Does anyone know of something strong that will help clean brake dust that is really tough to remove? I've used Simple Green, and it works ok. I'm looking for something stronger. I'm having a difficult time cleaning the wheels of the 05 Accord. Thanks
Cleaning Wheels
- Thread starter buster
- Start date
- Status
JHZR2
Staff member
Id use p21s wheel gel. Approved by BBS for painted Al wheels. It is pretty strong, and works well. Wear gloves and a mask, it smells a bit.
Can get it from typical german car parts companies. I have a spare bottle you can try if you like.
Can get it from typical german car parts companies. I have a spare bottle you can try if you like.
Simple Green is pretty strong... probably already too strong for a typical alloy finish. I would try claybar for baked on brake dust.
The key with wheels is to be more preventative about it... don't let them stay dirty for too long. Wash them often so that brake dust and road grime don't become permanently baked on them. This means you won't have to use harsh cleaners that may strip their protective layers and make them more susceptible to rust and further deterioration.
The key with wheels is to be more preventative about it... don't let them stay dirty for too long. Wash them often so that brake dust and road grime don't become permanently baked on them. This means you won't have to use harsh cleaners that may strip their protective layers and make them more susceptible to rust and further deterioration.
WD-40 and a clean rag
I have a 2007 Jetta and the rear wheels get killed with brake dust. Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner works great. I just did it yesterday.
Spray it on, let it sit and most stuff comes off. Then I sprayed on again and used a sponge to remove the few spots that remained. Very good and the shine is nice. They look like new every time.
Spray it on, let it sit and most stuff comes off. Then I sprayed on again and used a sponge to remove the few spots that remained. Very good and the shine is nice. They look like new every time.
OTC and not having to buy a gallon of something (Meguiar's Wheel Brightener), I second Eagle One All Wheel Cleaner.
If the particles are embedded into the wheel finish, it will take several applications of a wheel cleaner. I've had cars that needed 5 or 6 cleanings to get them to 95%.
Try a few of the cleaners suggested and see how they work for you. If you still have residue on the wheels, I'd follow Pete's advice and remove it with paint detailing clay. With difficult cases, removing the wheel and working on it while it's on the ground might be easier.
Try a few of the cleaners suggested and see how they work for you. If you still have residue on the wheels, I'd follow Pete's advice and remove it with paint detailing clay. With difficult cases, removing the wheel and working on it while it's on the ground might be easier.
I've been using Poorboy's Spray & Rinse wheel cleaner for a number of years both on my cars and those of customers. Never a problem and it works. It can be used straight up or diluted. Another that works extremely well is Amazing Roll Off cut 50/50 with water.
If you clean your wheels when the car is washed, you will not need any cleaners at all. I use the left over water in the bucket and a bristle brush, brake dust comes right off.
For tough cleanups, Orange Blast works well.
For tough cleanups, Orange Blast works well.
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
If you clean your wheels when the car is washed, you will not need any cleaners at all. I use the left over water in the bucket and a bristle brush, brake dust comes right off.
For my Jetta, I need wheel cleaner every time I wash the car for the rear wheels. The brake dust is ridiculous on there.
If you clean your wheels when the car is washed, you will not need any cleaners at all. I use the left over water in the bucket and a bristle brush, brake dust comes right off.
For my Jetta, I need wheel cleaner every time I wash the car for the rear wheels. The brake dust is ridiculous on there.
Originally Posted By: buster
Does anyone know of something strong that will help clean brake dust that is really tough to remove? I've used Simple Green, and it works ok. I'm looking for something stronger. I'm having a difficult time cleaning the wheels of the 05 Accord. Thanks
I like the TW Ice wheel cleaner, mothers FX wheel cleaner is also effective. You want an acidic cleaner to remove inorganic dirt. Simple green is alkaline.
Does anyone know of something strong that will help clean brake dust that is really tough to remove? I've used Simple Green, and it works ok. I'm looking for something stronger. I'm having a difficult time cleaning the wheels of the 05 Accord. Thanks
I like the TW Ice wheel cleaner, mothers FX wheel cleaner is also effective. You want an acidic cleaner to remove inorganic dirt. Simple green is alkaline.
Any wheel cleaner and a sponge will remove any grime on there. Just wear gloves if you do have to scrub a little.
Would the super clean degreaser (stuff in a purple spray bottle) work?
- Status