SERIOUS wheel cleaner?

[Stu]

I don't want any flaming for this....though I'll probably get it anyway. ;)

About 2 weeks ago, my front brake pads wore down to the metal. I've been driving the car only when I have to, and I avoid using the brakes, instead I use the e-brake/downshifting.

The brakes have had to be used some, in emergency situations, and tiny metal shavings have stuck to my wheels, and it doesn't look like soap/water will get it off.

Is there something I can use that will get this stuff off? I am cool with the wheels getting slightly scratched, as I am repainting them in the near future anyways.

Any suggestions?


PS-- Don't flame me. I'm at school where I have no tools to change brakes, though I have ordered new pads/rotors, and am changing them at home this weekend.

Thanks.

[LikeCDoos]

are the shavings stuck to the wheels or acually stuck in the wheels??

[UNHCLL]

A brand new un-used Brillo pad.

Seriously

[LikeCDoos]

I was going to say steel wool or one of those 3M scuff pads

[rscheiring]

If the steel bits actually embedded themselves when they came off the rotor hot, you'll want to try and scrape them off first (I'd use a plastic putty knife first, then a metal scraper if plastic won't work). Then something abrasive like the other guys mentioned or increasing wet sandpaper grades.

If you're gonna paint anyway, you could just have them blasted - your dad must have access to something to do the trick.....

[Stu]

I can beed-blast them if I need to, but I was trying to not go that far, because I don't want to remove the tires, then put them back on.

I don't think the tiny shavings are embedded in the wheel, just really STUCK to the paint. I will try a Brillo/Scotchbrite pad, but what should I use as a solvent, just some wheel cleaner and hot water?

Thanks guys.

[Beej '86 325es]

I used steel wool on my old TSWs once to get huge chunks of tar off, but it dulled the paint a lot. Thank god I only used it in the inside dish of the wheel.

[bimmerphile]

Steel wool with soapy water.

You won't get a solvent to take those metal shavings off that won't damage the wheel's finish.

[rwh11385]

Couple more things:

Do you have a "pay+spray" near you? Those power spraying hoses are wonderful. It's like elbow grease in water form! :) Or power washer if you got it somewhere. Not as harsh as sand or bead.

Test the wheel cleaner on your skin. If it doesn't burn, it isn't strong enough. Ours burns real good. Stings in cuts too! :P Acid helps remove stains.....but be cautious.

Stiff wire brush, brillo pad, scott guard = elbow grease will take it off. Try not to screw up your wheels too bad.

Finally, DREMEL ROCKS! :twisted:

[george graves]

Add 1 small Sears tool kit to you christmas list....

George Graves

[rwh11385]

Stu, I talked to my uncle (lawilson325) who has restored a couple of BMWs, and knows a bit about cleanin wheels and such. Larry recommended for you a scotchbrite pad, as well as the same cleaner we plan to use this spring on my baskets:

- - - -

"Often when the hot pieces of metal-compound brake pad and steel brake rotor
hit the aluminum wheel it causes the pieces of metal to become imbedded in
the aluminum wheel. You can tell when this has happened because a wheel is
brown from the rusting steel that's attached to the wheel, and the wheel is
not clean even after washing.

In his case he should try to aggressively remove all particles from the surface of
the wheel(s). He may have to use something like a Scotchbrite pad, the result
of the extraction of the metal particles may be damage to the wheel's paint.

The stuff that I use to clean really dirty wheels is an industrial cleaner
(used here at work to clean milling machine, lathes, etc.) that I dilute with
water. In the case of your wheels we'll have to use a strong concentration
and quickly wash the wheels as we clean them with a stiff brush."

- - -

Hope that can help some more.

[BavarianBimmer]

I used steel wool on my old TSWs once to get huge chunks of tar off, but it dulled the paint a lot. Thank god I only used it in the inside dish of the wheel.

Use next time gas , that's a solvent for tar

[Jordan]

I use Sulfuric Acid to clean wheels, jams, in and around emblems etc at work.

Mist it on, brush it around, and fully wash away. Cleans just about anything out of every last nook and cranny. Wont damage cured paints unless you leave it on or dont wash it off completely.

[OldUser1]

I use Sulfuric Acid to clean wheels, jams, in and around emblems etc at work.

Mist it on, brush it around, and fully wash away. Cleans just about anything out of every last nook and cranny. Wont damage cured paints unless you leave it on or dont wash it off completely.

I'll have to try that on my basketweaves, I can never seem to get them clean.

[bimmerphile]

I use Sulfuric Acid to clean wheels, jams, in and around emblems etc at work.

Mist it on, brush it around, and fully wash away. Cleans just about anything out of every last nook and cranny. Wont damage cured paints unless you leave it on or dont wash it off completely.

Heh, what concentration. I have a feeling my sulfuric acid and yours might vary just a bit ;)