Is this rust normal?

[Kelmn07]

Took the aero wheel covers off today to add the lug nut covers and was surprised to see rust in the centers, this doesn’t seem normal having had it less than two months.

 

[Rick M]

Sure, thats completely normal. That area will show some rust spots upon delivery of almost any new car. Same with cast iron rotors after the new car dealer washes and preps the car for you. It's not a worry.

 

[baton]

Saw the same thing. See images! Anyone know if it’s okay to apply anti rust spray in that area and if it would help?

 

[03DSG]

Saw the same thing. See images! Anyone know if it’s okay to apply anti rust spray in that area and if it would help?

It’s steel and rusts on most cars. It’s normal. Don’t lubricate the threaded hub shaft with anything ever. Not a big issue with aluminum wheels but I always use a graphite anti-seize around the outside of the concentric hub when mounting winter steel wheels on my kids cars to prevent them from rusting together. They make it for aluminum as well:

Use only on mating surfaces. Never on threads or wheel studs.

 

[M3Denver]

03DSG

would love to hear why you say "never" to lubricate the CV shaft threads that protrude out? .........

 

[03DSG]

03DSG

would love to hear why you say "never" to lubricate the CV shaft threads that protrude out? .........

To clarify you can lube it all you want once its installed and torqued. Can't see any reason or benefit to do that though. Was trying to point out not lubing threads in general. Typing faster than my brain works...