***No More Rusty hubs DIY***

diesel007 · 08-05-2006, 10:09 PM

Every two weeks I jack my car up and pull off the wheels to clean the suspension, wheels wells, and the inner wheels. I also do this to inspect the inner-wheels, inner-tires, and suspension components. The hubs on BMWs love to corrode and rust. Cosmetically it's really not a big deal because the wheel covers the rust but the hub-centric ring builds rust and makes it difficult to remove the wheels. Once the wheels are off the hubs look horrible as you can see in this pic.

As you can see the inner hub is the worst. I could not deal with this any more so I decided to fix it. I went to AutoZone and spent $13.00 on some sand paper, anti-seize, and brake cleaner.

With the brake cleaner and some WD40 I found in my tool kit I started to tackle the rust. You could use a wire brush in place of the sand paper.

1.Sand the rusted areas until you are down to smooth metal.
2.Apply the anti-seize with the brush included. You only have to apply anti-seize to the areas that were rusted but I did the entire face of the hub.
3.Wipe the excess with a towel.
…and you are done!

Here is the result:
Rear hub (After)

Front Hub (After)

Nothing too fancy but it looks a million times better then the rusted ones and you wont have hell every time you remove the wheels. BTW this only took me about a hour with one jack.

oneshare325 · 08-05-2006, 10:11 PM

Way to go, I don't think I would care that much, but great work man! Looks alot better!

Collanrf · 08-05-2006, 10:17 PM

Nice DIY Ryan. I guess i'll find out if i can take my wheels off in a couple of days when i change my wheels.

tron1043 · 08-06-2006, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diesel007

Every two weeks I jack my car up and pull off the wheels to clean the suspension, wheels wells, and the inner wheels. I also do this to inspect the inner-wheels, inner-tires, and suspension components. The hubs on BMWs love to corrode and rust. Cosmetically it's really not a big deal because the wheel covers the rust but the hub-centric ring builds rust and makes it difficult to remove the wheels. Once the wheels are off the hubs look horrible as you can see in this pic.

I have done something similar, however I used a Mr. Clean magic eraser being careful to avoid the rotor surface. I can't say if it works better than your approach, but it is a bonus that you don't need chemicals.

I am going to try the brake cleaner based on your post.

Nice post.

irowharderthanyou · 08-06-2006, 12:25 PM

diesel, one thing you could try to put on there is corrosion block. I live right on the intercoastal (salty air) and use the stuff on everything i can think of. It is supposed to prevent corrosion for up to 6 months, but i would say more like 3-4. You can buy it at most hardware stores or boating stores. Hope this helps.

ADHD · 08-06-2006, 01:52 PM

Wow someone else thats as anal as me! lol....I thought i was the only one that took my wheels off when i washed my car! guess not! Good for u Ryan! I always get wierd looks when people drive by im out in the front lawn with a wheell scrubbing it...My neighbor calls me crazy every time he sees me doing it!
Ive always used the brake cleaner to remove the rust and a wire brush I never thought of the anti sieze compound! Have u pulled your wheels off after u did this?? can u take a pic of it in a week or so! how does the anti-sieze prevent rusting??//

diesel007 · 08-06-2006, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADHD

Wow someone else thats as anal as me! lol....I thought i was the only one that took my wheels off when i washed my car! guess not! Good for u Ryan! I always get wierd looks when people drive by im out in the front lawn with a wheell scrubbing it...My neighbor calls me crazy every time he sees me doing it!
Ive always used the brake cleaner to remove the rust and a wire brush I never thought of the anti sieze compound! Have u pulled your wheels off after u did this?? can u take a pic of it in a week or so! how does the anti-sieze prevent rusting??//

lol, it's the only way to get your wheels 100% clean, and don't worry I get weird looks too.

I will do a follow up in a couple of weeks and snap some pics to see if the anti-seize is doing it's job. The dried anti-seize should act as a layer of protection to prevent rusting and corrosion of the hubs so we shall see.

diesel007 · 08-06-2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

hey ryan.....bring your jack and anti-seize kit to the APM....

and do a DIY with my car as an example for the 40+ folks to see.........

hells no

Asiann · 08-06-2006, 03:09 PM

Good post! Now I have another thing to add to the DIY list.

I imagine this is only worse in areas of heavy rain.

txusa03 · 08-07-2006, 09:49 AM

you missed a few spots. I guess you have to do it again next weekend. Other than that excellent diy for those who are clean freaks

your car is very lucky to have you as its owner...

canucklion · 09-28-2006, 08:54 PM

Thank you Ryan, this is GREAT

therealm3 · 10-04-2006, 03:27 PM

nice work. I have a freind who paints his rotor hats with an anti corosive paint (silver) and it keeps them looking great. Bonus with that is you only have to do it once. From what I recall, the paint is similar to what they paint calipers with from the factory.

E90Fleet · 10-04-2006, 03:50 PM

Do you guys get this more in the winter? Possibly from salt on the roads ?

Because here the rusting hardly happens ( we dont get snow)

My E36 is 10 years old, and hardly a spec of rust on the hubs
None on my old E39 either

ward · 10-04-2006, 03:59 PM

good call diesel

it can be a PAIN to remove or attempt to remove stuck wheels!

diesel007 · 10-04-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Do you guys get this more in the winter? Possibly from salt on the roads ?

Because here the rusting hardly happens ( we dont get snow)

My E36 is 10 years old, and hardly a spec of rust on the hubs
None on my old E39 either

It does not snow here but the salty coastal air next to the coast is a contributing factor, also when washing the wheels water can seep though the wheel caps.

magmd · 10-14-2006, 12:59 AM

Man..that looks great. I need to do this soon on my car!

longtran · 10-14-2006, 12:42 PM

ryan, come up and do mine.. my shit have a lotta rust.

diesel007 · 10-14-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

ryan, come up and do mine.. my shit have a lotta rust.

***Rusty hub meet***

just4kickz · 10-14-2006, 11:47 PM

no jack... using spit and tissues will have to do.

longtran · 10-15-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Do you guys get this more in the winter? Possibly from salt on the roads ?

Because here the rusting hardly happens ( we dont get snow)

My E36 is 10 years old, and hardly a spec of rust on the hubs
None on my old E39 either

we dont get snow in LA. is something wrong then???

i think we just wash our car too damn much.

magmd · 10-15-2006, 07:43 PM

I'm down for rusty meet

This weeK? LOL!

longtran · 10-15-2006, 10:24 PM

i definitely need do mine. i'm down.

08-05-2006, 10:09 PM	#1
diesel007 Not Stock 160 Rep 2,774 Posts Drives: 325I Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 325 [0.00]	*No More Rusty hubs DIY* Every two weeks I jack my car up and pull off the wheels to clean the suspension, wheels wells, and the inner wheels. I also do this to inspect the inner-wheels, inner-tires, and suspension components. The hubs on BMWs love to corrode and rust. Cosmetically it's really not a big deal because the wheel covers the rust but the hub-centric ring builds rust and makes it difficult to remove the wheels. Once the wheels are off the hubs look horrible as you can see in this pic. As you can see the inner hub is the worst. I could not deal with this any more so I decided to fix it. I went to AutoZone and spent $13.00 on some sand paper, anti-seize, and brake cleaner. With the brake cleaner and some WD40 I found in my tool kit I started to tackle the rust. You could use a wire brush in place of the sand paper. 1.Sand the rusted areas until you are down to smooth metal. 2.Apply the anti-seize with the brush included. You only have to apply anti-seize to the areas that were rusted but I did the entire face of the hub. 3.Wipe the excess with a towel. …and you are done! Here is the result: Rear hub (After) Front Hub (After) Nothing too fancy but it looks a million times better then the rusted ones and you wont have hell every time you remove the wheels. BTW this only took me about a hour with one jack. __________________ *Wallpaper of the month* 1/1/072/1/07
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08-05-2006, 10:11 PM	#2
oneshare325 Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,178 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	Way to go, I don't think I would care that much, but great work man! Looks alot better!
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08-05-2006, 10:17 PM	#3
Collanrf Major 86 Rep 1,125 Posts Drives: BMW 335i, Alpine White M Sport Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	Nice DIY Ryan. I guess i'll find out if i can take my wheels off in a couple of days when i change my wheels. __________________ /// 2011 E90 335i M SPORT, ALPINE WHITE/// STEPTRONIC /// ZENON HEADLIGHTS/// 35% TINTS ALL AROUND /// 19 INCH BBS LM REPS ///BLACKED OUT ROUNDELS /// BLACK OUT GRILLS/// ACS ROOF SPOILER /// M3 REAR SPOILER /// LTMW INSTALLED (VOLLKOMMEN) M SPORT FRONT LIP /// BMS INTAKE///
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08-06-2006, 12:25 PM	#5
irowharderthanyou Private First Class 25 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 330i TiAg Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	diesel, one thing you could try to put on there is corrosion block. I live right on the intercoastal (salty air) and use the stuff on everything i can think of. It is supposed to prevent corrosion for up to 6 months, but i would say more like 3-4. You can buy it at most hardware stores or boating stores. Hope this helps. __________________ 2006 330i TiAg - Beige, Step, ZPP, ZCP, Sat. Prep.
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08-06-2006, 01:52 PM	#6
ADHD Brigadier General 196 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Magic Mountain iTrader: (38) Garage List 21 M540i [0.00] 07 e90 335 [0.00]	Wow someone else thats as anal as me! lol....I thought i was the only one that took my wheels off when i washed my car! guess not! Good for u Ryan! I always get wierd looks when people drive by im out in the front lawn with a wheell scrubbing it...My neighbor calls me crazy every time he sees me doing it! Ive always used the brake cleaner to remove the rust and a wire brush I never thought of the anti sieze compound! Have u pulled your wheels off after u did this?? can u take a pic of it in a week or so! how does the anti-sieze prevent rusting??// __________________
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08-06-2006, 03:09 PM	#9
Asiann Got Seoul? 116 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	Good post! Now I have another thing to add to the DIY list. I imagine this is only worse in areas of heavy rain. __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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08-07-2006, 09:49 AM	#10
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	you missed a few spots. I guess you have to do it again next weekend. Other than that excellent diy for those who are clean freaks your car is very lucky to have you as its owner... Attached Images
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09-28-2006, 08:54 PM	#11
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	Thank you Ryan, this is GREAT __________________
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10-04-2006, 03:27 PM	#12
therealm3 Lieutenant Colonel 630 Rep 1,649 Posts Drives: F30 340 MSport Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: CA, USA iTrader: (7)	nice work. I have a freind who paints his rotor hats with an anti corosive paint (silver) and it keeps them looking great. Bonus with that is you only have to do it once. From what I recall, the paint is similar to what they paint calipers with from the factory.
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10-04-2006, 03:50 PM	#13
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1311 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Do you guys get this more in the winter? Possibly from salt on the roads ? Because here the rusting hardly happens ( we dont get snow) My E36 is 10 years old, and hardly a spec of rust on the hubs None on my old E39 either __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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10-04-2006, 03:59 PM	#14
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	good call diesel it can be a PAIN to remove or attempt to remove stuck wheels!
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10-14-2006, 12:59 AM	#16
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Man..that looks great. I need to do this soon on my car! __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
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10-14-2006, 12:42 PM	#17
longtran Lieutenant General 1429 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	ryan, come up and do mine.. my shit have a lotta rust.
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10-14-2006, 11:47 PM	#19
just4kickz boku no namae ha... 336 Rep 11,025 Posts Drives: 2006 BS 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: S. Bay Area, CA + Newark, NJ + ChiCity + True Blue iTrader: (11) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [0.00]	no jack... using spit and tissues will have to do. __________________ looking for a PreLCI Black Sapphire e90 front bumper without license plate holes "Akimbo shotguns. Broken wrists anyone? And don't give me that 'it's just a game' bull**. Where the are my akimbo interventions then?! One scope on each eye mother**er!!"
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10-15-2006, 07:43 PM	#21
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I'm down for rusty meet This weeK? LOL! __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
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10-15-2006, 10:24 PM	#22
longtran Lieutenant General 1429 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	i definitely need do mine. i'm down.
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