ok, so clay didn't shift all the embedded crap from the wheels (17" S-lites) there is still some build up in the corners of the arches, and behind :(

So what next? Any ideas are welcomed. I want to get this stuff off before applying wheel wax.

Cheers!

 

(people are going to get tired of me posting this)

Eagle One All-Wheel Cleaner. But it's got a tiny amount of acid in it (which is why it works so well), so make sure you flush it all off with lots of water. Spray it one, and then use a brush with plastic bristles to agitate the surface, then rinse off throughly. I've been using it for years without issue. But I don't use it evertime, just when the brake dust is really bad.

 

Cheers Mitch, and I won't think less of you for doing so

I'll pick up a bottle - when I've got my wheels back on! Today's been the first 60+ degree day for too long and my wheels are...well not silver!

-B

 

Sometimes the embedded crap is permanent as it gets baked & etched into your wheel finish I have some permanent black specs that happened before I joined the **** detail group & there is nothing I can do to get rid of them short of getting my wheels refinished

I did manage to remove some of my specs using the Mr Clean Magic Eraser though & it did not harm my wheels at all (I have the silvery painted finished wheels)

 

I just use Meguiar's Hot Rims cleaner - I wet the wheels well then spray it on. It only sits long enough for me to do one side's rims, then I agitate with the Meguiar's wheel brush (the one that looks like a giant yellow pipe cleaner).

No damage from the Hot Rims yet to X-lites or S-lites (which are both powder coated), but naked aluminum rim users might want to try something else - I'd recommend something like the PS-12 system, which is endorsed by BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, VW and Volvo (according to Autopia).

 

Forgot to mention 2 things:

1. You can buy the Eagle One product anywhere. (the Meguiar's stuff is good too)
2. Try to always clean your wheels when they are cold

I put a new set of Hawk HP Plus racing brake pads on our Mini last week. I proceeded to bed them in by getting them really hot (there's an actual detailed proceedure). But the point is that bedding in new brake pads with white rims is not a good idea. :( But the good news is that the Eagle One came through and was able to clean off the really hot brake dust that was embedded in the surface! Yes, I had to really scrub and even apply a couple of times, but it did clean them up to looking like new.

BTW, I actually read the info on the Eagle One website and they say that the wheel cleaner doesn't contain any acid. Well what ever is in there, be careful. I splatted some on my glasses years ago and it ate the coating off my lenses. Now I always use safety glasses when I clean my wheels. (my neighbors think I look like a nerd)

 

I'd hope after 3500 miles it's not permament (and yes, I have cleaned them in that time, I'm not a total heartless animal)

Thanks Imago, Bamatt and Mitch, I'll give them all a shot. Clay got a lot of it off, there's just some stubborn ornery bits that are there and stop me from sealing with wheel wax.

Cheers!

 

An old tooth brush works great for the corners...

 

When you are using wheel cleaners and brushes please wear safety glasses. I like the wheel cleaner products and usually end of with black specs on my face after use. I don't think acid or brake dust would feel very good in your eye. I haven't found much difference between them. My favorite has been Castrol SuperClean All Wheel Cleaner, but I can't always find it.

 

I use P21S gel wheel cleaner. I spray it on my R84 wheels and use a brush to agitate those stubborn brake dust. I like that idea that you can leave P21S on the wheels up to 2 hours to allow it to do its magic. You can then spray the wheels with it a strong stream of water and dry with MF towels.