Brake dust not coming off

[Joshbot007]

The wheels on my car are having a hard time getting clean. There seems to be a lot of Iron or brake dust or both speckled all over the wheels. If I scratch with my nail it can be removed but a traditional wash and a sponge do nothing. I am guessing the previous owner left the dust on for too long. What is the best way and or product to help lift this off so I can get clean wheels? Thanks!

[Helmsman]

Try with Sonax wheel cleaner mate.

[Theodore]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Try with Sonax wheel cleaner mate.

+1 That is arguably your best chance to remove it with a spray cleaner. On Amazon search for: Sonax (230241) Wheel Cleaner Plus.

[EJT86]

Traditional wash and sponge is never going to get brake dust off. Sonax or iron-x

[JP10]

This worked well for me, removed the majority of inner rim caked on brake dust. Just let it sit for a little then get after it with a nice wheel brush.

https://www.chemicalguys.com/Sticky_...iABEgIkcvD_BwE

[roastbeef]

Sonax. Might have to clay.

[Hagasan41]

Iron X combined with various wheel brushes and a bit of elbow grease will remove the build up. You may want to consider a wheels off detail to really clean and protect them.

[amrazM]

Honestly Sonax sucks, iron-x is your best best.

[SoCalRPM]

You will need to start with a pressure washer. If you don't have one, find a friend or take it to a Coin Op car wash.

Next, I'm a big fan of this Meguiars wheel cleaner. It has similar properties to Iron X but for a cheaper cost. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVGHLG3..._TTTACbF8A29F5)


Then, you will definitely have to agitate the cleaner with a variety of wheel brushes as well. Try something like the Speedmaster or the EZ Detail Brush, which is the cheaper alternative. You will need the longer/larger size to reach the back of the barrels. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UTN60K..._A2TACbAW4WQNE)

Also something like the Mother's Wheel Brush is good for the face of the wheel (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ3DZS..._w3TACbB5VTXH5).

If that doesn't work. Try a second round of the same cleaning procedure, allowing a few moments for the cleaner to penetrate. You can also try a general APC/degreaser on the wheels, too.

If you're still having trouble, you may need to remove the wheels and perform a clay bar treatment. The process would be just the same as you do on your car's paint but this will help to pick up a lot of the stuck on grime.

After you're done, apply a coating or some type of wheel sealant to the wheels to keep them fresh and easy to clean in the future. You can also take the car to a detailer for this, too.

Good luck

[InnerBlueSkies]

I used Meguires and Mothers, either will take that off. Make your life easier and remove the wheel first.

[Joshbot007]

Thanks for all the replies! I agree with the wheels off method with wheel brush. I plan on doing this and trying either sonax or ironx. I will update with the results. It is probably going to take me a week or two to get to this

[Ngilbe36]

If the car is new to you (I believe it is) you might as well take each wheel off and clay bar them so you are starting from fresh. It takes some extra time, but you get the best results.
I clay my wheels every year after I put my car away and just wash them with wheel cleaner and a brush throughout the year.

[dparm]

Iron-X. It is designed for this very purpose and is a great wheel cleaner.

Common problem for cars that see the track, since many race pads will rust if the wheels aren't cleaned right away. I have heard of guys using oven cleaner on their track wheels when it gets really bad.

[GORDON.M3]

iron-x and you need a wheel brush, to give the surface a good scrub.

[Joshbot007]

I am going to go with Iron X but I need a little guidance on the cleaning process. These wheels are or at least appear to be a matte or satin finish. If they are anything like my frozen paint then they should not be clay bared right? Or are wheels different? Also there are a few curb rashes from the PO. Has anyone with these specific black comp pack rims found a good touchup paint for them? Thanks!

[roastbeef]

you can clay those.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by Joshbot007

I am going to go with Iron X but I need a little guidance on the cleaning process. These wheels are or at least appear to be a matte or satin finish. If they are anything like my frozen paint then they should not be clay bared right? Or are wheels different? Also there are a few curb rashes from the PO. Has anyone with these specific black comp pack rims found a good touchup paint for them? Thanks!

your wheels can be claybar'd but you wouldn't want to use the clay bar on any other painted surface after. I'd rip a small piece of clay just to use for the wheels, don't mix it up with your regular routine.

[SoCalRPM]

Originally Posted by Joshbot007

I need a little guidance on the cleaning process.

- Remove wheels

- Thoroughly pressure wash all sides

- Liberally spray each wheel with Iron-X

- Allow to sit for a few moments for the chemicals to work - it will turn purple during this time.

- Agitate the Iron-X with a variety of wheel brushes to make sure you help remove the funk and get all the little crevices, etc.

- Rinse thoroughly with pressure washer

- Spray wheels with a clay lube and use a clay bar to treat all surfaces of the wheel. Like mentioned before, get a fresh piece of clay and then throw that piece of clay away when you're done with the wheels. Take care not to drop the clay on the ground during cleaning - EVER.

- Use a microfiber towel to dry the wheels. They should be in good shape now.

- If possible, apply a wheel coating or sealant to help prevent brake dust from sticking in the future.

- All done! Put the wheels back on and enjoy.

[TigerTater]

Thanks for this thread making me spend a senseless $60 lol.

Hope that stuff works like y'all say

[SoCalRPM]

Originally Posted by TigerTater

Thanks for this thread making me spend a senseless $60 lol.

Hope that stuff works like y'all say

You can save a little money and try this first. Pretty good for a fraction of the cost. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVGHLG3..._TTTACbF8A29F5

[Joshbot007]

I will be doing all of this and Im excited to get these wheels looking great.

Still looking for a good match touchup paint for these black comp pack rims if anyone knows of any!

Thanks

[GORDON.M3]

clean the wheels and ceramic coat it after, the dust won't cake on and stick on the paint ever again.