Wheel Cleaning Problem

[redvalkyrie]

I have a very annoying problem when cleaning my wheels. The wheels are aluminum with a clear powder coat.

Every time I wash the wheels at home or at the car wash, a white film is left over the entire wheel after the water dries. The film is somewhat sticky--like wax.

This occurs whether I hand dry the wheels or let them air dry. It also occurs whether or not I use a wheel cleaner--I've used both the DP Wheel Cleaner from Autogeek and the Griot's Wheel Cleaner.

In order to remove the film I have to use the Wheel Cleaner and a firm bristle brush to scrub the wheels and then wipe them down with a cloth. I have to do this several times in order to remove all of the film. The process takes about two hours.

This problem is very frustrating. The rest of my car cleaning goes very smoothly. I don't know whether the dust from the brake pads or the powder coat itself is somehow reacting with the water...or whether the problem is something completely different.

The problem only surfaced about six months ago. The previous six months before that were fine--no strange film.

Any help would be appreciated.

[scottinflorida]

redvalkyrie,

By any chance are you washing your wheels when they are hot?

Are you shaking the bottle of wheel cleaner before you apply it?

Have you tried a new and different bottle of wheel cleaner?

I guess I'm wondering if the DP Wheel Cleaner, (that's what I use), may have gone bad.

How do you store your products?

[redvalkyrie]

By any chance are you washing your wheels when they are hot?

I have washed the wheels when they were warm but not hot--and the problem will occur with the wheels cold as well.

Are you shaking the bottle of wheel cleaner before you apply it?

No, I am not. Should I? I didn't see that indicated on the directions?

Have you tried a new and different bottle of wheel cleaner?

I have tried different wheel cleaners; I used the Griot's first, then tried the DP, and I have also tried using plain rubbing alcohol diluted in water.

The problem occurs whether or not I use a wheel cleaner. I store the products in a cabinet in my garage.

Thanks
JP

[killrwheels@autogeek]

maybe its time to consider ceramic brake pads ??

[redvalkyrie]

Possibly but I'd like to know why this is happening. I'd hate to buy ceramic pads only to have the same problem.

BTW, I'm using stock Toyota pads at the moment--if that helps.

[budman3]

Are you sure that they wheels are coated? It sounds like bare aluminum reacting to the wheel cleaners...

[Truls]

P21s wheel cleaner

Solved problems regarding alu wheels on porsches in the 80s.

IMO one of the best wheel cleaners out there

[bambo2888]

p21s is a very good cleaner that is safe to use. maybe consider PB spray and rinse wheel cleaner?

[redvalkyrie]

Are you sure that they wheels are coated? It sounds like bare aluminum reacting to the wheel cleaners...

Yes, I coated the wheels myself. The center is pearl gold with a clear and the rim portion is polished with a clear. Here's the wheels:

[redvalkyrie]

Solved problems regarding alu wheels on porsches in the 80s.

Can you explain a little further? What was the problem with Porsche wheels and why did P21s work?

Thanks
JP