Cleaning tough spots on wheels

[mckeand13]

I just bought these '06 Acura TSX wheels to put on my '02 Accord.

The seller told me they were low mileage, great shape. Turns out differently but that's another problem I guess.

They had lots of brake dust and dirt caked on the inside of the wheel and quite a bit creeping out onto the front painted surface. I've always used Eagle One All Wheel Cleaner with great success on my cars. I did a good job of removing the bulk of the dirt on these, but there are some spots it wouldn't touch.

This picture is of the inside of the wheel, but there are also some spots on the outside silver painted surface.

Any recommendations on what chemical I could use to spot clean after removing the bulk of the dirt?

Thanks.

[TrufflePig]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

not sure if this will work in your case, but i had some caked on brake dust on my rims at one point, and it was caked on, and so I just clay barred it and it seemed to work real well. i worked at it though. good enough for me.

cheers

GOODLUCK

[mckeand13]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

Any other suggestions?

I want to get tires put on asap but I want the wheels perfectly clean first.

Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

The wheels look uncoated, so I wouldnt want too harsh of a cleaner. Are they uncoated?

If bare metal:
The Meguiars Multi-Piece Cleaner is very safe for bare metals. I would go with some of that cleaner and a soft toothbrush, then follow up with clay.

It will be dard to work Nxt Metal Polysh into that tight space to get a good cleaning, so best to have it clean first from the cleaner/clay, then polish with a metal polish if you want.

If clear-coated:
The Multi-Piece Cleaner and clay is still the way to go. But you could follow up with a paint cleaner if any stain is left.

[mckeand13]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

This is what they look like on the front (not an actual picture of mine). It appears to be silver powdercoat to me. They are '06 Acura TSX wheels. The faces of the wheels are pretty clean. It's just the insides and edges of the spokes on the front that are troublesome. The inside of the wheel is either raw aluminum or just cleared. It's not painted in any way.



How about the Hot Rims or Wheel Brightener?

I'll have to see if I can pick up a clay bar tomorrow and give it a try.

[jmakado]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

Given the fact that they are OEM Acura wheels I would be very surprised if they are uncoated. More likely a polished aluminum with a Clear Coat on top. If wheel cleaner and a brush are not enough to get the brake dust off then clay would be the next logical step. I have not used the Eagle One wheel cleaner but I have used many others. From my experience Meguiar's wheel cleaners are the best. Might want to pick up one of them and give it a try. For really stubborn dust I would spray the wheel with water, then cleaner and let it sit for 15 seconds or so. Then work it with a brush and rinse off. It may take 2 or even 3 applications to get all of it off.

EDIT: After seeing the pic I would say they are painted silver with clear on top. I don't think I have seen a factory powder coated wheel before? And I like Wheel Brightener for what it's worth.

[Murr1525]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

Yeah, the fronts look painted+clearcoat. Hot Rims is also a good choice, though I think you are supposed to keep it off of brake components. I'm a bit sloppy, so I pick the safer one.

I have never used Wheel Brightener. And don't worry about the metal polish then.

[mckeand13]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

What kind of brush would be recommended?

I have a large stiff bristle wheel cleaning brush, but I was wondering if I should dare try a small brass wire brush on the tough spots. I don't know if it would scratch or not.

[Murr1525]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

I only scrub my wheels with a Meguiars Wheel Face Brush or a soft toothbrush.

[GTBrad]

Re: Cleaning tough spots on wheels

I wouldn't use a brass brush at all!

Personally, I use the Meguiars Versa-angle body brush for wheels after letting the Multi-Piece saturate