Mercedes wheel problem? (pics)

[Newport Viper]

Detailed a 2005 SLK 350.

Washed the wheels ( NXT wash) and I was left with these brake dust stains. Tried some dish soap, didn't put a dent in it. Took some #83 on a rag and it took a lot of elbow grease to get them out.

I would assume these wheels have a clear coat on them? I would assume there has to be a better cleaner. Maybe Benz knows of this problem?

This is the second time I have done this car. I tried All Wheel Cleaner with the same results the first time out.

Any Ideas?

[gbackus]

Those look like stains from improper use of wheel acid. If the owner is taking it to a car wash, that may be where the stains originated. I have client whose Mercedes wheels exhibited similar, but much worse stains. Also, looking at the heavy corrosion on the lug nuts and brake calipers, I asked my new client where she had been taking the car, and she enough it was a local car wash that has a habbit of spraying on undiluted acid wheel cleaner on the wheels, and letting it sit for however long the car has to wait until it gets into the wash bay. As to how to fix it, I really don't know, as the only dmaage I have experience, is damage that was too far advanced to be fixed(the clear eventually started to powder off after a few months).

[LiquidBlack]

I'll just throw some .02 in, but its probably not the best advice:

Have you thought about claying or trying one of those Mr. Clean magic erasers on them? Not certain if that would help or not, but just throwing it out there.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Newport Viper,

I have to agree with gbackus, it looks like someone may have stained the wheels with the improper use of a wheel acid. To see if the factory wheels are clear coated, take some NXT Metal Polysh on a piece of cotton toweling. Then rub it in thoroughly. If the cloth turns black, it is uncoated. If the cloth stays the same, then they are most likely clear coated.

Since the wheels look stained, I would use the NXT Metal Polysh to remove or at least reduce the staining (it depends on how badly the wheels are etched).

To clean most clear coated OEM wheels, I like to use Meguiar's Wheel Brightener. When used correctly, the product does an awesome job!!!

Tim

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by gbackus
Those look like stains from improper use of wheel acid. If the owner is taking it to a car wash, that may be where the stains originated..

Not the case here. I buffed out the wheels by hand with #83 the first time. I thought All Wheel Cleaner left these marks but it wasn't the case. I was the next person to wash it. This was left just after the wash with NXT and Dish soap.

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by LiquidBlack
I'll just throw some .02 in, but its probably not the best advice:

Have you thought about claying or trying one of those Mr. Clean magic erasers on them? Not certain if that would help or not, but just throwing it out there.

I don't think on clear coat those would be good?

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by 2hotford
Hey Newport Viper,

To see if the factory wheels are clear coated, take some NXT Metal Polysh on a piece of cotton toweling. Then rub it in thoroughly. If the cloth turns black, it is uncoated. If the cloth stays the same, then they are most likely clear coated.


Tim

That is a great idea! Although I am pretty sure these wheels are clear coated. It is like the break dust gets in the paint?

[MB///HRV]

Looks like someone forgot to let the wheel cool before using some pretty strong cleaner and then forgot to rinse promptly. The clay might help however I think polishing is the right track. You may not be able to remove the damage but instead make it less noticeable.

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by MB///HRV
Looks like someone forgot to let the wheel cool before using some pretty strong cleaner and then forgot to rinse promptly. The clay might help however I think polishing is the right track. You may not be able to remove the damage but instead make it less noticeable.

Wheels where cold both times the car was cleaned. It only has 2,000 miles on it.

#83 and terry take out the stains. Just a pain!! Clay won't take it out.

[Newport Viper]

The water spots trails where created the last time we had rain here in SoCal. The car was very dirty. The owner is only in town every month or two.

[SpoiledMan]

Newport, I can almost promise you that the stains are from the misuse of some type of strong cleaner. Seems like it wasn't done by you. It's possible that it was done prior to purchase?

[stealth]

With 2K miles on it try to warranty the wheels @ the dealer, obviously a case for consideration by the warranty administrator. I've got a client w/a BMW & similar problem which is slowly being resolved. IMHO the German vehicles have some of the toughest brakedust to remove but Meg's products do get it off. Good luck!

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by SpoiledMan
Newport, I can almost promise you that the stains are from the misuse of some type of strong cleaner. Seems like it wasn't done by you. It's possible that it was done prior to purchase?

I just can't see it Spoiledman.

The first time I detailed the car. I buffed out the wheels with #83. They were perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I wash the car and the stains reappear?

Can't be possible. Or maybe....

[Newport Viper]

Originally posted by stealth
With 2K miles on it try to warranty the wheels @ the dealer, obviously a case for consideration by the warranty administrator. I've got a client w/a BMW & similar problem which is slowly being resolved. IMHO the German vehicles have some of the toughest brakedust to remove but Meg's products do get it off. Good luck!

I always see BMW and Benz cars with the dirtiest front wheels out there. ( Softer pads?)

I have an Infinty M45 that I drive like a race car on the street and almost no dust!

Do the Japense know something the German's don't?

[gbackus]

Originally posted by Newport Viper
I just can't see it Spoiledman.

The first time I detailed the car. I buffed out the wheels with #83. They were perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I wash the car and the stains reappear?

Can't be possible. Or maybe....

It is possible. The acids attacked the resin in the clear, and the stains reappear when they are reactivated by water.