Will My New Galvanized Wheels Corrode My Hubs
Updated 02/04/2026 | Published 01/31/2026
Question:
Just got new galvanized wheels from you folks. My hubs are absolutely not galvanized. My plan was just to clean them up, paint them, and use them anyway. Is there a problem using galvanized wheels with painted steel hubs? Some kind of metal mismatch corrosion or something?
asked by: James
Expert Reply:
Hey, James.
The zinc that is part of the galvanize mixture can corrode over time when in contact with other metals such as copper, brass, bronze, and stainless steel. Steel however is safe. The hubs you have are most likely steel if they are not plated or painted. There are stainless steel hubs out there so if you have a hunch that yours are, you would want to paint them to prevent corrosion.
What kind of trailer do you have?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 14" x 6" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Finish
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Wheel Only
- 14 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Americana
more information >
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on Boat Trailer Wheels
James
2/3/2026
It's an old trailer so no idea if the hubs came with the trailer or not. I'm almost certain they're just steel. I painted them anyway just to help preserve them. Thanks for the explanation! Much appreciated. Your new wheels look great and I look forward to seeing what they look like after a season.