Stained wheels

[Picky1]

Just picked up a Toyota RAV4 Sport, was able to clean up the paint and it looks great (clay, polish, sealed). However the wheels are stained from brake dust, tried my usual wheel cleaner and tried Sonax but no luck.

Any suggestions?

 

[The Critic]

You need an acid based wheel cleaner such as this:

P&S Wire Wheel Cleaner

Before/After pictures are below. Supposedly this was 6 months (4K) of not washing the wheels. This vehicle is equipped with Brembo brakes that are using Genuine Subaru Brembo pads. Two applications of P&S Wire Wheel Cleaner with light agitation of the faces using a boar hair wheel brush. The...

bobistheoilguy.com

However, depending on how long the wheels have been stained for, they may have been permanently damaged/etched.

 

[CharBaby]

Mild compound or chrome polish with lots of water.
I've even used white toothpaste(not gel) on small(er) areas.

Just from your picture, they don't look that bad and look like they'll clean right up.
Even some WD-40 may loosen up the brake dirt/grime.

 

[Hyundai Respecter]

I used this stuff on my wheels that had years of brake dust buildup. My wheels looked worse than yours do and I had to apply it twice, but they turned out great.

Robot or human?

www.walmart.com

 

[billt460]

I have the same issue with the polished aluminum wheels on my truck. 2 of them have what apparently is staining from a dog, or some other animal, that must have pissed on them while it was parked.

 

[CharBaby]

Yes, they've marked their territory.

 

[dwcopple]

bar keeper's friend powder cleanser will clear that up in minutes. Use a toothbrush and a bit of water with it.

 

[2010Civic]

Use some polish on a microfiber towel. If that doesn't work try some compound.

 

[The Critic]

bar keeper's friend powder cleanser will clear that up in minutes. Use a toothbrush and a bit of water with it.

Use some polish on a microfiber towel. If that doesn't work try some compound.

Chemical cleaner has less chance of damaging the clearcoat. Both of these options are mechanical abrasives.

 

[sk_pete]

bleeding cleaners, and brush.

 

[RooflessVW]

Wheel acid.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/superior-products/waxes---washes/tire---wheel-cleaner/tire-cleaners---dressings/b61632e16c7d/superior-products-1-gallon-tire-cleaner/scp0/c801

Dirt cheap, locally available, and effective.

 

[RooflessVW]

Chemical cleaner has less chance of damaging the clearcoat. Both of these options are mechanical abrasives.

BKF is primarily oxalic acid. It has abrasives as well, but you can use it gently.

 

[The Critic]

Wheel acid.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/superior-products/waxes---washes/tire---wheel-cleaner/tire-cleaners---dressings/b61632e16c7d/superior-products-1-gallon-tire-cleaner/scp0/c801

Dirt cheap, locally available, and effective.

The price is definitely attractive. Didn't know O'Reilly sold this stuff.

But the SDS suggests it might be a bit weaker than most acid wheel cleaners (7-13% HF, 3.-7% phosphoric acid):

https://superiorproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2018/11/C80-SDS-Wire-Wheel-Cleaner.pdf

At least compared to the P&S version (5-10% HF, 30-40% phosphoric acid):

https://psdetailproducts.com/file/7102-SDS+Wire+Wheel+Clnr+-+N15.pdf

 

[ChrisMU]

I used this: https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-10948-Fallout-Remover/dp/B073GKGNJX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1I9S5UJXDMO2B&dchild=1&keywords=griots+fallout+remover&qid=1632158221&sprefix=griot’s+fall&sr=8-3
Works well, smells like your wheel is getting a perm.

 

[sk_pete]

phos´ acid is used in rinseless rust removers.