Wheel cleaner

[Larchlap]

Hi, as anybody found a alloy wheel cleaner that can get rid of the baked on brake dust without removing the paint or laquer, I purchased a secondhand set of wheels for my 2002 C180 but cannot remove the dust.. Thanks. larchlap.

 

[television]

This is a catch 22 question, often or in most cases the cleaners damage the paint. I would try some diesel fuel painted on and leaving for a while, it does not dry and will eat through many things

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Hi, as anybody found a alloy wheel cleaner that can get rid of the baked on brake dust without removing the paint or laquer, I purchased a secondhand set of wheels for my 2002 C180 but cannot remove the dust.. Thanks. larchlap.

try www.autoglym.com

There is a vast selection of wheel cleaners there - If they are good enough for Aston's, then they are sure as hell OK for MB's.

 

[rf065]

I have tried them all and Wonder Wheels is the only one that works.
I think it also camo out best in Auto Express tests.

Russ

 

[Larchlap]

Thanks all, I have ordered some Wonder Wheels, I will post the outcome.. larchlap.

 

[rf065]

Thanks all, I have ordered some Wonder Wheels, I will post the outcome.. larchlap.

One point to note about wheel cleaners which contain acid, if they come into contact with brake discs and calipers, they can cause corrosion. Best practice is not to splash it on all over, or clean wheels when off the car.

Russ

 

[bill3862]

I recommend after use Meguiars 'Hot Wheel' cleaner - I have found this better than Wonder Wheel and Auto Glym, leaving no residue which always concerned me - no sign of damage/discolouring of alloy wheels - I use a smallpaint brush to agitate after application, hose off with clean water, apply soapy wash again and hose off/leather dry -this has given the best results - Bill

 

[jberks]

Wonder wheels is good, but any acid based cleaner is bound to damage the paintwork. Over a period, it dulls the alloys.
I found that tcut works wonders! After all, it's just paint at the end of the day and you wouldn't use acid to clean a dirty front wing!
If it's bad,
A quick go with wonder wheels to get the bulk off (don't leave it on for long!), followed by a rub down with tcut to remove any really resistant spots and then polish back up with a couple of coats of alloy wheel wax.

Since applying wheel wax (re-done every 4-6 months), I almost never need anything more agressive than a brush on the end of a hosepipe. The brake dust just brushes off and the wheels really gleam.

 

[television]

Wonder wheels is good, but any acid based cleaner is bound to damage the paintwork. Over a period, it dulls the alloys.
I found that tcut works wonders! After all, it's just paint at the end of the day and you wouldn't use acid to clean a dirty front wing!
If it's bad,
A quick go with wonder wheels to get the bulk off (don't leave it on for long!), followed by a rub down with tcut to remove any really resistant spots and then polish back up with a couple of coats of alloy wheel wax.

Since applying wheel wax (re-done every 4-6 months), I almost never need anything more agressive than a brush on the end of a hosepipe. The brake dust just brushes off and the wheels really gleam.

As you know,I am of the same opinion as you on this one, and agree 100%

 

[rf065]

Wonder wheels is good, but any acid based cleaner is bound to damage the paintwork. Over a period, it dulls the alloys.
I found that tcut works wonders! After all, it's just paint at the end of the day and you wouldn't use acid to clean a dirty front wing!
If it's bad,
A quick go with wonder wheels to get the bulk off (don't leave it on for long!), followed by a rub down with tcut to remove any really resistant spots and then polish back up with a couple of coats of alloy wheel wax.

Since applying wheel wax (re-done every 4-6 months), I almost never need anything more agressive than a brush on the end of a hosepipe. The brake dust just brushes off and the wheels really gleam.

You are quite correct, you would never use acid to clean your front wing, but then again, it would never have brake dust baked onto it like an alloy wheel has. Wonder Wheels is great at removing the stubborn bits that most other cleaners will not look at. As you say, once clean and waxed, the brake dust washes off without any effort. Tesco sell good wheel cleaning brushes in the car section for only £2 or £3 each.

Russ

 

[Larchlap]

Many thanks for all the idea's, I will try wonder wheels and then waxing. Will report back when done. larchlap.

 

[dava]

Clay bar after a good wash to get the heavy of then use wheel wax

 

[kth286]

I hate cleaning cars but had reason to clean two very dirty wheels for new tyres recently. They had months and months of brake dust on them and I used Meguiars Hot Wheel cleaner because it was recommended.

Very very impressed.

So quick and easy. And it is considered a "safe" cleaner too. Try it first.

 

[grpar]

Wonder wheels followed by a wax seems to be best. My only concern is whether the aggressive acids in wonder wheels affect any other parts of the wheel or hub (e.g the tyre valve, etc). Only reason I mention this is because all my bushes have gone at only 30k miles.

 

[Phil D]

Tesco sell good wheel cleaning brushes in the car section for only £2 or £3 each.

Russ[/QUOTE]

forget the car section - washing up brushes - a quid max do the job just fine !
Phil

 

[television]

Tesco sell good wheel cleaning brushes in the car section for only £2 or £3 each.

Russ

forget the car section - washing up brushes - a quid max do the job just fine !
Phil[/QUOTE]

I use the old ones from the kitchen, they are long enough to clean the inside as well

 

[philharve]

Interesting thread

Hi All

I learned earlier this week that MB won't entertain my claim for a new set of alloy wheels which are slowly corroding beneath the surface. However, I kind of expected this outcome. So, I now know that I will have to replace the alloys at my expense. But here's my dilemma, if I replace them, the new ones will also corrode. Won't they? Yes, but a lot can be done to slow down the process.

I discussed the issue with my indie and he said that most owners do not treat their wheels with the same attention that they give to the car's paintwork. Corrosion mainly begins by tiny particles of brake dust and water getting into small cracks in the alloy, though any paintwork, and into crevices such as behind wheel centres and beneath wheel nuts. Undisturbed, these elements begin to initiate the corrosion process.

The secret to long wheel life is to place a barrier around the metalwork and to prevent the build up of brake dust. My indie recommends regular cleaning and the application of a good polish/wax or some non-greasy compound to act as a barrier against the elements and brake dust.

My indie added that those products that are effective at removing brake dust are also good at contributing to the corrosion problem. Their acidic nature gradually eats away at the protective surface of the wheel. Consequently these products should be used sparingly or, preferably, not at all.

My indie asked me if I polished my nuts to which my answer was a hesitant, 'No'. He then commented that in order to give a set of alloys a long life they have to be treated with the same care as that applied to the car's paintwork and washed and waxed/polished regularly ... from new. Once corrosion begins, it cannot be stopped.

My indie says he can get me a new set of alloys for around GBP150.00 each and equip them which quality Goodyears for another GBP70.00 each, fitted. That's a lot of money. However, the protection treatment must begin before the wheels are attached to my car - for the first time - and then retreated at regular intervals. Sounds like a lot of work!

But just as careful attention to the car's paintwork will give it a long life, the same level of attention will also protect the wheels for many years to come. Don't skimp on attention just because they are wheels. Most owners tend to overlook them.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I always used wonder wheels but if used with only slightly damaged lacquer i,m convinced it contributes to a very rapid demise of the finish.
Every one is saying wonder wheels is an 'acid' i thought it was an alkali.
I only ever use soap and water now the 15' AMGs on the 230k are wrecked.

 

[rf065]

Hi,
I always used wonder wheels but if used with only slightly damaged lacquer i,m convinced it contributes to a very rapid demise of the finish.
Every one is saying wonder wheels is an 'acid' i thought it was an alkali.
I only ever use soap and water now the 15' AMGs on the 230k are wrecked.

Wonder Wheels contains hydrochloric acid, and it does warn you not to use it on unlacquered wheels.
I used wonder wheels from new on a Nissan X Trail for nearly 5 years and the wheels looked as good as new when I sold it.

If anyone uses wonder wheels, get it from Costco, 5 litres for £9 something, as opposed to £9 for 500ml elsewhere. 4 litres of Mobil 1 is £23 plus VAT too.

Russ

 

[bigasotonuk]

I stand corrected could of sworn it was an alkali.