Hardened ceramic (?) pad deposits

[JHZR2]

2008 VW rabbit, 70k miles, original pads. The tan-ish colored coating and deposits on the wheels from the brake pads. This car doesn't shed the dark black dust instantly the way that my BMW and Saab do. I'm guessing these are ceramic? I've used sonax cleaner, the color changing kind - no change. I've tried a brush and a wheel woolie. Nothing happened. Scratching with a fingernail did remove it pretty easily, so sufficient mechanical force seems to work. So what should be tried next? Magic eraser?

 

[BryanTDI12]

I had the same on my VW and I think I used a clay bar but this was several years ago.

 

[spasm3]

perhaps a white 3m pad, the one thats scratch safe for pots and pans?

 

[BRZED]

A melamine foam sponge should take the deposits right off. You may want to polish and seal the finish after cleaning.

 

[hpb]

Oven cleaner, the kind that comes in an aerosol can. I've brought many alloy wheels back to life using it. Just make sure you're in a well ventilated area, that stuff is hard on the lungs! You only need to give the affected area a small spray, then clean it and the grunge off with a soft cloth.

 

[BRZED]

Originally Posted By: hpb

Oven cleaner, the kind that comes in an aerosol can. I've brought many alloy wheels back to life using it. Just make sure you're in a well ventilated area, that stuff is hard on the lungs! You only need to give the affected area a small spray, then clean it and the grunge off with a soft cloth.

Oven cleaner has lye in it, which is great if you want to remove fat, because the lye turns the fat into soap. But what other caustic chemicals are in oven cleaner and do they harm clearcoat and paint?

 

[SatinSilver]

The oven cleaner probably isn't too great for the tires either. Clay barring comes after the iron decontamination so I would try that next. Esp since you mentioned the finger nail working. Car wash soap will work as a lube. Then some Megs Ultimate Compound to remove anything that remains. http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3300-Bri...restoration+kit

 

[hpb]

Originally Posted By: BRZED

Oven cleaner has lye in it, which is great if you want to remove fat, because the lye turns the fat into soap. But what other caustic chemicals are in oven cleaner and do they harm clearcoat and paint?

I can assure you, it doesn't harm the paint. Have used it dozens of times over the years with no issues.

 

[hpb]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver

The oven cleaner probably isn't too great for the tires either.

You don't use enough to even get any on the tyres.

 

[Jetronic]

I got good results with battery acid