Caked on brake dust

J

joburnet

New member
I did a car yesterday and spend about an hour and a half on the wheels and still could not get them clean. I tried using stoners wheel cleaner as well as all purpose cleaner. I don't think that any normal wheel cleaner is going to work here, does anyone have any ideas on a solvent cleaner or an abrasive cleaner that may work on wheels like this? Thanks.
 
I've used clay before to remove a few specs that were tough to get off but I wouldn't use clay on something like this because it would ruin the clay almost immediatly. I was thinking something like using fine steel wool and a solvent of some sort.
 
~One manâ€â„¢s opinion / observations~



Brake dust:

Particles produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor. This metal on metal friction disperses tiny particles of black dust, which adheres to the wheel. The front wheels are usually more soiled, as this is where most of the vehicle braking effectiveness is.



For badly soiled surfaces use an undiluted citrus-based APC (P21S Total Auto Wash), then use detailerâ€â„¢s clay followed by a gel-type wheel surface cleaner (P21S Wheel Cleaner) apply a polymer surface protection to ensure easier future cleaning (Klasse All-In-One)



Sequestered brake dust, if left for any length of time on the wheels causes galvanic corrosion, which etches the surface and eventually dulls the wheels appearance if not removed on a regular basis. To remove brake dust stains use a mildly abrasive cleaner (Izâ„¢ Einszett Metal Polish (Chrompflege, P21S Multi-Surface Finish)



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
 
I see brand new Bimmers in my lot and think " do these people hate these wheels", they spend all that cash and never touch the wheels. The wheels get dirtyier faster than the paint. I want to tell them get that off now before it's to late. Be carefull with steel wool it will cut thru the clear coat pretty fast and Brillo is even stronger. Get a feel for it on the inside of a wheel first as not to do any damage.
 
The problem with WD40 is that it will soften the finish. It's okay to use as a spot cleaner, but I personally would not use it as a saturation cleaner.



I have great success using clay on large areas and a toothbrush with PWC or fine compound to get into the detail areas.



db
 
joburnet said:
I've used clay before to remove a few specs that were tough to get off but I wouldn't use clay on something like this because it would ruin the clay almost immediatly. I was thinking something like using fine steel wool and a solvent of some sort.
Click to expand...



Better to ruin clay (a renewable resource) than the finish of the wheels ( a nonrenewable resource). Use the clay with the APC/EFHI/etc. That combo works well, if slowly, for me even on the back sides of neglected wheels.



If you're determined to do something aggressive, try a Scotchbrite pad *made for non-stick surfaces*. Don't use a regular pad or steel wool, that's paint you're working on ;) There's a product sold at TOL and Griot's (and probably CMA and other places too) that's sorta like one of those pads on a stick. It works OK too, but watch for marring.



And mild products like 3M PI-III RC and MG work well once you get the worst of it off. AIO can do a good job too (better than you might expect).
 
What if the caked area is textured, like the Cadillac STS chrome 6 spoke wheels? The inside of each spoke is textured and clay needs a smooth surface to be most effective.
 
blackcaraddict said:
What if the caked area is textured, like the Cadillac STS chrome 6 spoke wheels? The inside of each spoke is textured and clay needs a smooth surface to be most effective.
Click to expand...



I was surprised how well the clay worked on textured wheels. Lots of lube (in this case EFHI) keeps it from sticking to the texture (in a bad/residue way). Yeah, it seems like it wouldn't work, but it did for me. Doesn't mean it'll work for anybody else though :D
 
DavidB said:
The problem with WD40 is that it will soften the finish. It's okay to use as a spot cleaner, but I personally would not use it as a saturation cleaner.

db
Click to expand...



Good point:xyxthumbs



Lowejackson, on my can of brake cleaner the directions state "Do not use on painted surfaces". I know that wheels aren't painted like the body of the car (usually), but I'm playing it safe. :)
 
I went to a truck stop and got some industrial cleaner for truck engines. I went to autozone and got a light brush that is used for rims. I sprayed the rims with the industrial cleaner and then rubbed with the brush. It got 90% off. It was from the previouse owner of my car. Finally the next time I cleaned the rims it all came off. Also to keep up on it use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's a dream!!!
 
audipower said:
I went to a truck stop and got some industrial cleaner for truck engines. I went to autozone and got a light brush that is used for rims. I sprayed the rims with the industrial cleaner and then rubbed with the brush. It got 90% off. It was from the previouse owner of my car. Finally the next time I cleaned the rims it all came off. Also to keep up on it use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's a dream!!!
Click to expand...



They're giving free samples of Magic Eraser here:



http://www.startsampling.com/sm/5161/product.iphtml?item=5161&source=hms
 
joburnet, if the wheels are clearcoated, then try EO A2Z,



Its' the most poweful wheel cleaner on the market, anywhere. I've never come across a wheel it can't clean. Its safe on painted finishes, but follow the directions on the bottle and don't use too frequently.



Spray on, leave 30 seconds (no more), agitate with a brush, then wash off. Presto!



You'll see why it came at #1 on GuruReports tyre cleaner test.
 
Alfisti said:
joburnet, if the wheels are clearcoated, then try EO A2Z,



Its' the most poweful wheel cleaner on the market, anywhere. I've never come across a wheel it can't clean. Its safe on painted finishes, but follow the directions on the bottle and don't use too frequently.



Spray on, leave 30 seconds (no more), agitate with a brush, then wash off. Presto!



You'll see why it came at #1 on GuruReports tyre cleaner test.
Click to expand...



~One manâ€â„¢s opinion / observations~



Eagle One A2Z will clean the dirtiest wheels very quickly. However, this wheel cleaner is extremely powerful, it has a pH of 15 (a very strong alkali) and can damage delicate wheels such as clear coated or polished alloy wheels if it's left to dry on the surface. This damage occurs twice as fast if you do not apply to a cool-to-the-touch wheel, with proper use, this is an effective wheel cleaner.



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
 
Many newer factory (and some aftermarket) alloy wheels are actually painted and clearcoated. You do NOT want to use any type of harsh solvents and especially any type of metal polishes on these wheels.



You can find out if your wheels are clearcoated by using the following method. Put a bit of paint polish on a white towel. Rub in an inconspicuous area. If the towel looks grey, you don't have clearcoat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top