I need some help. We just bought an awesome 2009 Edge w/AWD and the Chrome Alloy Wheels, 20-In. X 7.5-In option. They change the entire look of the Edge and we have had so many compliments on it. My wife was driving it the other day and coming out of a parking lot and the rear passenger tire dipped down into a street storm drain and damaged the chrome alloy plastic on the wheel. We are devasted. I have researched this and am horrified to find out that we would have to pay over 800 dollars for one wheel as the chrome alloy is bonded to the rim?? Heck the option to upgrade to these things was only 895 for all 4 wheels!!
Anyway, here is the question. Are we screwed and have to buy a new wheel or is there anyone out there fixing these things? I presume the wheels are here because of the pressure to reduce wt to meet the new CAFE regulations. Surely someone has figured out how to fix them rather than making the consumer buy one for 800 dollars every time one gets dinged on the road or at the tire rotation store down the road???
Who can shed some light on this? I have called Ford Customer Service and wanted to speak to the Edge engineers and inquire how someone could make a part so unfriendly for the consumer after market but got no where. Is there anyone out there that has any info on this?? Thanks in advance.
