Hello,

I'm looking at a nice 04 4runner with 4.7 V8 4wd Sr5. It only has about 32k original miles and is in great overall condition. When I looked at the wheels (5 spoke aluminum 17"ers) I noticed there was a sort of "bubbling oxidization" forming on the inward edges of the
wheel "spokes" It appears that the aluminum oxidized under some type of clearcoat and bubbled upward? I could somewhat pick at the bubbled areas and it appeared it could possibly be removed, but might reveal unprotected metal.
It was present on all 4 wheels in different
ammounts. Only guess was some chemical or steam cleaning removed the clear coat, which allowed the oxidization? Dealership is a Buick dealer, and they didn't know what it was. Powertrain warranty is still there, but the bumber to bumper is done. Anyone else have this or know what this is?

Thanks,
Ted

If "erie" is any indication of where you live, you're in the rustbelt, and you're seeing the aluminum oxidizing from road salt.

A good tire shop or the Toyota dealer might offer some ideas to clean them up.