I originally posted this in the Wheel section, think that was the wrong place if an admin/mod wants to delete. I find this section to be more subject appropriate.

I just took my wheels and tires apart. Trying to get my wheels clean, they are polished aluminum wheels. They have some brake dust baked on that back, not a large or heavy amount but do have some. I have already took soap and water to them and cleaned them out. I'm not sure where to go from here. I don't know that polish will finish cleaning them, I'm afraid not. I have heard of people taking clay bar to get it off. Hopefully someone has been down this road before and can help me out.



(Crappy cell phone picture, doesn't show it to great but you can get an idea)

 

I've had good luck with Armor-all wheel cleaner, but I don't detail my truck alot. It's worth a try.

 

Dude, com'on save your elbow grease for something else. Buy some "Kleen Wheels" for about $40.00 on Amazon.com you can spend your free time do'in something other than polishing your wheels.

 

Yep those things are crap. I had them on my truck and they still ended up like this..

 

I got Wagner's Semi-Metallic Thermoquiets installed a few months ago. A few days before installation I took off my wheels and tires to clean them real good, as the brake dust was caked on really bad.

For the backside, I used a heavy concentration of APC+ and went through two or three old wash mitts. Just soaked the crap out of it, let it sit for a bit (but didn't let it dry), and rubbed like crazy. Did this two or three times per wheel. It's the backside of the wheel so I wasn't as concerned with what I used. Not sure if it would damage the polished aluminum (someone will let you know), but something to keep in mind. The front side I'm extremely careful with. Clay bar is also worth a shot. I don't see it damaging anything.

FYI those pads have been on for a few months and I haven't even had a hint of brake dust. It's been road dust only, and that stuff wipes off very easily with a dedicated wash mitt. I recommend that once you get those cleaned off you should install some semi-metallics.

 

Yeah, I got new pads just installed and they are great. No dust, now I'm upgrading tires and just trying to get these back to a great condition. The fronts are in perfect condition nothing wrong with them shine like brand new. The backs though.. not so much. I'm a little afraid to use chemicals on the back not sure if its a machined or polished finished on the back. It looks like its just a regular machine finished back, but it could just be the longness since I have cleaned the back.

I will be honest, I didn't take car of the back of these like I should have. But, I don't think its to late to save them, they are in pretty good condition considering washing them with just soapy water. It has taken away most of it, just left with the spots I can't seem to get. I think I will go ahead and see what they clay bar does if no one else has a response. I would like to try to get these cleaned up as soon as I can. I'm anxious to get new shoes on it.