Tom Faust

I have a set of alloy wheels so badly grimed with brake dust that I thought it was paint. At one time I had good success with a tire cleaner which was called R&W, or maybe, A&W Tire Cleaner. It appears that this product is no longer available. Any suggestions? Because of the value of the wheels, and the cost of blasting, bead blasting really isn't an alternative.

RussB

I'd be reluctant to use a tire (rubber) cleaner on wheels (painted or clear coated surface). I just use a car wash detergent (bought from Pep Boys) solution, a bucket, and a sponge to clean car wheels.

For removing dirt and grease from munged painted surfaces I sometimes use mineral spirits. Once the surface is clean I apply wax afterward.

CharlesV8QExec

wax is good until you heat up the brakes and the wax melts off due to the high heat from the brakes.

RussB

On wheels with really stubborn brake dust, rubber, and road grime that won't come off with detergent, I've had good luck with a 50/50 solution of Simple Green (available at home centers) and water applied with a sponge, followed by hosing with water.

Tom Faust

This morning I was in a used tool emporium picking up a jeweller's lathe. They had a half used can of something called Met-All kicking around. They agreed to part with it for $.50 and I didn't see how I could lose.

I tried it on my brake dust problem and it was completely ineffective. Being a Mopar junkie, with lots of wheels, I tried it on some uncoated alloys. It was amazing.

The directions are roughly the same as Mother's wheel polish, but they don't share the same odor. This stuff was about 4 times more effective than Mothers.

The shop owner told me it was used for cleaning airplanes. Could be. I just note that for anyone looking for some.

Tom Faust

I'll try some Simple Green, there must be a nostrum somewhere.

RussB

<center><img src="http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:iy0yl61udUQJerso.club-internet.fr/cbreysse/profgromono/ducati/images/ducati_916_3-4_arriere_droit.jpg"></center><p>
Bike: Ducati 916 with stock (gold painted 3-spoke alloy) wheels

The dull gold painted rear wheel on this bike accumulates brake dust, oil from the chain, rubber from the tire, and road grime. Within a few hundred miles it's coated with a black film that resists detergent. I've had best luck with the Simple Green solution.

jimweisptd

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29555/onecomplete.jpg"></center><p>

ur20v

Castrol Super Clean - the best of the best, and $5 for a gallon. Also useful for cleaning engine compartments, concrete, etc. Get it at WalMart.

hawist

Re: i just get the wife to get down there and scrub