I can't get this stuff off my wheels!!
- Thread starter exander
- Start date
![[?|]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_banghead.gif "Bang Head [?|]"){kind=icon}
Good questions. Here's a link to a picture of them.
http://www.bmwwheels.com/detail.asp?ws=66&Series=E39
They're 66 M parallel spoke wheels.
The stuff is on the spokes and all around the rim.
Thanks!
http://www.bmwwheels.com/detail.asp?ws=66&Series=E39
They're 66 M parallel spoke wheels.
The stuff is on the spokes and all around the rim.
Thanks!
Do you have access to a pressure washer or a steam cleaner?
Heat will dramatically increase cleaning effeciency, as will pressure, both at one time works best.
Heated dust particles from brake pads constantly attack the wheel and bake into the finish. If left on the wheel, a phenomenon known as “galvanic corrosion” sets in which will eventually destroy the wheel’s appearance.
There are 2 types of cleaners, acid and alkaline.
Acid-based cleaners are typically a 2-3% solution of oxylic, phosphoric and/or hydrochloric acid. Most spray-on/hose-off wheel cleaners fall into this group.
While giving the most "punch", tey are also most likely to cause damage if not VERY carefull.
Non-acid or alkaline cleaners usually require some surface agitation (brush or sponge) but are safer to the wheel’s finish.
1. Clean the wheels first before washing the rest of the car. This prevents you from splattering cleaners, dirt and brake dust on already cleaned panels.
2. Do not clean wheels that are still hot from driving. First allow to cool off before wetting with a cleaner.
3. Clean one wheel at a time following the instructions on the cleaner. For extra tough grime and brake dust, agitate the surface with a soft, scrub brush. Do not allow any wheel cleaner to dry on the wheel.
4. Protect the wheels after cleaning to make future washes easier.
A synthetic wax such as Einszett Glanz, Zaino or Klasse will last MUCH longer than a carnuba wax and in easier to use on wheels too!
Hope this helps...
Heat will dramatically increase cleaning effeciency, as will pressure, both at one time works best.
Heated dust particles from brake pads constantly attack the wheel and bake into the finish. If left on the wheel, a phenomenon known as “galvanic corrosion” sets in which will eventually destroy the wheel’s appearance.
There are 2 types of cleaners, acid and alkaline.
Acid-based cleaners are typically a 2-3% solution of oxylic, phosphoric and/or hydrochloric acid. Most spray-on/hose-off wheel cleaners fall into this group.
While giving the most "punch", tey are also most likely to cause damage if not VERY carefull.
Non-acid or alkaline cleaners usually require some surface agitation (brush or sponge) but are safer to the wheel’s finish.
1. Clean the wheels first before washing the rest of the car. This prevents you from splattering cleaners, dirt and brake dust on already cleaned panels.
2. Do not clean wheels that are still hot from driving. First allow to cool off before wetting with a cleaner.
3. Clean one wheel at a time following the instructions on the cleaner. For extra tough grime and brake dust, agitate the surface with a soft, scrub brush. Do not allow any wheel cleaner to dry on the wheel.
4. Protect the wheels after cleaning to make future washes easier.
A synthetic wax such as Einszett Glanz, Zaino or Klasse will last MUCH longer than a carnuba wax and in easier to use on wheels too!
Hope this helps...
If the wheels are painted, I would start with a lighter polish like Einszett Paint Polish.
If that does not "cut it", next try the Einszett Paintwork Cleaner.
If the wheels are Aluminum with no clearcoat, an acid works wonders..., just be carefull to apply to cool wheels and not let it "work" to long before rinsing.
If that does not "cut it", next try the Einszett Paintwork Cleaner.
If the wheels are Aluminum with no clearcoat, an acid works wonders..., just be carefull to apply to cool wheels and not let it "work" to long before rinsing.
One product I have had really good luck with, for aluminum and polished wheels is Wenol metal poish. Not seeing a picture of the contaminant, I will explain the places it has worked for me. Works well on getting tar off the wheel (not as good as a true tar remover, but better than most tar removers you can get at the store) removes baked on brake dust fairly well (of course if it is years over baked on, acid is the only thing to really get it) and the one thing it has worked very well on is getting the discoloration off which occurs on the areas of the intersection of spokes. These areas are areas which resist the rotation direction and you will often see a build up on the rim side about 1/2-1" from the edge of the intersection in to the intersection. There are probably many other "metal polishes" which may work just as well, this is the one I found first and generally works very well for me and the clients seem to like the results as well. If you cannot find it locally, check out www.premiumautocare.com as I know they carry it. Hope you get em cleaned up nice.
-Matt
-Matt