Heavy brake "dust"

[Buck91]

Just curious what some strategies are for seriously caked on/baked in brake dust? The GF's faux chrome wheels on her Grand Am have gotten significantly better with mutliple uses of Meg's wheel cleaner and a scrub brush but still have notable deposits. I would like to get them as clean as reasonably possible without removing them from the vehicle before waxing.

Currently at my disposal:
Meg's UWW
Meg's DC wash
Megs All Wheel Cleanerr (purple bottle)
Various cheap/generic car washes
Dawn/dish soap
Claybar
Megs Cleaner Wax (A12?)
UP, ULW, NXT2.0 (just saying...)

I'm thinking a pre-soak in the wheel cleaner, wash with UWW then a post soak and see what it leaves me with. Then trying an old piece of claybar. Any other thoughts? Wheels are painted/cleared faux chrome. Paint isn't perfect AT ALL, but again, just tying to maxime results and minimize effort for the gf's ride

[Mike Bones]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

I picked up some wheel brightener from the detailer's line for just such an application as you're describing. I'm pretty sure WB is safe for chrome/chrome-like materials as well. It's also pretty strong stuff, moreso than say hot rims all wheel cleaner.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

Get them as clean as you can with a wheel cleaner and a brush, then clay them using our C2000 Professional Mild Clay (the blue stuff). It may take some time, but it should take care of virtually everything (provided the chrome hasn't pitted and the underlying metal hasn't started to rust because of it).

[Murr1525]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

Could follow with a paint cleaner as well if wanted, or at least the cleaner/wax.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

Could follow with a paint cleaner as well if wanted, or at least the cleaner/wax.

I have a bottle of MPPC for things like that. Too bad they don't make it anymore.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"


This would depend on what type of brake dust is in question. If the dust has metallic particles in it, and has corroded, clay will do absolutely nothing. If the caked on material is in a corner, that's even worse.

You may want to try the Megs Wheel Brightener.

[Buck91]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

Wheel Brightener, I'll have to look into that!

[JoeDirt]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

the Wheel Brightener is really good stuff...

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

I have a jug of WB and to be honest. Not all that impressed. Bleech Wite works a great deal better. I have some rims I am going to try an experiment out on soon so we will see if I see an improvement.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

I have a jug of WB and to be honest. Not all that impressed.

WB is pretty strong stuff.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Heavy brake "dust"

WB is pretty strong stuff.

Not really. I ratio for high strength based on the Meguiar spec bottle and I find myself spending more time per rim.

Every other product like Super Degreaser, APC, APC+, Hyper Dressing works killer and I love it but WB will be one of those products that once I use it up. I may not buy another Jug. My ONLY thought is WB is ment to be as harsh of a product but not to harsh that it damages rims/tires.

Next on my list is Body Solvent, Hyper wash, and the Spray quick wax in the Detailing Line.