Good Brake Dust/ Wheel Cleaner

Ok this is not totally wagon related, but I need some help from the detail folks. That '96 Bonny we got has silver crosslace wheels, and I CAN NOT seem to get front wheels clean! They have years of brake dust in the laces of the wheels.

Anyone have a favorite cleaner? So far I've tried Mcquire's and Turtle Wax wheel spray cleaners, and neither has really helped.

-Mike

Try using a piece of clay bar. No cleaner alone is going to get that stuff off unless you use wheel acid. Those rims SUCK. Invest in some ceramic pads and brake dust shields.

Mike, I use this stuff on my customers cars with great results. SOMETIMES I still need to use a rag to wipe, but most times I don't. Tim, Clay is EXPENSIVE, too much so to just waste on a set of rims. Wheel acid is cheaper and just as effective IMHO.



Removes corrosive brake dust, oxidation, oil, dirt and rust

Medium duty tire and wheel cleaner

Dissolves grease without damaging wheels

Can be diluted for various cleaning needs

Spray-on, wipe off, no scrubbing necessary
No-harsh scent
The Premium Blue Wheel and Rim Cleaner is our best
alternative to dangerous combustible solvent cleaners. This wheel and
rim cleaner will outshine and out clean your wheels and rims. Premium
Blue dissolves grime and brake dust without damaging your chrome and
allow wheels and rims. This highly effective wheel cleaner can also
double as a high quality degreaser to safely remove brake dust,
oxidization, dirt oil and grime. Premium Blue is made from a unique non
Hydrofluoric Acid formula. Premium Blue Wheel and Rim Cleaner is a
factory approved way to safely and effectively remove brake dust and
other dirt and oil. This product can be diluted for various cleaning
needs. The recommended dilution ratio is 1 part products to 7 parts
water.
$9.95

http://superiorfinishar.com/product/wheel-and-rim-cleaner/
‎

You need something with acid in it and that stuff will come right off.

Meguiar's Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner works great for me.

The other trick is finding small brushes that will get down in the crevices. Try to see if you can locate real pipe cleaners; I got some from the previous owner of my house and they are great for stuff like this.

sherlock9c1 wrote:

You need something with acid in it and that stuff will come right off.

Meguiar's Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner works great for me.

The other trick is finding small brushes that will get down in the crevices. Try to see if you can locate real pipe cleaners; I got some from the previous owner of my house and they are great for stuff like this.

This is all I use now and it works great!Always apply to cool wheels and DONT walk away,this stuff is
potent so no longer than a couple of minutes.Rinse thoroughly and get busy with the polish.

I've read pretty solid reviews of this stuff, too: https://www.dipyourcar.com/product.php?productid=71

Kinda pricy, but who knows.

Thanks all for the tips! The brake pads are think but I may swap to ceramics just to stop this mess. I love the look of the wheels, but the fronts look black and the rears look grey, just because the crevices are full of gunk!

Weekend project #342.

-Mike