Can't get remaining dirt/grime off wheels.

**zarmstrong92** · 05-25-2016, 07:44 PM

Yesterday I posted a thread about pressure washing two of my wheels, and possibly stripping off the finish. Well today I did the other two wheels. I started with a wheel cleaner (spray on, let soak, rinse/rub off) and then went on to the pressure washer on a lower setting. On all 4 wheels the pressure washer did an excellent job cleaning up the inside of the wheels, however I am having trouble with some small spots on the front of the wheels. I initially thought I stripped off the finish, but after doing the second wheels, I have determined that there is actually just some dirt/grime that refuses to come off. I have attached pictures. I used Black Magic Wheel Cleaner before the pressure washer. I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a stronger wheel cleaner that will get this stuff off? It doesn't look very good since most of the wheel is clean, but there are dirty blotchy spots. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. Any help appreciated!

Can't get remaining dirt/grime off wheels.-img_3363-jpg

Can't get remaining dirt/grime off wheels.-img_3364-jpg

Can't get remaining dirt/grime off wheels.-img_3365-jpg

**GSKR** · 05-25-2016, 07:51 PM

Zero needs refinishing.

**StealthXJ** · 05-25-2016, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by GSKR

Zero needs refinishing.

I second that. It definitely looks like it is not grime. The wheels need refinishing.

**zarmstrong92** · 05-25-2016, 08:09 PM

Fantastic! How much will that run me for 4 19"?

All 4 of these wheels were "fixed" at the dealership probably 3 weeks ago...

**briarpatch** · 05-25-2016, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by zarmstrong92

Fantastic! How much will that run me for 4 19"?

All 4 of these wheels were "fixed" at the dealership probably 3 weeks ago...

What did they do to 'fix' them?

**Setec Astronomy** · 05-25-2016, 08:30 PM

Let's back up a minute. Which is the part you refer to as "dirt/grime"? The part on the left side of the pictures, or the right?

Last bottle of Black Magic wheel cleaner I looked at had hydrofluoric acid in it--is that what you used?

**GSKR** · 05-25-2016, 08:48 PM

The paint just looks flakey and inferior.The dealer as 2 options for fixing wheels for customers.The first option is sending them to a Bodyshop,sand paint then clear then bake them.Thats the right way,or option 2 is a outside vendor that repairs wheels onsite.A lot of there work is quick and inferior products,there is no way acid or a pressure washer would do that.I think you got a parking lot repair and take it back to them .

**briarpatch** · 05-26-2016, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Let's back up a minute. Which is the part you refer to as "dirt/grime"? The part on the left side of the pictures, or the right?

Last bottle of Black Magic wheel cleaner I looked at had hydrofluoric acid in it--is that what you used?

Currently...they replaced Hydrofluoric Acid with Ammonium BiFluoride in Black Magic....seemingly, less of a health risk, but potentially as damaging to wheels

**Setec Astronomy** · 05-26-2016, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by briarpatch

Currently...they replaced Hydrofluoric Acid with Ammonium BiFluoride in Black Magic....seemingly, less of a health risk, but potentially as damaging to wheels

Seemingly being the operative word--I haven't read this for a while but you're welcome to: http://komfg.com/files/2012/02/ABF_HF1.pdf

**briarpatch** · 05-26-2016, 08:39 AM

Actually read that this morning...along with a couple of other assessments......that's why I drew no conclusions about the risks....there's a belief that ABF essentially becomes HF when mixed with water...