07-03-10-015C Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

File in Section:

Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
03 - Suspension

07-03-10-015C

May, 2013
WARRANTY ADMINISTRATION

Subject:
General Motors New Vehicle Wheel Warranty Coverage
Models:
2014 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013-2014 model years and remove the Saab

Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-03-10-015B.
The General Motors New Vehicle Wheel

Warranty

This bulletin has been issued to clarify warrantable

conditions on GM OEM wheels. It is our intent that this

one document will answer many of the warranty

scenarios you are likely to encounter. Unlike other parts

of the vehicle, wheels encounter various road hazards,

corrosive substances and abuses that may present

questions in both the mind of the customer and the

dealer. Eligible conditions are warranted for the full term

of the New Vehicle Warranty.
Information Sources for Wheel Issues

The following GM Service Bulletins contain information

useful to minimizing possible damage, and reducing

customer concerns that may arise through incorrect

servicing and improper cleaning products.

• #00-03-10-002 – Chemical Staining, Pitting,

Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of

Chromed Aluminum Wheels

• #04-03-10-012 – Pitting and Brake Dust on

Chrome Wheels

• #06-03-10-004 – Proper Use of OEM Service

Wheel Weights, Marring and/or Damage Due to

Use of Non-OEM and/or Incorrect Wheel

Weight Installation

• #06-03-10-010 – Information on Proper Wheel

Changing Procedures and Cautions
Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
What is NOT Warrantable

GM provides many different styles and finishes for our

passenger car and truck wheels. You will find both steel

and aluminum wheels with painted, polished or chrome

finishes available. While each of these types must meet

GM durability standards for road impacts and finish

appearance, there are conditions that are not

warrantable.

Curb Impact / Scrapes

Wheels that have been damaged through abuse are

not warrantable. Finish scraping and wheel flanges that

have been damaged due to curb impact are not

warrantable.

Bent Wheel Flanges / Cracked Wheels

Bent wheels and cracked wheels due to road hazards

are not warrantable. In many cases bent and cracked

wheels result from driving on low tire air pressure or a

flat tire. Low tire pressures dramatically reduce the

impact protection the wheel has and lowers the

threshold where damage may occur.

Finish Damage / Streaking / Pitting / Corrosion

There are many different types of finish damage

possible, resulting from aggressive cleaning products,

road chemicals, poor tire changing practices, or

manufacturing processes. Some of these are

warrantable while others indicate abuse. See the Finish

Damage sections below, which give examples of the

different types of specific finish concern issues you may

encounter.
Page 2
May, 2013
NON-Warrantable Examples

The following are examples of actual wheels that were

returned to General Motors under the New Vehicle

Warranty and have been analyzed and reviewed.
Bulletin No.: 07-03-10-015C
The photo above illustrates a crack in the wheel from a

road hazard. In addition to the damage seen in the

photo, the flange of the wheel was bent in the same

area. Customer comments may include, vibration, air

loss, or a wheel that cannot be balanced. This is not a

warrantable condition and does not indicate any defect

in the wheel. A Feedback Report was issued on this

wheel.
1985595
The wheel above exhibits typical wheel rim damage on

the inboard flange, caused by a road hazard. Customer

comments may be vibration, air loss, or a wheel that

cannot be balanced. This damage is not warrantable

and a Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Regional

Feedback Report was issued on this wheel. (Most WPC

Regional Feedback Reports result in a chargeback of

the warranty claim to the dealership.)

Important: Customers whose vehicles have sustained

road hazard damage due to poor road surfaces on

county or state roads may have recourse through their

insurance company or through the county or state road

commission. These policies vary by area. Contact your

country or state government to check eligibility.
1985602
The photo above is an example of the over-use of

wheel weights to try to overcome another issue. This

wheel has a bent outboard flange exactly 180° from the

application of 79 1/4oz. (7 gr.) wheel weights! This

condition is both not-warrantable and an example of

incorrect servicing. If a wheel and tire assembly will not

balance, the wheel should be examined and checked

for runout. The associated tire should also be checked

for radial force variation.
1792400

1985592
Chemical staining in most cases results from acid

based cleaners (refer to Figure 1 for an example).
Bulletin No.: 07-03-10-015C
May, 2013
These stains are frequently milky, black, or greenish in

appearance. They result from using cleaning solutions

that contain acids on chrome wheels. Soap and water

is usually sufficient to clean wheels.

If the customer insists on using a wheel cleaner they

should only use one that specifically states that it is

safe for chromed wheels and does not contain anything

in the following list. (Dealers should also survey any

products they use during prep or normal cleaning of

stock units for these chemicals.)

• Ammonium Bifluoride (fluoride source for

dissolution of chrome)

• Hydrofluoric Acid (directly dissolves chrome)

• Hydrochloric Acid (directly dissolves chrome)

• Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid

• Sulfamic Acid

• Phosphoric Acid

• Hydroxyacetic Acid

Notice: Many wheel cleaner instructions advise to

take care to avoid contact with painted surfaces. Most

customers think of painted surfaces as the fenders,

quarter panels and other exterior sheet metal. Many

vehicles have painted brake calipers. Acidic wheel

cleaners may craze, crack, or discolor the paint on the

brake calipers. Damage from wheel cleaners is not

covered under the vehicle new car warranty. Soap and

water applied with a soft brush is usually all that is

required to clean the calipers.

Whenever any wheel cleaner is used, it must be

THOROUGHLY rinsed off of the wheel with clean, clear

water. Special care must be taken to rinse under the

hub cap, balance weights, wheel nuts, lug nut caps,

between the wheel cladding and off the back side of the

wheel. Wheels returned to the Warranty Parts Center

that exhibit damage from wheel cleaners most often

have the damage around and under the wheel weight

where the cleaner was incompletely flushed away.

Notice: Do not use cleaning solutions that contain

hydrofluoric, oxalic and most other acids on chrome

wheels (or any wheels).

If the customer is unsure of the chemical make-up of a

particular wheel cleaner, it should be avoided.

Important:: In some cases when this type of stain is

not too severe, it may be possible to improve the

appearance with certain chrome cleaner/polishes.

Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin

Number 00-03-10-002 for additional information.
Warrantable Issues

Any defects in the finish, balance, or structure of the

wheel resulting from improper manufacture are covered

under the New Vehicle Warranty for the full time and

mileage limits of that warranty. Typical covered finish

issues that you may encounter are:

• Flaky or pitted chrome on the visible wheel

surface indicating poor adhesion of the plating.
•
•

•

•
•
Page 3

Polished or machined aluminum wheels that

exhibit Filiform Corrosion (chalky white lines under

the clear coating) This condition is warrantable,

unless it is caused by incorrect wheel weight

application and use.

Wheel center caps that exhibit similar conditions

to warrantable wheel concerns.

Thin or poor paint finish quality on painted wheels.

Bubbling / Flaking of the paint.

Paint damage incurred during stick-on wheel

weight changes. (See Stick-On Wheel Weight

Paint Damage or Paint Flaking/Peeling Backside

of Wheel)

Flaking or peeling on backside surface of wheel

indicating poor adhesion of the plating (See

Stick-On Wheel Weight Paint Damage or Paint

Flaking/Peeling Backside of Wheel).
1792402
One type of finish concern specific to chromed

aluminum wheels is spotting or what appears as golden

colored pits on the surface (See example above). This

type of finish concern is not the fault of any

manufacturing or durability shortfall. This dissatisfier

results from corrosive road chemicals used for dust

control in some areas. (Calcium Chloride) Wheels with

this type of corrosion may be eligible to be warranted

one time only. Please refer to the latest version

Bulletin Number 00-03-10-002 for additional

information.
Preparing Wheel(s) for Warranty Return

The wheels returned to General Motors for warranty

coverage are evaluated by a team made up of

representatives from Engineering, GM Service, Quality,

and the manufacturing OE Wheel Suppliers. During

review of returned wheels, a finite amount of time is

available to evaluate each wheel. It may benefit your

dealership to observe the following guidelines for

returning wheels.
Page 4
May, 2013

•
•
2030261
•
•
•
Please mark the defect in the wheel. You may use

a paint pen, grease marker or tape off the area.

Many times the Repair Order is not clear as to the

reported concern. Simply circling the area of

concern on the wheel is sufficient.

Clean the wheel if it is overly dirty. It is not required

that the wheel be polished or detailed. Returned

wheels covered over with dirt/mud create the

possibility of overlooking a cosmetic flaw that was

the subject of the wheel return, creating a possible

Feedback Report.

Treat the wheel with care before packing for

return. Dismounted wheel rims can be scratched

and bent easily if abused before packing. This

type of damage can mimic road/curb damage

creating a possible Feedback Report.
Removal of Stick-On Adhesive Backed Wheel

Weights

Many “flangeless” design wheels require the use of

stick-on or adhesive backed wheel weights. Improper

removal of the wheel weights (on chrome plated

wheels) may peel, scratch or flake the paint on the

interior surface of the wheel. Normally this is of no

concern, but on some vehicles with wheels that are of a

very open design, the interior of the wheel may be a

visible surface. Here are tips to aid the removal of these

weights.

• Use ONLY Plastic tools for removal of the wheel

weights. The best tools to use are commercially

available plastic putty knives or a plastic

accusative trim removal tool. Use the tapered end

of the tool to remove the wheel weight. These

plastic tools are delicate on the painted surfaces

serving to “push” the adhesive off the surface

rather than scraping.
Bulletin No.: 07-03-10-015C

Any adhesive left on the wheel may be cleaned

with an automotive adhesive remover such as 3M

General Purpose Adhesive Remover #08984 or

equivalent.

In most cases you will not encounter any difficulty

with OEM painted aluminum wheels. Fully painted

wheels have a robust paint application process

that cannot be matched and duplicated. Chromed

aluminum wheels have an air dry paint applied to

the back side of the wheel, which is applied over a

chromed surface. If a chromed aluminum wheel

paint on the interior of the wheel peels, refer to the

section below.
Stick-On Wheel Weight Paint Damage or Paint

Flaking/Peeling Backside of Wheel (Chromed

Aluminum Wheels)

Under no circumstances should the wheel be replaced

for this type of damage. Damage caused by improper

removal, metal tool scrapes and gouges should not be

submitted. If you encounter a wheel where the paint

has peeled, you may repaint the backside of the wheel.

GM currently uses two all-purpose colors to paint the

inside of the wheel area. Both colors are a flat paint

available in a very light silver or dark silver. Follow all

manufacturers instructions when refinishing and refer to

the GM Labor Time Guide for Material Allowances

noting the warranty information below.
Aluminum Wheel Paint Codes

Description
Paint Code
Light Silver Metallic
WA-303L
Dark Silver Metallic
WAEQ715Q
Warranty Information

Use the following Labor Operation when repairing a

vehicle under warranty.

You are allowed to claim ONE-HALF the total amount of

allowable time and materials as only the back side of

the wheel is being repainted in this operation.

Labor

Operation
1445854
Labor

Time
Description

Wheels, Aluminum - Color/

Clear Coat - One
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these

technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper

service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a

job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your

vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the

information.
Use

Published

Labor

Operation

Time
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY

TECHNICIAN

CERTIFICATION

SaleBestseller No. 1

Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2026 Bidirectional Tool as MX808S MK808BT Pro M808Z, Work as MaxiCheck MX900 MK900BT, 28+ Service, 3000+ Active Tests, All System OBD2 Diagnostics, OS 11, 10X Faster

💝【Questions? We’re Here Anytime】MK808S is a high-end flagship model that connects via wired OBD2 for faster, more stable, and reliable diagnosis compared to B,.T tools. If you have any questions about setup, activation, features, additional accessories, or update subscriptions, please reach us and we will respond promptly to assist you. It includes 1-Year F.ree Updates (124.5 bucks/year after), and most functions still work after expiration except a few online features. Please note some functions like full TPMS are not supported, reach us for model recommendations.
🔥🔥🔥【2026 NEWLY RELEASED BI-DIRECTIONAL CONTROL】As the 2026 upgraded version of MaxiChek MX808 MaxiDiag MD909 Pro MD906 Pro, our Newest MK808S auto diagnostic scanner for all cars inherits the powerful Bi-directional Control which makes it the most cost-effective scanner (without breaking the bank, same as MK900BT MS906 PRO MS906MAX). Active test is widely used on car subsystems to help you check if the car actuators are all in good condition. Such as windows, rear mirrors, sunroof, wipers...
【28+ MOST POPULAR RESET SERVICE FOR 150 MAKES】Autel versatile OBDII scanenr MK808S, full level-up of MX808, work as MX900, MK900, MK900-BT, supports 150+ car brands worldwide. Like the OBD2 code reader MaxiCOM MK808BT Pro, MK808S is equipped with 28+ hot services including 0il Reset, SAS Calibration, ABS Bleeding, Battery Registration, etc. MK808S ranks top in professional automotive tablets and keeps updating to support more newer modes from 2025 to 2026.
【ALL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS, FACTORY-LEVEL SCANNER】The MK808S dealer-level scanner, like Snap-on tools, effectively works all cars for all system diagnostics. It reads/clears codes, displays 5-in-1 Live Data, performs active tests, and special functions for all available modules. With a few clicks, you can easily understand the vehicle's condition. The convenient Wi-Fi printing feature allows you to generate a detailed report, highlighting the exact nature of the problem.
【AUT0 SCAN & AUT0V1N, 10X FASTER】How much have you spent on car maintenance? Even a minor issue can take up a significant amount of time. The MK808S is designed to improve your work efficiency. With its Aut0V1N technology, you can check your car's make, model, and year information with just one click. The Aut0Scan feature automatically scans all of the vehicle's modules and detects any fault codes. Check Aut0V1N compatibility by reaching us at 📞1-833-436-5880. Available Mon-Fri, 9 AM-6 PM EST.

SaleBestseller No. 2

💯【Conta.ct us for Support Directly】If you met any issues about: Received a registered device/ Language Changing/ Function not Support/ Blueto-oth connector malfunction/ Subscription Renewal, please conta.ct us via 📞autelsupply @outlook. com🛣️, we will provide perfect solution for you. ⚠️Note: Autel MK900BT comes with 1-Year Free Software Update, most features will remain active after update subscription expires. For questions regarding updates or need more useful accessories, please conta.ct us via 📞autelsupply @outlook.com🛣️. 2. If you encounter Blueto-oth adapter VCI150 malfunction, please tell us 📞autelsupply @outlook. com🛣️, we will handle it promptly.
🔥🔥🔥【2026 AUTEL FLAGSHIP MK900BT MK900-BT, NEW MODEL OF MK808S MK900 MX900 MK808BT MX808S】2026 newest Autel MK900BT retains all features of MK808S MX900 MX808S MK808Z MK808Z-BT MK808K-BT, while EXTRA added powerful functions (value 2000+ bucks). The Pro-level Autel MK900BT makes a big leaps: 28+➡40+, 50+➡3000+ Active Tests, 2026 NEW✅CAN FD & DOIP protocols ✅Pre&Post diagnostic report ✅WIFI Print ✅Auto VIN&Auto Scan 2.0 ✅Scan VIN/ License ✅Battery Test (Need purcha.se BT506). If found defect or us.ed, please conta-ct 📞autelsupply @outlook. com📞 get perf-ect solut.ion.
🚗【3000+ ACTIVE TESTS (50➡3000+), SAME AS MS906 PRO】Differ from MS906BT MS906 MP808 MK808 MX808 MK808BT only 50 tests, Autel scanner MK900BT escaner automotriz professional offers 3000+ active tests, it can send command to ECUs & monitor actuators operation, quickly locating faulty components. Bidirectional scanning takes your diagnostics to the next level with menu lists 3000+ active tests, such as windows, rear mirrors, sunroof, wipers, fuel injector, coolant fans, radiator fan, AC clutch, coolant pump and more. Note: Functions are not available for all vehicles, please send vehicle VIN to us check compatibility.
🚗【40+ HOT SERVICES FOR 150 MAKES (28+➡40+)】Full level-up of OBD2 code reader MaxiCOM MK808S MK808 MK808Z MX808 MK808Z-BT with 28 service, Autel scan tool MK900BT/ MK900-BT offers 40+ maintenance service on 150+ brands 10,000 vehicles from 1996-2025-2026. Hottest Services like: Oil Reset, ABS Bleed, SAS Calibration, Injector Coding, SRS, Throttle Reset, Gearbox Reset, Battery Registration etc. Added 12+ advanced resets: rain slash light sensor reset, HVA.C/ SUS calibration etc. Welcome to send Vehicle Make>Model>Year>VIN>Functions you required to 📞autelsupply @ outlook . com📞 check compatibility.
🚗【OE ALL SYSTEM DIAGNOSE, AUTO SCAN 2.0: SCAN LICENSE/ AUTO VIN】2026 new release Autel MaxiCOM MK900-BT scan tool embodies all system diagnostic with its 8in display for all vehicles. Like Sna.p-on tools, it can perform ✔Read/Clear Codes✔Displays 5-in-1 Live Data✔Record & Playback Data✔Retrieve Info on all available systems like ABS ECM BCM SRS TCM etc. In addition to Auto VIN technology, Autel MK900BT adds Scan License/ Auto Scan 2.0 to identify vehicle’s VIN/ license, make, year, model, no need manual input; One-click WiFi Printing of Pre&Post comparison diagnostic reports, highlight root causes of problems.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Autel Professional OBD2 Scanner AL319 Code Reader, Enhanced Check and Reset Engine Fault Code, Live Data, Freeze Frame, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All OBDII Vehicles After 1996, 2026 Upgraded

【TURN OFF CEL】 This AL319 car scanner diagnostic tool supports Reading and Clearing DTCs, DTC Look Up, displaying Live Data, Freeze Frame & I/M Readiness, view vehicle information, etc., to figure out the root cause of the Check Engine Light (CEL) and turn it off, helping you catch any potential issues early and avoid excessive costs from unnecessary repairs.
【EXTENSIVE APPLICATION】 Autel AL319 Compatible with 7 languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.) and various post-1996 OBD II protocol vehicles (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, etc.), this OBD II scanner provides accurate and fast diagnosis for worldwide car owners.
【FOR END USER & DIYERS】 This error code reader AL319 is “plug and play” and comes with an easy interface. Even if you’re not familiar with vehicle repair, you can quickly take control of this obd2 scanner, and get the information you want.
【USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN】 This OBD2 scanner and check engine code reader features a patented One-Click I/M Readiness, TFT color display, built-in speaker, LED Indicator etc. The cable is long enough without being too long and getting in the way. No batteries are needed.
【HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES】 12 months war.ranty from the date of purchase and lifetime free update are offered by this Automobile OBDII scan tool. Welcome to contact us via Q&A, email, or hotline, and our after-sale-service team for technical support.

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Last update on 2026-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buffer Email Facebook Flipboard Hacker News LinkedIn Messenger Mix Pinterest Print Reddit SMS Telegram Tumblr X VK WhatsApp Line Xing Threads Bluesky Copy Mastodon Nextdoor