Cleaning stock wheels (1 Viewer)

[Cruiserhead05]

I did do several searches on this so please forgive me if its like the 50th repost. just direct where to find the answer and i'll be satisfied. I wanted to know if anyone had any good hints for cleaning the stock wheels. specifically trying to get the blackness in the tight areas, off the sides of the "spokes" if thats what you want to call them. basically looking to restore my wheels and have them look better overall.

Thanks

 

[Beowulf]

Soap and water.

-B-

 

[LX_TREME]

I've tried so many different products out there so far the best one: Blue Coral
Heavy Duty Ammoniated cleans wheel surfaces without streaking or smearing.
You can find it @ PepBoys.The Blue Coral spray great for removing road grime, bugs & hazy films.
Tip: Spray onto surface to be cleaned then wipe dry with a paper towel or lint-free cloth for streak-free shine

 

[turbocruiser]

More and more, I say soap and water, even if some black residue remains; I've seen so many clear coated aluminum alloy wheels get ruined (visually) by cleaners that oxidize and peel the clear coat. Happened on my Runner despite the fact that the cleaner I used was "aluminum safe and clear coat safe" - so they say, yeah right, the things looked like aluminum oxide on bare aluminum boats left out too long, yuck! HTH

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I've been meaning to make a similar post. My wheels have black pitting in the "windows" of the wheels.

For general cleaning of brake dust and dirt I've been very pleased with Meguire's wheel cleaner(in a pinkish/purplish translucent bottle. Spray on, hose off, scrubbing only if the stuff is really caked on there.

Ary

 

[brianinaustin]

A product called "Never Dull" polishes the heck out of most any metal, and has been clearcoat safe in my experience. They recently got bought out by Eagle One, so lots of auto parts stores sell it. It looks like raw cotton impregnated with some kind of wax. Rub on... buff off. Super stuff. Found a description...

http://www.autogeek.net/eo104.html

I think Gunk (or someone... I'll look when later) makes a bug and tar remover for painted surfaces in a spray can that takes the black off terrifically when applied with a toothbrush. I sprayed on the toothbrush, not all over the wheel.

I just bought a '96 (first post!) and had to do a couple of hours cleaning on the spare. It was stored pretty-side down... is that normal? Seems like the OM said it should be installed ps up?

 

[Kalawang]

I'll go with the soap and water crowd.


Kalawang

 

[erics_bruisers]

soap, water and normal wax

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I'm gonna go by autozone today and see what i can find. i think i need something a little stronger than soap and what thought. A grinding wheel came to mind......not

 

[Arleaux]

Water & a good microfiber cloth.

I honestly believe all that other crap is a waste of money.

 

[reffug]

Soap water and a high pressure washer....

 

[NorCalDoug]

I picked up a 2nd OEM set and it's in pretty rough shape. I haven't had time to tackle it yet, but from my initial inspection, it looks like it's going to need a lot more than soap and water...

Any suggestions for heavy duty cleaners and/or polishes? I think mine are going to need a polishing wheel of some sort.

 

[semlin]

3M makes an aluminum mag cleaner. I found it works great on dirt/brake dust on mags etc... It also shined up that aluminum step plate on the rear bumper so I would not have recognized it.

The other tip is that once you have gotten 95% of the crud off using rags or shoptowels, switch to a used toothbrush.

 

[macneill]

I just let the brake dust build up so they get that all over nice gun metal look.

 

[Taz]

4000 psi pressure washer with a little dish soap works for me

 

[karryss]

dish soap and water

 

[Rich]

Aren't all of the stock alloy wheels clear coated?

 

[Beowulf]

Aren't all of the stock alloy wheels clear coated?

Yes.

-B-

 

[Gumby]

Powdercoat 'em and be done with it.

 

[sparker56]

Just went through that. Use GOO-GONE, household or auto mix. Apply with small brush, let stay on for several minutes, remove with paper towel. Repeat as necessary for heavy brake dust deposits. Works quite well. With little effirt you can get close to mint condition