Saab 9.3 Wheels - How to clean

[jcnassoc]

I've used Hot Rims on all my cars, and at most I'd have to use a brush--usually lightly--to get rid of any dirt/brake dust. These 9.3 wheels are a different. There's very black dirt/dust in the corners of the wheels that Hot Rims is just not doing anything with.

I was thinking of using Meg's All Wheel Metal Restorer, but not sure what it will do.

Anyone face this problem before?

[skyace888]

Do you have a pressure washer? You may want to try that. Some pictures of the wheels would be helpful for us to determine what you're trying to do.

[miked2]

We have a 2004 9-3 Vert (new style 9-3), and haven't had this problem. Our 2005 Cadillac SRX, on the other hand, is a nightmare. The brake dust collects in all the crevices, moreso than on any other car I've owned.

My solution is to keep using a Meg's wheel cleaner -- you really don't want to go to highly acidic solutions -- but use a detailer's brush (looks like a toothbrush) to get at the corners. Soap, scrub, rinse, repeat as needed. Took me 30 minutes per wheel the first time. I use a fairly stiff bristle brush -- actually metal bristles, but with some give. No scratching, though.

The key is then afterwards to coat your wheels with some long-lasting sealant. Nxt wax, #21, etc., are all good choices. I happened to have some Klasse SG around, so I used that.

The benefit is two fold. First, less brake dust accumulates on the wheels. Second, when you do clean, the dust comes off a lot easier.

I don't think the polish is going to make it any easier to remove dust from the crevices than the wheel cleaner is . . .

[Toady]

From your post, I take it that the brush isn't removing the black/dirt in the corners either, correct?

I faced a similar problem on some clearcoated silver painted wheels. Turns out the bonded black crud was actually brake dust that had gotten so hot it MELTED and bonded onto the wheel. It finally came off with a solvent, but it was a battle.

What type of finish is on your wheels? That will determine your next step.

[jcnassoc]

Thanks for all the replies!

I've not had a chance to work on the wheels (was detailing my 10th Anniversary Miata), so I still need to try some things. I'll try to provide some more info here.

btw, interesting thought to try a powerwasher, and I do have one.. might be worried I'd hit something else with it though.. maybe I will leave that for last ditch attempt to clean them.

I am not sure what the wheels are made of. How can I find out? I posted a query on saabcentral but no replies yet.

I think I will try to work on one of the wheels for 30 - 60 minutes with a brush and see if I can't get it off with just Hot Rims.

I'll try to remember to take before and after pix and post them here!

Wish me luck!

[SL1CK]

Originally posted by miked2
We have a 2004 9-3 Vert (new style 9-3), and haven't had this problem. Our 2005 Cadillac SRX, on the other hand, is a nightmare. The brake dust collects in all the crevices, moreso than on any other car I've owned.

My solution is to keep using a Meg's wheel cleaner -- you really don't want to go to highly acidic solutions -- but use a detailer's brush (looks like a toothbrush) to get at the corners. Soap, scrub, rinse, repeat as needed. Took me 30 minutes per wheel the first time. I use a fairly stiff bristle brush -- actually metal bristles, but with some give. No scratching, though.

The key is then afterwards to coat your wheels with some long-lasting sealant. Nxt wax, #21, etc., are all good choices. I happened to have some Klasse SG around, so I used that.

The benefit is two fold. First, less brake dust accumulates on the wheels. Second, when you do clean, the dust comes off a lot easier.

I don't think the polish is going to make it any easier to remove dust from the crevices than the wheel cleaner is . . .

Mike, try www.cadillacforums.com/forums

They have special forums for each Cadillac car in production. The accumulation of brake dust in the crevices of the OEM (stock) rims is a common problem. Are they chrome? You can get really good help there.

[miked2]

Thanks for the info -- I will have to take a look! I'm an active member of the SRX forum at cadillacforums.com, but haven't really looked at the appearance/detailing forum.

I must say, though, putting sealant on the wheels has really made them easier to clean. Plus, when they are cleaned, they sparkle as if they were polished.

[jcnassoc]

Well, forgot to take before and afters, but I did work on them a bit this week-end. I got a lot of the stuff off using Hot Rims and a battery-powered toothbrush... Still have some really stubborn brake dust on there (claying didn't help), so not sure what the next step will be. I may just try Hot Rims + toothbrush again this coming week-end and see if I can get a bit more off.

Overall they do look better than they did, but of course my eyes catch the brake dust in the corners immediately!