciding (anyone with paintshop?) :undecided:

Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: TheReflex on 05 July 2007, 23:03
Not sure at all about that matt black monza.  In fact , I would say it looks a bit naff . Surely a duller shiny graphite colour would have looked better for the 18" Monza.  The matt black wheels should be easy to patch up yourself though.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 05 July 2007, 23:12
Not sure at all about that matt black monza.  In fact , I would say it looks a bit naff . Surely a duller shiny graphite colour would have looked better for the 18" Monza.  The matt black wheels should be easy to patch up yourself though.

....A "duller shiny graphite colour" is exactly what I plan when I refurbish my 18's due to their corrosion.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: TheReflex on 05 July 2007, 23:22
Not sure at all about that matt black monza.  In fact , I would say it looks a bit naff . Surely a duller shiny graphite colour would have looked better for the 18" Monza.  The matt black wheels should be easy to patch up yourself though.

....A "duller shiny graphite colour" is exactly what I plan when I refurbish my 18's due to their corrosion.

Would really like to see that when you get it done Robin. I always think my wheels look better with a good coating of brake dust. A subtle graphite tinge will look good .
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 06 July 2007, 08:33
Not sure at all about that matt black monza.  In fact , I would say it looks a bit naff . Surely a duller shiny graphite colour would have looked better for the 18" Monza.  The matt black wheels should be easy to patch up yourself though.

....A "duller shiny graphite colour" is exactly what I plan when I refurbish my 18's due to their corrosion.

Would really like to see that when you get it done Robin. I always think my wheels look better with a good coating of brake dust. A subtle graphite tinge will look good .

....Lepsons offer a paint process which is black but with a silver on the top which can be in chosen from a range of 'shades'. But I think that it's for the whole alloy and so not the two-tone of the OEM Monzas.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 09 July 2007, 21:24
Anyone know a place near Bristol or Bath that can refurb Monza II's?  Managed to kerb passenger front today (which in fairness was already kerbed a bit).... if not I will either be buying a new one or getting all of them refurbed in a simpler finish....
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: phil1101 on 09 July 2007, 21:31
Kerbed :sad:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 09 July 2007, 22:06
Yeah, indeedy.... however it was already kerbed so not too bad... the other three are ok though (some minor corrosion which I will get sorted under warranty)... so hopefully get repaired and have a perfect set  :cool:

Kerbed :sad:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 11 July 2007, 12:50
Seems to be a proper shortage of places equipped to do "interesting" refurbs to alloys... two places I contacted didn't even feel confident of doing a anthracite finish on the monza's with a silver lip around the edge... shame I don't live in Kent as the Lepsons that RedRobin mentioned sound competent!

Anyone got any idea how long then need your wheels for to do the refurb work?  Wondering if I could drive over and get em done in a day?
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Cass on 11 July 2007, 13:02
Found this link yesterday:

http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

They seem to offer a 1 day service

Cass
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: maxamus on 11 July 2007, 13:33

Anyone got any idea how long then need your wheels for to do the refurb work?  Wondering if I could drive over and get em done in a day?

when i got my 17" monza's done, they had the car for 3 days
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 11 July 2007, 16:56
Thanks for this, I have a friend up in Tamworth so could probably drop offf car and stay at his for a day or two and then collect the car.

Their matt black and anthracite finishes look good... Monza's would suit anthracite I am guessing, plus I do already have a soft spot for the matt black (a la Euro ED30)

Found this link yesterday:

http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

They seem to offer a 1 day service

Cass
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: NORTHERNER on 11 July 2007, 16:57
Thanks Maxamus.

when i got my 17" monza's done, they had the car for 3 days
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Shrodinger's Cat on 20 July 2007, 14:38
The car has just gone in for 20k mile service, so I presented the dealer with a list of warranty issues, all of which are being dealt with when the parts arrive - no questions asked!   :shocked: :smiley:

One of the main issues was corrosion of the 18" Monza IIs, which I hope you will be able to see in the pics below.

(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/donaldlawrie/IMG_0660.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/donaldlawrie/IMG_0659.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/donaldlawrie/IMG_0656.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/donaldlawrie/IMG_0655.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/donaldlawrie/IMG_0661.jpg)

Well, you can see it in the first pic, but it's more difficult to spot in the others.  It's easily visible to the naked eye though.

The last pic is included just 'cos I can.  :tongue:

Anyhoo I digress... the dealer called me a few hours after I'd dropped off the car to say they would carry out all the work that I deemed to be warranty work, including replacing all 4 alloys!   :grin: :grin:

I know dealers get a hard time, but credit where due, these guys have been very accommodating.

I'll post some pics of new alloys when fitted.   :cool:

p.s. Used clay bar and then wax on the car - the results are amazing.  It just doesn't compare to giving the motor a quick wash!



Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: mark.w on 20 March 2009, 17:14
Just getting to the point where my Monza II's are starting to look a little too wormy for comfort. I'm impressed that people on here, have got returns under warranty, something i tried following my dad's experience of getting 4 new alloys several times (when only 1 was corroded) from Lexus. I got 4 new centre caps  :huh:.

Can anyone recommend a good place to get a refurb in the West Midlands??
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: pitman4u on 20 March 2009, 18:26
how bad does the wheel worm have to be?? 3 of mine have very small signs of wheel worm around the nuts,the other is ok. would i be able to get these replaced under warrenty? not sure wether to wait & take the chance that i dont kerb them, i get em in now!!! :wink:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: mark.w on 20 March 2009, 18:32
i didn't have a hint of kerbing and they still refused. Al the damage was on the face of the wheel and in the centre. Still no joy.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 20 March 2009, 18:44

Can anyone recommend a good place to get a refurb in the West Midlands??


....If you can't get them refurb'd under warranty then I can very highly recommend A1 Wheel Renovations in Wolverhampton.



Hope this helps :afro:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: Egbutt Wash on 20 March 2009, 18:47
As a matter of interest are the cars that suffer this filiform corrosion usually garaged?

There could be a paper in this.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 20 March 2009, 19:13
^^^^

An interesting question :smiley: - Yes, mine is garaged but I don't know about anyone else.
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: mark.w on 21 March 2009, 12:22

Can anyone recommend a good place to get a refurb in the West Midlands??


....If you can't get them refurb'd under warranty then I can very highly recommend A1 Wheel Renovations in Wolverhampton.

Linky : - Killing The White Worm - Options (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=726.0)

Hope this helps :afro:

Great stuff, I work in Willenhall near Wolves, so will definitely pay em a visit :)
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 21 March 2009, 13:13
^^^^
Ask for Nigel and say I sent you and how very pleased I am still with his work on my Monza 18's - He powdercoated them.

Don't be put off by the premises!!

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/RedRobin_05/RED_A1_Wolverhampton.jpg)

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/RedRobin_05/SmokedChrome_daylight.jpg)

And please let us know how you get on.

:afro:
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: mark.w on 21 March 2009, 15:15
Nice. Are they original spec or have you changed the colours? The insert looks shinier. I just want em to look boxfresh again, 42,000 miles and they're chipped and wormed to buggery, and I've not kerbed em once :(
Title: Re: 18" Monza Alloys - Corrosion
Post by: RedRobin on 21 March 2009, 16:39
^^^^
@ Mark

As you'll see from my earlier linked Review, I had extremely bad white worm too. You'll also read that mine are now powdercoated (not diamond-cut and lacquered) as I wasn't happy to go back to the ever present threat of the dreaded white worm disease.

Friend Greenouse had his Monza's refurb'd by A1 in Wolverhampton.....Read the Review thread and all should become clear.