I told my mom i would detail her Mountaineer for her when I go on winter break. My dad keeps it clean for the most part, except for the wheels. It has chrome rims and I noticed today that some sections of the brake dust seem to be permanent. Ive tried a few wheel cleaners and stuff that I use on my truck, but no go. Any suggestions on a more abrasive wheel cleaner that won't hurt the finish? Thanks amigos

 

Pic-um-a-turez?

 

Like RP said, pictures would be really nice, but let me offer my 2 cents. Sometimes we see what looks like brake dust on a wheel and it's really something else. If a vehicle has ever gone "metal to metal" on a disc brake, you start playing machine shop with your rotor and what's left of the pads. This starts spewing small, metal particles out and all over the wheel and vehicle. Theese particles rust, and shazaam, you've got a mess. It looks like brake dust from hell.

I did a brake job on an Oxford White Ranger once that had gone metal to metal for several weeks. In order to get the stains off the chrome wheels, I used wheel cleaner, then Heavey Metal polish. For the white body panels, I had to use a clay bar, then Muriatic Acid. Yes, it was really ugly. I'm hoping you can get away with some simple chrome polish.

 

I got tired of dust so I replaced my oem pads with Raybestos ceramic quite-stops... problem solved.

 

Get a bottle of Simple green. Put it on the foaming spray, and spray on quite heavily. Let sit for awhile. (ie: 2-3 mins). Scrub and rinse. If tht doesn't work (RP, close your eyes, you won't like this), than take some Westleys Bleache white and put it onto a small sponge. ONLY use on the affected areas, as this chemical will wreak havoc on your bare rims. But, it was made to release grime from rubber, and does a great job of it. It has great results when used with the utmost care. But definately try using the chrome polish and if needed, muriatic acid (availible at your local Home depot, Lowes, or pool supply places)

Good luck.

 

I was hesitant to recommend any type of acid treatment until after I had seen if it was a clearcoated rim (or magnesium/aluminum/ etc.)... If it's a clearcoated rim, you should be good to go.

 

RP<

I agree on the acid as being an absolute last step - with a solid rinsing afterwards. I'd reach for the polish first. The worst part about that Ranger I mentioned? It was my old truck - with its new owner.