BAD brake dust

[jayhkr]

Hey everyone, I've been away way to long and had a really hard winter I had to get through. I had some major issues with my rear brake pad this winter where the metal was grinding on the rotor creating a LOT of brake dust build up. Now my wheel is chocked full of red/brownish brake dust that is pretty hardned on. I've tried taking a power washer to it and it was a no go. So my question is what can I use on aluminum wheels to get that stuff off and not ruin the finish? I was thinking of trying CLR but I don't know what that would do to the wheel. Suggestions? Comments? Prayers??

[Executive Detail]

Hey everyone, I've been away way to long and had a really hard winter I had to get through. I had some major issues with my rear brake pad this winter where the metal was grinding on the rotor creating a LOT of brake dust build up. Now my wheel is chocked full of red/brownish brake dust that is pretty hardned on. I've tried taking a power washer to it and it was a no go. So my question is what can I use on aluminum wheels to get that stuff off and not ruin the finish? I was thinking of trying CLR but I don't know what that would do to the wheel. Suggestions? Comments? Prayers??

I recently polished wheels for a customer that had the same issue with his aluminum wheels. One wheel in particular almost felt like sand-paper...it was so bad. All I can say is FLITZ, FLITZ, FLITZ!!! It FAR exceeded my expectations.

Start with:
Flitz Industrial Strength Aluminum PreClean remove heavily-encrusted corrosion, lime, tarnish, grease, oil and water stains without dulling

Followed by:
Flitz Metal Polish, Fiberglass & Paint Restorer will clean, polish, and protect any non-porous surface safely. Flitz Metal Polish, Fiberglass & Paint
while using one of these
Flitz Polish & Buff Ball Combo includes Flitz Mini Buff Ball and the original Flitz Polishing Ball. Polish metal, plastic, paint with Flitz polishes.

Hope this helps...Good Luck!!

[ScottB]

Sonax wheel cleaner first ... then polishing ??

[HeavyMetal]

My RAV4 has aluminum wheels that were packed with black brake dust - a real PITA to clean with OTC products. I used the DP Tire Gel with a wheel brush and had no probs. Others say Sonax (expensive) or Megs Wheel Brightener. I got the DP BOGO and it worked just fine, so I'm a happy camper.

[5.4 Shelby]

What about the "Chrome Clad" wheel covers that are coming on a lot of new trucks and SUVs? Several people I know have them on their Dodge Rams and I have them on my wifes Expedition.

Mine are starting to look like that too. I have used Griots wheel cleaner (mild) and Armor All Wheel Cleaner (seemed more aggressive. - long story. I got it in a kit that had a car just like mine on the box).

I am afraid to polish them as I think they are just chromed plastic. Anyone know if they are or not and how to polish them?

[SATracker]

I'm with Kllerwheels on this one. I had a similar problem with a BMW, used Sonax...wow!

[jayhkr]

What about the "Chrome Clad" wheel covers that are coming on a lot of new trucks and SUVs? Several people I know have them on their Dodge Rams and I have them on my wifes Expedition.

Mine are starting to look like that too. I have used Griots wheel cleaner (mild) and Armor All Wheel Cleaner (seemed more aggressive. - long story. I got it in a kit that had a car just like mine on the box).

I am afraid to polish them as I think they are just chromed plastic. Anyone know if they are or not and how to polish them?

Well fortunatly I won't have to worry about that any longer since I got the brake pads, calipers all fixed up. Now I just need to fix the wheels. I have some old flitz I can try, but will probably order me some sonax. It's about time for my yearly AG order anyway. Gotta return my GG polisher to get a new one anyway. Thanks for the replies everyone!