Is it best to replace rusty trailer wheels or refurbish them?
THERE’S no right or wrong answer to this, but there are a number of factors to consider when deciding what to do.
We’ve seen numerous car trailers with wheels rusting under the paint, despite being less than five years old, and it’s caused by poor – or no – surface preparation before painting.
The wheels look fine when new, but the corrosion starts underneath, regardless of whether the paint has been chipped or broken on top.
The refurbish-or-replace decision is made harder because replacement wheels and tyres can cost as little as £30, depending on size, although some are considerably more pricey. They’re a quick and easy fix, but you have to ask how long will they last and how well has the surface been prepared before painting.
If you decide to refurbish, you need to decide just how good a finish is required. On a trailer wheel that has already been pitted with rust, you may have to settle for something less than perfect.
Options to consider include getting the tyres removed or just deflating them. A valve core-removal tool can help with the latter and make it easier to get tyres to reseat if the bead has moved while refurbishing. The former will allow the rims to be professionally blasted to remove all the rust, saving you a time-consuming job.
If you are doing it yourself, wear eye and skin protection, particularly if using power tools and wire brushes. We’ve had good results with nylon surfacepreparation wheels, which do not hurt the metal as much as a wire brush. With the paint removed, depending on the level of corrosion, you can use a rust converter, etch primer or special paint designed to go on to bare metal. If you want a smooth surface, go for a filler primer and sand to get the finish required. The final step is to paint with wheel colours commonly available.
Refurbishment is not a quick option, but if you choose it, at least you know what your trailer is now riding on.