Persistent brake dust

[schmidty]

Any recommendations on removing persistent brake dust?

[NC325iC]

omg... he lives

jk, I always assumed that was more pitting than brake dust. I have never tried anything serious to get it off, risky with painted wheels.

[schmidty]

Hah, yeah, im still around [emoji14]
It feels like build up something vs. pitting in the finish but maybe you are right.

[jeffnhiscars]

A subject close to my heart. Brake dust will etch itself in to the finish in time so consider it a time sensitive maintenance issue. I had one wheel refinish place tell me to try uber fine wet and dry and it removed the clear coat before it got all the brake dust off.

I've since gone to akebono ceramics on all (2) of my bbs equipped cars and the problem is resolved. The stopping power they say you lose is not measurable in my world and frankly, I'd rather drive in to a tree at this point, than to have to refinish my wheels again :)

Ps I'd used the finest polish y have and see if that helps

[FredK]

I think you can remove a lot of that type of dust using a selective iron-removal wheel cleaner, such as Iron Out or Sonax Wheel Cleaner. Meguiar's DUB wheel cleaner is also a similar formulation, but is readily available at Advance Auto Parts.

What I have found is that these cleaners remove the transfer layer of your brake's friction material, so it can lead to brake shimmy. It may be worth brushing it on, or taking your wheels off to clean them.

[schmidty]

Thanks guys, I had seen Sonax on amazon and thought about getting it. Do you think it's worth it get it over the Meguiar's stuff?
These wheels are still off the car, no tires mounted, so no worries about getting anything on any pads

[3vilE30]

Take some rubbing compound on a towel and work it away if you cant remove it with iron decontamination solutions.
I sadly suffer with massive brake dust on my 335i and I wax my wheels to prevent brake dust from really sticking on. A pressure washer also really eases everything because sometimes you can get away by blasting the dust off.
Do not leave brake dust on for long periods of time as it will wear into the factory finish and stain your wheels.
I do not recommend anything with acids either stay far away.

[FredK]

Sonax is a lot "stickier" than Meguiar's DUB wheel cleaner, so it is more effective since it can stay on the contamination and work longer. If you're really concerned about the appearance, yes, get the Sonax.

I've found working the cheaper DUB solution around with a paint brush helps it to loosen stubborn baked on brake dust.

[schmidty]

I bought Sonax and it did a great job. Had to do a few applications and it didnt get everything but still pleased with the results.

Here's an after shot of one of the wheels


And some before and after shots of my wagon with the new wheels