Best Wheel Cleaner?

Ginger · 01-09-2009, 01:15 PM

So, the Jeep has some seriously nasty brake dust caked on the wheels. It's probably been there for years, but I can't really confirm that... the previous owner didn't seem like he would have really cared.

I tried the local luxury car wash's wheel cleaning service, but didn't have much luck. I presume I'm going to need some rather strong stuff. Should I just go to Mother's, or do any of you guys have reccomendations?

ScottyB · 01-09-2009, 01:21 PM

P21S gel is incredible but costs a bit. its the only stuff i've used that gets basically everything off.

Evan · 01-09-2009, 01:33 PM

castrol super clean works pretty well

**Goodspeed** · 01-09-2009, 02:14 PM

ScottyB Wrote:P21S gel is incredible but costs a bit. its the only stuff i've used that gets basically everything off.

I don't have any personal experience with that stuff but it does look amazing. I know some pro-detailers use it, like below:

[Image: IMG_3321.jpg]

After P21S and Adam's Metal Polish

[Image: IMG_3363.jpg]

For your average person though, Eagle 1 stuff that you buy at AA should do the trick. I'll do my wheels twice over with the spray stuff, let it soak, scrub, then rinse and it works well.

.RJ · 01-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Simple green.

A lot of the cleaners available at autozone can oxidize the wheel surface, making it look even worse.

**Mike** · 01-09-2009, 02:59 PM

windex.

***ViPER1313*** · 01-09-2009, 04:30 PM

Mike Wrote:windex.

I just laughed out loud in my office. Everyone knows that only works for chrome.

I'm interested in this as well. The front wheels on my Talon are destroyed from Hawk blue brake dust - what should I use to get most of the gunk off so I can paint them?

HAULN-SS · 01-09-2009, 04:37 PM

If you don't care about the finish, and plan to repaint/reclear, a brillo pad works wonderful for getting off brake dust.

Ginger · 01-09-2009, 04:45 PM

A plastic scouring pad and windex did a good job. They took the finish off the wheels, but as long as all four look the same, I don't really give a crap. I may paint them before mounting new tires, too. At any rate, abrasive solutions win again.

Evan · 01-09-2009, 05:12 PM

ViPER1313 Wrote:I just laughed out loud in my office. Everyone knows that only works for chrome plastic.

fixed

Quote:I'm interested in this as well. The front wheels on my Talon are destroyed from Hawk blue brake dust - what should I use to get most of the gunk off so I can paint them?

see above solution, then rust remover jelly and a brush for the hard stuff.

Evan · 01-09-2009, 05:15 PM

Goodspeed Wrote:
ScottyB Wrote:P21S gel is incredible but costs a bit. its the only stuff i've used that gets basically everything off.

I don't have any personal experience with that stuff but it does look amazing. I know some pro-detailers use it, like below:

to be honest, thats really not bad at all. looks bad now, but most of that stuff wipes right off just about any cleaner.

CaptainHenreh · 01-09-2009, 05:38 PM

Evan Wrote:to be honest, thats really not bad at all. looks bad now, but most of that stuff wipes right off just about any cleaner.

I agree. You can see in the upper right where a finger has wiped off a majority of dust.

Feersty · 01-09-2009, 07:23 PM

Windex Plus Juan, and I know you are making fun of me.

**JustinG** · 01-09-2009, 11:14 PM

just sand blast, paint, repeat when dirty....

kwq slvr · 02-20-2009, 07:30 AM

Eagle 1 etching wheel and mag cleaner. It is a hydroflouric acid. Start your spray at the bootom of the tire/wheel and work your way to the top. Spray with high pressure and use any wax to shine them up. I detailed cars for quite a few years and I found it wirk very well. It's available at Advance or Auto Zone for about $6.00 a bottle.

ultimagtrlover · 03-19-2009, 12:04 AM

If u really want to get serious go out and get some Meguire's Wheel Brighter. $20 for a GALLON of concentrate. Some of the most aggressive stuff out their. Let it sit for a minute after aggitation and most of those little dots of black and yellowing will come off. Impressive stuff. P21S gel is the safe route for all wheels while Meg's needs to stay away from aluminum wheels

premiershine9 · 06-06-2011, 09:12 AM

Megs wheel brightener is HIGHLY ACIDIC! please dilute 4:1 first. Only let MWB sit no more than 5 minutes, if you want to be safe let it stand for a minute then spray with a pH neutral solution such as zep citrus to neutralize it out.

Best wheel cleaner IMO-
#1- my go to for every client- Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner- see my write-ups for pics
#2- as stated above P21S wheel gel
#3- Optimum power clean diluted

DO NOT use a brillo or scuff pad as it will damage the clear on your wheels
ALSO simple green has been known to haze and damage clear on paint and ALSO wheels
If your going to go the cheap rout and not pay for a boutique cleaner such as Sonax, P21S or any other professional brand, pick up a citrus degreaser and dilute it 3:1.

premiershine9 · 06-06-2011, 09:17 AM

Sonax demo:

[Image: DSC_0042.jpg]

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