Cleaning crud off wheels?

[GINA]

What is this crud in the corner of my wheels, is it just brake dust built up over the years? I can't seem to find anything to clean it. Help?

[FineExampl]

It looks like tar. Soak it in some WD40. To prevent runoff, try laying a layer or two of paper towel over it and spray the poop out of it. It won't ruin the wheels, just keep it off the brakes and you'll be fine. If it's tar it'll dissolve.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

I'd recommend getting a bottle of Meguire's "Medallion" Paint Cleaner from your nearest automotive refinishing supply store, this is designed to be used on some of the finest paint finishes and should do the trick.

I would not recommend using a lubricating solvent like WD40 etc. on painted finishes because it wasn't designed for this and could cause adverse effects.

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by Too Cold NB1.8T

I would not recommend using a lubricating solvent like WD40 etc. on painted finishes because it wasn't designed for this and could cause adverse effects.

That's not entirely true though. We've had this discussion before on the org. WD40 is actually pretty safe on paint. You may want to slap some wax on it afterward, but it shouldn't harm the finish from what i'm told.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

That's not entirely true though. We've had this discussion before on the org. WD40 is actually pretty safe on paint. You may want to slap some wax on it afterward, but it shouldn't harm the finish from what i'm told.

For clarity sake, what exactly is it about my reply to this thread that prompts you to say,
"That's not entirely true though"?

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by Too Cold NB1.8T

For clarity sake, what exactly is it about my reply to this thread that prompts you to say,
"That's not entirely true though"?

Because it has been said here on the org that occasionally car collectors have been known to wipe their cars down with WD40 before long periods of storage. My god man, i'm just stating what i've heard here in this very forum. Sheesh.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

Because it has been said here on the org that occasionally car collectors have been known to wipe their cars down with WD40 before long periods of storage. My god man, i'm just stating what i've heard here in this very forum. Sheesh.

I'm not trying to pick an argument here so there's no need to get excited, you've mentioned what others may have said about the use of WD40, however you still have not explained exactly what you were referring to when you stated "That's not entirely true though" in regards to my original (first) reply to this thread................ My question is simple.. (??)

[FineExampl]

Nah bro. I'm done.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Plainly there is nothing in my first reply to this thread that required such a reply as was given by FineExampl.

There is no reasonable basis for his response to my reply, this is why he had no reasonable answer as to why he made the response in the first place.

I never said that WD40 wouldn't clean the wheel grime, I never said that WD40 would damage the wheel(s), I only recommended that WD40 not be used on painted surfaces because it's not designed for this kind of application and it could cause adverse results.

I made only recommendations based on many years of experience, when dealing with painted surfaces it is wise to exercise caution because falure to do so might yield costly results.

The paint cleaner that I mentioned or a good quality liquid wax like The Wax shop is your safest bet, soak the grime with this or use multiple applications if you need to and this should remove the grime.

If you wax your wheels reasonably often after washing your car, this should reduce a contaminants ability to stick making it easier to remove stains in the future.

[Lnzbug]

See ya learn something new every day. I have never waxed my wheels. Is it something to be done often? I thought the wheels would get too hot. Too hot for what I don't know. I just never thought to wax the wheels.

[GINA]

Ok boys, chill out.

Thanks for your help, both of you I'll try to clean them off sometime this week. So did we determine if it's tar or brake dust or some other junk? I guess it's hard to tell just with pics.

[Oyveychris]

Gina,
I had the same crap on my wheels and used Meguiars Hot Rims/Cool Care and it came right off. Make sure your wheels are completely cool before you spray it on though, then use soap/water after you've hosed the wheels off.

[manoverboard987]

it could either be tar or, like on my wheels, axle grease from either a CV boot or a wheel bearing. that doesn't mean anything's wrong with either of those; some grease always finds it way out of wherever you put it.

since you're looking to wax your wheels at the same time, might i recommend (and i'm surprised FineExampl hasn't yet) Mother's PowerBall and PowerMetal polish. hook it into a cordless drill, squeeze on the polish and you're good to go.

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by manoverboard987

since you're looking to wax your wheels at the same time, might i recommend (and i'm surprised FineExampl hasn't yet) Mother's PowerBall and PowerMetal polish. hook it into a cordless drill, squeeze on the polish and you're good to go.

Actually, it was going to be in one of my posts, but i guess i got "excited" a bit back there.

Yeah, i researched the old thread about tar removal. The exact process that was recommended was that WD40 WILL remove the tar, but MAY also remove the layer of protective wax and any use of said product should be followed by a good wax. It was also said that the Wax Shop also makes great products that can help with this stuff as well. I guess i just don't know anything though.

I'm a diehard supporter of the Powerball and have both versions and will sing it's praises forever. The Powermetal stuff is fantastic as well. My wheels haven't looked this good since i drove off the lot nearly 4 years ago.

Actually, before i got my orbital buffer/polisher i was considering buying a 3rd Powerball for the rest of the car and maybe a 4th for rubbing compound. It's that damn good. However, for $10 more than a powerball i got the orbital which will be used for body. Powerball will be used for the hard to reach spots....like wheels.

[manoverboard987]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

However, for $10 more than a powerball i got the orbital which will be used for body.

my one-per-thread off topic (yet kinda related) contribution:

what kind of buffer did u get and where did u get it that cheap?

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by manoverboard987

my one-per-thread off topic (yet kinda related) contribution:

what kind of buffer did u get and where did u get it that cheap?

Target and it's a Black & Decker. $29.99 baby!

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

It's hard to say for sure but that grime is most likely a combination of road film and brake dust along with the contaminants that were mentioned by others here, common chemical build up for the area compounded by being baked on by the heat of the wheel(s) and sun.

Competant wheel specialists will tell you to put a good coat of quality wax on your painted/powder coated wheels when you first get them (the heat of the wheels will not effect the wax) and then periodically wax them after washing them throughout the life of the wheels, just like you should your your car.

This will keep them looking pristine, add durability to the finish and make it more difficult for contaminants to stick and cause surface damage which should make them easier to clean.

[iScott]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

Nah bro. I'm done.

haha... John, you silly bitch.

[dalethompson]

Looks like it may be pitting... which means that no amount of cleaner will get it out. If brake dust is left on the wheels for too long, pitting will eventually happen and the only way to get them back to the original finish is to have them sandblasted and repainted again

I'm not saying your wheels are indeed pitted, it just looks like it a bit, especially when it's in those tricky corners. Hope it's not but try to get some Brasso and an old toothbrush (soft bristles only) and see if it comes off with that (don't be afraid to scrub really hard either. Btw, Brasso is completely safe... if you can use it to clean your ipod, war medals and fine silverware, it'll work just fine on your wheels

-Dale

[FineExampl]

Brasso on painted surfaces??? I wouldn't try that. I've had Brasso ruin many a surface. I used to use it on my old uniform back in the day from my former social activity. It's also a HARSH chemical. I havent used Brasso in years though. I know it wasn't good to use on my medals, that's for sure.