Anything Stronger than Wheel Brightener.

So today I finally had enough time to remove the wheels on the acura to clean the wheel wells and wheels one by one. I know the barrels were in pretty bad shape because we've had the car since 2001 while I only recently started cleaning the barrels of the wheels last summer.

So after taking the wheels off, I hosed it down and proceeded to use Zep Citrus at 4:1, letting it soak for 1 minute before scrubbing. This didn't do squat so I proceeded to use Zep Citrus at full strength with 1 minute dwell time. Nothing either. Next up, Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner left to dwell for 3 minutes then scrubbing with brush. Little bit better but only marginally.

Then I decided to use Meguiar's Wheel Brightener 4:1 with 1 minute dwell time. This didn't help either, only got rid of a tiny bit of the bake on brake dust so I went Full Strength with 5 minute dwell time. As you can tell from my title, the Full Strength Wheel Brightener didn't work either, it only took down a little of the baked on brake dust but the majority of it stayed on the barrels.

Is there anything stronger than Full Strength Wheel brightener out there available?

 

well if you have access to Auto Magic products i can suggest something that i have used and found to work extremely well in situations like what you are facing now.

 

I believe there is an Auto Magic supplier around locally, what product is it?

 

Lacquer Thinner

 

try the sonax wheel cleaner DD sells. seems like it works pretty damn well.

 

http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/detailers-domain/16763-coming-soon-sonax-wheel-cleaner.htm

 

Have you tried the Zep Purple degreaser full strength? I use that (diluted) in combination with Zep Citrus to clean wheels, but I can't imagine what using it straight would be like.

 

If Wheel Brightener didn't work you will need an acid based product. There is a Automagic guy locally. Call me tomorrow and I'll dig up his number for you.

 

Definitely go with AM on this one. Sounds like youre fighting some SERIOUS cakeandbake

 

John Conroy 604-418-5294
111561 Pemberton Crescent, Delta, B.C.
office 604-951-8848

 

Thanks guys, what product should I be inquiring?

I haven't tried Zep Purple, but I've heard that Meguiars Wheel Brightener is some pretty strong stuff so I decided to use it 4:1 and full strength. Barely touched it.

 

I would look into Spoke. See if they can decant you a small "sample" so you dont need to purchase the gallon.

 

If you can get Ardex products grab some Buster. This stuff is some of the strongest stuff I have ever used, period. Its boarderline paint stripper strong. In fact if you leave them on too long it will actually start to discolor the wheels but nothing I have ever used it on has stood a chance.

 

I stand corrected. I agree with ^ I think thats a good choice. I would be ready, fully gloved and goggled, ready to agitate with a small sponge(assuming its not eaten away) once you spray that on..

 

Ken said some Goof off from Canadian tire. I need to try that too, I have the same problem as you, kc

 

I forgot to mention that after using full strength Meguiars Wheel Brightener, I also tried some

Easy Off


Left to dwell for 5 minutes and a wire brush



This didn't do much to the baked on brake dust either.

 

i pm you the safest wheel cleaner to use i just did a test on 3 different rims from mild to wild with dirt grease brake dust grim that has been on for over 3 yrs. i have used alot of stuff an this guy said he give me some sample to try an if it don't work he pay me for it back lol. i'm so impressed i ordering 55 gal. drum an dumping the rest of the stuff i use period. spray on site for a bit hose it off done yes i said same thing bs but i'm now a believer.

 

Oven cleaner (pH1.0) to clean wheels!

Try something safe to use on auto wheels like Sonax from DD

 

That was to remove road tar, not brake dust.

 

How about Brown Royal? It's a high alkaline cleaner but it's a monster on baked-on brake dust...strongest alkaline wheel cleaner I've ever used.