Cleaning Brake Dust?

[RandomGemini]

The brake dust build up on my wheels has gotten really bad. I tried cleaning it with a wash cloth and regular old car shampoo and it's not all coming off. I think I need something else to help me get into the crevices.

I was considering the possibility of just using a higher concentration of shampoo and water and a soft bristle toothbrush. Do you guys think this will help or will this scratch the finish on my wheels? (I have OEM 16" 5-Star Blaster wheels).

I know this is my fault because I didn't bother to wash the wheels all winter... I know, I know... feel free to lecture me now. It's just that our roads were so disgusting and opportunities to wash the car were so few and far between that I figured it was best to just leave the wheels until I had time to devote to getting them spotless.

Thanks in advance.

[trackster]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

The brake dust build up on my wheels has gotten really bad. I tried cleaning it with a wash cloth and regular old car shampoo and it's not all coming off. I think I need something else to help me get into the crevices.

I was considering the possibility of just using a higher concentration of shampoo and water and a soft bristle toothbrush. Do you guys think this will help or will this scratch the finish on my wheels? (I have OEM 16" 5-Star Blaster wheels).

I know this is my fault because I didn't bother to wash the wheels all winter... I know, I know... feel free to lecture me now. It's just that our roads were so disgusting and opportunities to wash the car were so few and far between that I figured it was best to just leave the wheels until I had time to devote to getting them spotless.

Thanks in advance.

There are a number of wheel cleaners available that should do the job for you. If you have a Kragens or Pep Boys near by they shouild be able to help you out.

[RandomGemini]

Nope. I have shucks and wal-mart... LOL!

[RJKimbell]

This might be something to try... a 50/50 Solution of Simple Green and Water, spray on, let sit, wipe off. I do this pre-wash, then I come back and use my wash bucket and Griot's Tim's Dirty Spots Micro Fiber Wipe Down Towel to get them clean!! After you've got your wheels clean use Wheel Armor, it will help make the job next time not so tedious!!

[cadfael_tex]

I try to stay away from most of the wheel cleaners out there because of the really noxious chemicals in them. I've had good luck with the P21S total autowash (citrus based) cleaner. It comes in a gel for tires too that should work well but I haven't tried it.

[JohnJohn]

I use simple Windex and a terrycloth towel. Works on my Crown Spokes quite well.

[RandomGemini]

Wow... lots of info here! Thanks!

I really wanted to avoid using a cleaner that was caustic... my allergies are seriously kicking my butt right now and cleaners with heavy odors tend to make that worse.

I did try windex, hoping it would help and it didn't move this brake dust. I think that because it's sat on the wheels in the crevices, it's had the opportunity to sort of freeze dry. I was hoping warmer temps would help loosen it up and that hasn't proven to be the case.

I'll try simple green today and see if that works for me. My hubby used it to clean the vinyl headliner on his convertible before we sold it and it did an amazing job...

Failing that, I'll hit up the auto supply store and try to find p21s.

Thanks guys! I'll post pics of my results!

[kenchan]

yah, simplegreen 50/50 mix would be the farthest i would take it as far
as off-the-shelf detergents go. (i would not trust it on aftermarket
wheels with anodized finishes though).

if that doesn't help i recommend just using some cleaner wax (wax with polish) on a soft towel.
dont use this on anodized finishes. any OE or painted/clearcoated finishes are fine.

[RandomGemini]

Thanks kenchan :-) I was figuring I'd start out as dillute as I was willing.

As soon as I get out I'll post pics. Spring allergies are killing me and I can't step outside without my eyes watering atm... which sucks because we've had two gorgeous days when I would have loved to have been detailing my car.

[kenchan]

yah, spring is a tough time for me too. not as bad as last year so far for me, but i have Claritin just in case.

i get some real bad itchy eyes and soar throat.

[kurisu]

Originally Posted by kenchan

yah, spring is a tough time for me too. not as bad as last year so far for me, but i have Claritin just in case.

i get some real bad itchy eyes and soar throat.

You sure it's not related to spraying too much Hydro ?

[Bigshot]

HYDRO ALLERGY ! ! !

[kenchan]

nono, never Hydro allergy.

HYDRO ADDICTION.

[RandomGemini]

ROFL! Hyrdo allergy... that's great.

Kenchan: Claritin usually does the job for me, but not this year. We had several blooms start to happen over the month of April, but then it would freeze again, or snow and the blooms would die back. Now that it's finally warm enough, everything is blooming as if it might never get to bloom again.

It's the worst pollen count we've had in years, at least, according to my sinuses it is anyway LOL!

It rained last night so I'm functioning this morning. I'm gonna get out into the garage and try to get my wheels cleaned today so I can get a coat of wax on them to prevent this from happening again. Wish me luck!

[lotsie]

I'm rotating/cleaning/waxing the Clubman wheels today, then I can pack it up for the Run to the Black Hills tomorrow
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ay-2009-a.html

Mark

[kenchan]

hey, RG- you should get those swineflu masks while working outside. that might help a little with pollen?

you'll look japanese while doing it too. hahaha.
( still pissed per other thread)

[kurisu]

Originally Posted by kenchan

you'll look japanese while doing it too. hahaha.
( still pissed per other thread)

Err... which thread ?

edit : AHHH ! _that_ thread
Friend of mine had a similar unpleasant last minute cancellation, his GF decided France was "unsafe" the day before they were flying. Cancellation fees, lost miles... man, if it were me, I would have just left without the girlfriend

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by kurisu

note to self : "I should do a google search on kenchan before reply to ANY post" ;)

LOL

[Atomic17]

RG - I have the same wheels (purposely picked for their ease of cleaning, as opposed to the Bridgespokes) - after the first wash, I waxed them with Prima Banana Gloss, and now the brake dust just rinses off!

Granted, it has to be reapplied just like you would to the body every 6 weeks or so, but it's better than nothing at all...

And I wanted to thank you for posting your pics in your gallery of your stone guards - seeing your Cooper with them made me decide to get mine, and I think they look awesome! Thanks!

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by Atomic17

RG - I have the same wheels (purposely picked for their ease of cleaning, as opposed to the Bridgespokes) - after the first wash, I waxed them with Prima Banana Gloss, and now the brake dust just rinses off!

Granted, it has to be reapplied just like you would to the body every 6 weeks or so, but it's better than nothing at all...

And I wanted to thank you for posting your pics in your gallery of your stone guards - seeing your Cooper with them made me decide to get mine, and I think they look awesome! Thanks!

I've been hitting mine with a little spray wax immediately after I wash them until I finally get my Griot's order finalized and it shows up. It works in between weekly washings, but I've really got to be diligent. Viola was a lot purchase, but I would have ordered the 5 stars anyway. I love how they look on the car and they are fairly easy to clean. I can't imagine trying to get brake dust off webspokes, which I also like but... whoa... that has to require a kiddie toothbrush and a heck of a lot of spare time.

You're welcome! I love the stone guards and they really have saved me a lot of hassle. This winter, we had pea gravel all over the place and I have a few nicks and scuffs in the stone guards from the "traction sand", but NONE on my car. It's really worth it and I think they look fantastic. I've been debating having a friend paint Viola's name on mine in silver... undecided on that as of now tho. Glad I was able to help you decide!

[RandomGemini]

I'm not sure I'll look very Japanese with ginger hair but thanks for the thought.

(*pat pat* There there... I still wanna meet your wife. She has awesome taste in scarves. )

[kenchan]

hahaha! keep us posted how things go with your wheels.

[RandomGemini]

I love you guys! Simple green is working GREAT! I'll snap a pic and post in a moment!

Update:

Rather than double post...

Here's a pic of the rear wheel, passenger side of the car before cleaning. I'd just had the RF's put back on so the black smudges you see in the photo are finger marks from the tire installation...



Front wheel, same side after cleaning with a solution of 25% simple green 75% water. I figured I'd start with less simple green and use more if I had to. The front wheels are slightly worse, but I cleaned both of them before I remembered to take pics.



This is pre-wash. Once I have all four wheels cleaned, I'll back her out and give her a bath in the driveway and then pull her back in for a detail and wax. Thanks! You guys are awesome!!!

[kenchan]

i cant see the picts???

*kenchan blinks blinks blinks*

[RandomGemini]

Kenchan: Is flickr blocked where you work?

You can view them on my flickr page directly... they're showing up on my end... wonder what's up?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomgemini/