I've been using detailing clay and soapy water and a lot of elbow grease. This works really well but it is extremely time consuming and tedious(sp). Is there any product out there that will remove it with less work on my part that won't damage my wheels?

 

I use simple green and it works pretty well. However, there is some dust on mine that I cant get off.

 

Let it soak with PurplePower, SimpleGreen, or other cleaner of choice, and use a semi-soft brush....... repeat as neccesary.

 

I used 200-300 grit wet sand pads. Use a soft one and it ll get a ton off. My rims had 80k miles and had never beenc leaned and looked brand new once done. Simple green, wetsanding pads, and lots of water.

 

What kind of wheels are in question here? Stock?

 

Im trying to clean up my stockers, since I just got new wheels,

20" Stockers, I used simple green, and lots of soap and water, and ALOT of elbow grease....but I still have alot of left over brake dust that is REALLY caked on....


Any ideas?

 

Since the factory wheels are clear coated, I'd try claying them. It's going to take a while but it's going to be the best way to go about it.

 

Try the mister clean eraser. They make one for automotive chores. Really tough residue might take one eraser per wheel, but it works great. It does take a little elbow grease.

 

It's going to hurt the clear coat more than likely.

 

I put a couple coats of wax on the wheels to help keep the dust from sticking...makes it alot easier to clean.

 

spoke and wheel cleaner...it is acid based and will make it melt off with no effort at all and will not damage your wheel if you dont let it dry on the wheel or put on hot wheel...it is only sold at professional detail suppliers not shipped and not over the counter at wal mart or autozone type stores....

 

troberts is on the correct path...

A professional acid-based wheel cleaner is the choice of most detailers when we work on a vehicle with this problem.

I will pre-warn you - the cleaner is likely VERY acidic and thus, you'll want to follow the directions to the 't'. Personal protective equipment is also HIGHLY recommended.

Further, don't expect miracles. Lots of times, I'll see wheels where the brake pad or rotor have literally 'come apart' and have caused chunks of pad/rotor to embed in the wheel's clearcoat. When that happens, it's VERY VERY VERY difficult to remove and get it back to par.

Lastly, I'd probably try the abrasive methods (ie: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) very very last. Wheels are clearcoated and you can burn through clear - especially on wheels - in a hurry with 3000 grit sandpaper.

-RP-

 

17" Pro Comp 6001's

 

I will try soaking then with the Simple Green or Purple Power. If that doesn't take care of it I guess I'll just stick with the detailing clay and elbow grease. I'm not real big on the acid and abrasives idea. I know the clay is an abrasive but it's the most mild of what's been mentioned.

 

Go to a truck fleet parts supplier and get a gallon of "trailer cleaning acid", whatever brand they have. It will clean your wheels. It's just a concentrated version of the spoke cleaner you buy at the AZ type parts stores. No signs that it damaged the clear coat on my alloys either. I had tried EVERYTHING to no avail. With this stuff my wheels were like new, front and back, in minutes! I had even pressure washed them.
DISCLAIMER: Try it on a small area of YOUR wheels before applying it to the whole set!
WARNING: It will burn the hello out of your skin and if the wind blows the spray into your eyes, you may have seen your babe the last time!