Wheel Cleaner???
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Wheel Cleaner???
I have an 03 EB....with all the brake dust. I try to keep on top of things, but in Colorado, it is tough to go out and wash regularly in the winter. Needless to say, I have brake dust that just won't come off. Has anyone had any success cleaning these? I have tried several spray ons, but they don't really work. Most of the time I need to get a sponge anyway....but there are just some spots that won't come out even when scrubbing. I am thinking I need something semi abrasive, but I don't want to damage the finish on the wheel either. Any ideas would be helpful. I read on 1 Ford forum a while back that Ford had a response to the brake dust issue, and recommended a specific cleaner. I went to the dealership, and all they had was a spray on thing.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 245
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From: Central Mass.
Go to a hardware store and purchase a pack of steel wool pads #0000-which is super fine. Spray on some Castrol wheel cleaner and using your car wash soapy water just scrub away. Keep the steel wool soapy and wet.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Ontario
I'm a tried and true Meguiar's guy, but the Hot Rims did not do it for me. I use Mother's Mag and Aluminum cleaner. The trick that I use is, clean the wheels with the Mother's; Put on a good heavy coat of Meguiar's NXT (or any other polymer wax (Zaino, NuFinish, etc.)-Regular wax will melt off with the heat). This will not stop the brake dust from sticking, but slow it down. I do this about once every two/three months. During the weekly washes, I just use a old wash mitt and carwash.
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Originally Posted by tsc
I'm a tried and true Meguiar's guy, but the Hot Rims did not do it for me. I use Mother's Mag and Aluminum cleaner. The trick that I use is, clean the wheels with the Mother's; Put on a good heavy coat of Meguiar's NXT (or any other polymer wax (Zaino, NuFinish, etc.)-Regular wax will melt off with the heat). This will not stop the brake dust from sticking, but slow it down. I do this about once every two/three months. During the weekly washes, I just use a old wash mitt and carwash.
TSC, I had some old Meguiars stuff (don't recall the exact name), and tried it on a very small section, but it did NOT remove the black. It might have helped some, but I got a little concerned about the clear coating. My first instinct was to also go "old school" and buy some tried and true Mothers, but it does say right on the label, not to use on "coatings", so I assumed it was too abrasive and would mess up the coating. I have never heard of HOT RIMS...but will have to look into that and see what that does. The little that I did, made it look "ok" from a distance, but up close, it looks bad. Once I find something that "might" get most of it off, I'd like to go try some of the wax things, to help prevent future build up. Thanks again all.....keep the suggestions coming!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
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From: SW Ontario
Sorry, I should of elaborated. Hot Rims are a spray on wheel cleaner from Meguiar's. I found that It was pretty useless. From what I have understood, most spray on wheel cleaners are acid based. I'm not certain about that, but I am weary of any "fire and forget" products for my truck. I just looked at the Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish can, and I saw no clear coat disclaimer-Gotta be the Canadian version 
. (I know that Mother's has a forum off the website with a wheel section). Try posting on there, you might get an official answer or try meguiarsonline.com.
. (I know that Mother's has a forum off the website with a wheel section). Try posting on there, you might get an official answer or try meguiarsonline.com.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Salisbury, MD
The biggest problem I have found with cleaning the wheels is the re-polymerized brake pad adhesives that have combined, congregating in tiny droplets that settle on the wheels. This happens a lot if you let the dust sit on the wheels for a long time. I haven't found any product to remove these droplets yet.
The normal dust comes off easily with a 50/50 mixture of simple green and a soft wheel brush.
Right now I have three stock wheels and one replacement due to an accident. The 15k difference between them is very noticeable.
The normal dust comes off easily with a 50/50 mixture of simple green and a soft wheel brush.
Right now I have three stock wheels and one replacement due to an accident. The 15k difference between them is very noticeable.
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Originally Posted by daveplot
The biggest problem I have found with cleaning the wheels is the re-polymerized brake pad adhesives that have combined, congregating in tiny droplets that settle on the wheels. This happens a lot if you let the dust sit on the wheels for a long time. I haven't found any product to remove these droplets yet.
The normal dust comes off easily with a 50/50 mixture of simple green and a soft wheel brush.
Right now I have three stock wheels and one replacement due to an accident. The 15k difference between them is very noticeable.
The normal dust comes off easily with a 50/50 mixture of simple green and a soft wheel brush.
Right now I have three stock wheels and one replacement due to an accident. The 15k difference between them is very noticeable.
Daveplot.....that is exactly what I have going on. A lot of it comes from the Colorado winter, where you just don't always get the chance to do a weekly cleaning, and it just happens.
TSC....thanks for that followup. I'll check those sites as well. I just remember, quite a while back, where there was a LOT of discussion on the brake pads, and one of the responses was a response from FORD, saying you can clean using "this product....and a part # was also noted". I happened to be by the local dealer, and they didn't have anything but a couple of spray on cleaners. I just figured I'd be paying dealership prices, for something I can get at the local auto parts store. Maybe I'll try a couple of local detail shops as well.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
My dirty wheels after 1,500 miles.
My clean wheels after Castrol Super Clean and Whestley's Bleach White for the tire.
I'm gonna go talk to Ford today about getting the revised brake pads.
My clean wheels after Castrol Super Clean and Whestley's Bleach White for the tire.
I'm gonna go talk to Ford today about getting the revised brake pads.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 117
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The revised pads make a HUGE difference. Now, when pulling my jet skis thru the mountains of Tenn, I only have marginal dust. Around town, little to none. I have the Chrome wheels, and they now look like Chrome should. Weekly carwash (no special wheel treatment) and all is good!