What to do if the wheel hub is severely scratched?
2 Answers
The treatment methods for severely scratched wheel hubs are as follows: 1. First, clean the wheel hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub (I removed the wheel hub for easier handling, but it's also fine to leave it on). After cleaning, dry it with a towel, making sure to wipe off any grease on the surface, as this can affect the painting later! Removing the wheel hub also allows you to clean off the considerable amount of metal shavings and stone debris on the wheel. 2. Smooth the scratched area of the wheel hub: Since the scratched areas are rough, they must be smoothed with sandpaper, using 150# sandpaper for this step. After smoothing (check by hand to ensure it's even), apply putty (wheel hub filler) evenly to the scratched area (ensure the grooves are filled), and wait for the putty to dry! Then continue smoothing with 320# and 800# sandpaper, making sure it's very smooth. 3. Apply paint and clear coat: After the above steps are completed, you can proceed to paint. Before spraying, cover the tire and any parts that don't need painting. Then spray evenly (note: spray in multiple thin layers, waiting for each layer to dry before applying the next, to avoid runs or sagging. After the wheel hub paint dries, finally apply a clear gloss coat.
When wheel rims are severely scratched, I previously tried repairing them myself. Gently sand the surface scratches with fine sandpaper, then clean off the dust, and spray on rim-specific primer and topcoat, preferably matching the original car color. If the scratches are deep but there's no deformation, with some effort, this method can restore 80-90% of the appearance. DIY kits available online for just a few dozen yuan can get the job done, just make sure to work in a well-ventilated area. However, if the rim edge is bent or chipped, attempting a DIY fix might worsen the problem. In such cases, it's safer to seek professional repair services—they have the tools to correct deformations and apply coatings, with costs around a few hundred yuan being reasonable. Additionally, rim scratches aren't just a cosmetic issue; long-term neglect can lead to tire imbalance, causing a bumpy sensation at high speeds. Remember to park farther from curbs—small habits prevent big troubles. Regularly washing the rims also helps reduce corrosion damage.
