amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter)
amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
7/21/23 6:33 p.m.

Looking for recommendations on products and techniques to clean really filthy aluminum wheels with caked on track and street pad brake dust and general road grime. 
 

Trying to clean up a set of NB Miata wheels along with a set of old Watanabes that are utterly filthy. I tried one of the NB wheels with Meguiars Hot Rims and a nylon scrub brush (think bathroom scrub brush) and it did a decent job but there's still crap that still hasn't come off - especially on the inside barrels.  Thinking of trying again but using a Brillo/ SOS pad instead of the nylon brush. 
 

I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos. Most seem staged. I did recently see a video where a guy used Easy off oven cleaner and that seemed to work really well. Might try that. 
 

Anyone have recommendations?

Thanks

84FSP
84FSP UberDork
7/21/23 7:09 p.m.

This stuff is pricey but frickin magical.

 

Pete. (l33t FS)
Pete. (l33t FS) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/21/23 7:25 p.m.

For the inner  barrels I will use a nylon scrubbie (like the silly smiley face ones) and elbow grease, and the "Good Stuff" wheel cleaner that has all the warnings on it.

itsarebuild
itsarebuild GRM+ Memberand Dork
7/21/23 7:35 p.m.

Avoid simple green and I'd avoid oven cleaner too. Even if it doesn't harm the wheels you don't want to touch it.

imgon
imgon HalfDork
7/22/23 11:31 a.m.

If there is any paint or decent finish, do not use Easy Off. It WILL remove the paint and or finish. In fairness to easy off I did leave it on for  a while as they were stubborn stains. Good luck

Aaron_King
Aaron_King GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
7/22/23 8:17 p.m.

After watching crew guys at IMSA races use Brake Clean on wheels I have used it a few times when the crap was caked on and nothing else would touch it.  I always wash them thoroughly after though.

Apexcarver
Apexcarver UltimaDork
7/23/23 10:30 a.m.

You can get round brushes that chuck into a drill. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G7XG6BV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

Depending on how far gone the paint might be, that with barkeeper's friend?

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/23/23 12:34 p.m.

I expect oven cleaner would take the dirt off...and the paint...and maybe some of the metal.

Brake cleaner may be worth a try on some of the heavily caked-on stuff, don't let it sit too long and rinse the wheels thoroughly afterwards, that could definitely take the paint off too. Also be aware that nylon brushes are great at flicking stuff into your eyes.

amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter)
amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
7/24/23 10:25 a.m.

I'm going to try the Sonax. Probably the "Beast" formula. Or maybe the equivalent / similar product from Turtle Wax. Seems like the key ingredient with the Sonax and similar products found online (not at the flaps) is the iron remover. Iron from brake dust is the main thing that is caked onto these wheels. 
Will report back 

bmw88rider
bmw88rider GRM+ Memberand UberDork
7/24/23 12:16 p.m.

In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :

I tried both on multi-year caked on brake dust wheels and both worked great. Sonax took one less application but both that and the turtle wax stuff got the job done. 

93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo UltraDork
7/24/23 1:17 p.m.

Sonax is gonna be your guy.  If that doesnt fix it, you are gonna need to strip and refinish. 

I buy it in the gallon jugs online.  Way cheaper than smaller portions.

Toyman!
Toyman! GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/24/23 4:01 p.m.
84FSP said:

This stuff is pricey but frickin magical.

 

This stuff is awesome. 

Add one of these and you have it made. 

Buy SGCB Wheel Rim Brush, 17“ 18" Soft Bristle Tire Rim Detailing Brush  Scratch Free Wheel Cleaning Washing Tool Easy Reaching Deep for Spoke  Motorcycles Bike Wheel Engine Bay (L) XL SGGD049

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