I forgot to ask around about this at the breakfast last weekend. I have some brake dust buildup on the wheels that refuses to come off. It hasn't pitted the surface yet but I'm afraid it eventually will if I can't get this stuff off the wheels. Did a few searches on the site but didn't find much that helped. I need a decent cleaner. Current stuff I'm using is a Meguiars cleaner, basically the stuff that I use as the first step of cleaning a car before waxing (part of teh Meguiars 3-step process: cleaner, polish, and wax). Obviously it's not meant for wheels but thought I'd try it before I go buy something. Would love some suggestions. I bought some Eagle One stuff that is supposed to help repel dust after washing the wheels, but that's not a cleaner.
I've heard folks say that Purple Power works well. I've also read here I believe that WD 40 does a good job.
If your talking the thick tar globs WD40 will do the trick. If your talking brake dust and lots of it, I use Wesley's Bleach White, brake dust runs from it. Beware though it is not meant for wheels but if you do one wheel at a time and spray it on and immediately wash it off with carwash and water I haven't experienced any damage to the wheels. I do wipe down the wheels with Hydro after using as it will remove any wax.... 2 cents.
I have used Bleche-White as well, with decent (but not fantastic) results. My wheels are a high polished forged aluminum though, not painted. One word of advice - make sure the wheels are cool to the touch before you spray any cleaner on them.
WD-40 spray it on and let it soak overnight: http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/detailing/9316-how-i-clean-wheels.html The dust will wipe right off and it won't hurt your wheels
Semi-metallic dust (like OEM, not like aftermarket ceramic pads) responds well to Sonax Wheel Cleaner. http://www.detailersdomain.com/Sonax-Full-Effect-Wheel-Cleaner_p_324.html
OK, I get it now. I read your last line to mean that the HYDRO removed wax. Don't scare me like that Mark. :lol: Jim
Wouldn't think of it Jim..lol Actually like now, I'm going to take mine through the laser wash to get it ready for tommorrows Tar Heel rally. I'll spray the Wesley's on the wheels and tires right before I go through. Then come home and go over with Hydro, wheels and all, looks like I just spent hours detailing and I'll be done in no time!
Wow great stuff! Thanks for the tips everyone. One question - does "cool to the touch" mean ambient outside temp or do I need it to be below a certain temp?
Cool to the touch means just that. Touch the surface with your fingertips, if it feels cooler than your body temp, that's cool to the touch. If it feels warmer it is not and you should let the surface cool.
Exactly, that's why I asked. Didn't have much luck with the WD40. It did make a difference but didn't completely clean off the gunk. Hopefully a second soaking & cleaning will help.
All great suggestions Couple Thoughts I think MiniMark or Ben mentioned Sonax. I reacall swapping notes with Phil of Detaliers Domain that it was intended for really nasty wheels that had been neglected for awhile. Might want to give that a try if the bleach or WD40 isn't touching it. I believe it chemically breaks down brake dust My usual method is to soak with WD40 for a couple minutes and take one of those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to it. Don't scrub real hard as the eraser has some abrassiveness to it. I then hit it with a couple coats of wheel wax. Good insurance after all that work getting all the gunk off em'. Prima makes a pretty good one although lately I have been using Wheel Wax which I think is a little better Make sure you get off all of the WD40 before waxing though. I'll wash with Dawn dishwashing soap and also hit with some cheap window cleaner to make sure I get off all the lubricant from the WD40.
I've seen brake dust that has actually etched into the surface of a wheel. It is a sort of a balancing act, something strong enough to break the bond of that cursed dust yet gentle enough to no hurt the wheel. I hate that stuff. I'm a real fan of ceramic brakes.
Amen Brother One of happiest days was doing brake job to get rid of the godawful OEM ones (still have the wifes 10' MCS to deal with but not two of em')
I have dust from track brakes that bonded to the surface of the wheel, hard as concrete. Sonax is the only stuff that loosens it up, but it's a slow process and a lot of scrubbing. If you use track brakes, don't let that stuff get wet and harden for long before you clean it off. Eventually I'll have to have them refinished. Learned that lesson the hard way...