Alloys + Brake Dust

[clarkeeuk99]

Hi Guys,

I've had my Carbon Lorraine front-pads fitted for a while now and went with the recommendation of having them properly jet washed a few times for a few weeks.

As I left my car dirty for a few weeks until last week, the front alloys are caked in Brake dust that I can't seem to get off easily.

I have a alloy wheel cleaning spray that I bought from Halfords but I'm worried that it may take off the finish or something.

Any recommendations?

Cheers,
Phil.

 

[k1ano]

Brake dust sometimes etches itself into alloys so can be hard to get off if it is hot when it settles on the wheel or when water gets to it - best to clean them regularly and ideally whilst it is still dust ...

I have used wonder wheels successfully on cars but as with many detailing products like this they operate chemically so you have to be careful generally and follow the instructions - which usually have a disclaimer.

I went to the Nurburgring in my Yota a while back and left the brake dust on for a week or so and let me tell you I had to basically scrape it off and it took ages as it had bonded to the paint finish - it was rock hard like cement. I did get it off with wonder wheels eventually but it was very hard to do - I was foolish for leaving that amount of dust on for so long though and it would have been VERY hot as it landed on the wheels and so could have burnt onto the wheels.

Hopefully you should be OK though

Martin

 

[clarkeeuk99]

Thanks for your advice Martin!

I was thinking of spraying it on the affected areas and then jet washing the wheels. Do you think that could be risky in terms of the chemical getting on the brake discs/pads or the paint work?

Cheers,
Phil.

 

[k1ano]

Phil,

The wonder wheels stuff I use, and perhaps others, is acidic and dissolves the brake dust and is pretty effective. If you follow the instructions and perhaps tackle the job a bit at a time you should be OK. Try not to get it on the paintwork or in your eyes and make sure you rinse it off after the specified time - again the instructions are pretty clear.

I tend to use a low pressure rinse or fine spray away from the bodywork as I don't want the residue spraying everywhere or in my eyes. If you rinse well there should be no residue to worry about on metal or rubber surfaces.

Martin

 

[clarkeeuk99]

Thanks for your advice!!

 

[V6 Driver]

In the past when I've had very stubborn brake dust on my wheels I have used a fine cutting compound (3M do a good one) on the wheels just as you would if you were polishing scratches out of bodywork. Go reasonably gently and you shouldn't affect the laquer that has been sprayed over the base coat of your wheels.

Worth a go if you find wonder wheels etc isn't doing the job.

Al

 

[Jamesv6]

Wonder wheels is very good, just don't get it on your nuts.

 

[Williams]

Wonder wheels is very good, just don't get it on your nuts.

What are you doing putting wonder wheels around ya nuts James!?

 

[WONGY]

I also use a light cutting compound that I also used on the paint Meguiars #83 Cleaner/Polish but go lightly with it.

Then I use Clearkote Quikshine to shine and protect.

Did it this weekend takes about two hours but well worth the results.

Never tried it on my nuts though!

:badgrin:

 

[akw2701]

Go to http://www.detailingworld.co.uk there are lots of topics regarding cleaning wheels and they do say wonder wheels is a big no no like any acid bassed wheel cleaner but I have found if you listen to alot of advice from them you get nothing done, I use it only when I first get a new car to clean the wheels up then poilish and wax then Poorboys Wheel Sealant so brake dust will not build up.

 

[clarkeeuk99]

Right. Many thanks for all your help guys!

Phil. [smilie=bowdown.gif]

 

[Ali]

PF pads and CL pads are horrific for dust...doesn't just shag your wheels, but also your paintwork!

I'd bin them....But ultimately thats your choice...
For the sake for cleaning...Ensure you have the wheels well sealed, Poorboys Wheel seat and Rimwax...They will make cleanin alot easier. For washing, Spray with a 4:1 dilution of Megs APC, or Virosol!

Ali

 

[clarkeeuk99]

They are certainly causing me cleaning problems.

I may replace them with standard ones. Not sure really. :s

 

[riz]

i use something called bilberry availabl from valetpro, decent stuff which is nt acidic!!