Alloy wheels - gettting thick baked on brake dust off

[Keith]

I have what appears to be 40,000 miles of baked on brake dust to remove!

Wonder Wheels is not coping What else is out there?

I have a steam cleaner, never tried it on wheels before and don't want to damage the lacquer is (careful) steam cleaning an option?

[Zeb]

I suspect the wheels, or at least parts, get just as hot from the brakes...steam cleaning should be ok...

[Ken]

I have what appears to be 40,000 miles of baked on brake dust to remove!

Wonder Wheels is not coping What else is out there?

I have a steam cleaner, never tried it on wheels before and don't want to damage the lacquer is (careful) steam cleaning an option?

Trouble with steam cleaning is it cleans so well, if the wheels have not been touched for 40k the lacquer could be in a poor state just go very gently at first. On the other hand all the brake dust may have protected it you never know Keith. If wonder wheels don't touch it none of the cleaners are going to either so it looks like steam is your only option.

[GreyGhost]

Wouldn't cost much to respray the wheels if they do look rough.
I badly kerbed all my wheels during the first few months of ownership. Once I had learned to park I engaged Chips Away to repair them. Kerbing damage repaired and complete respray of the outboard face £50.00 per corner. They looked like new when finished, with a 2 year guarantee. They still look brilliant. They did not need any major prepping as the were generally very good, that might make a difference to what a refurbisher will charge.

[Paranoid Carlos]

In the past and if you have the time, taking the wheels off and soaking in wd40 overnight works wonders, you will use a full tin and it can be messy working it in with a brush, but I always went back to that when every other miracle liquid didn't work. When they are clean a good car polish keeps them shiney longer.

Used to bring up really old yellow/brown wheel trims (fords especially) up like new.

[Zeb]

Fresh lemon juice is one of the best cleaners...it even takes off burnt crud from the bottom of a saucepan....:band:

[Pete]

Years ago I used to use a bleach and washing up mix - but I strongly recommend aginst using it these days as it can strip the lacquer very quickly and is potentially explosive. :panic: I've more recently tried T-Cut, (which makes some headway against pitted brakedust) and I've seen comments that clay can help too.

[crofts]

I have what appears to be 40,000 miles of baked on brake dust to remove!

Wonder Wheels is not coping What else is out there?

I have a steam cleaner, never tried it on wheels before and don't want to damage the lacquer is (careful) steam cleaning an option?

Don't think you have many other options Keith and depends on wheel style whether you will get into all the nooks & crannies 'cause I can't see you accepting half a job.
To be honest if the steam dosn't work 100% I can only see you will be happy with refurb. Mikes contact do a good job at a bargain price.
You could bust a gut trying to get them clean but I'd be surprised if they are perfect after hours of work :flog:

[T-Cut]

Fresh lemon juice is one of the best cleaners...it even takes off burnt crud from the bottom of a saucepan....:band:
That's because it contains citric acid. Many alloy wheel cleaners contain hydrochloric acid, which cuts into the brake grime. I'd look for an acid based cleaner and spray/paint this on repeatedly till you get down to the laquer, then steam clean it all off.
TC

[Keith]

Well I had a go with my Steam cleaner it might be great for getting wall paper off or removing grime from the cooker but it did not even make a dent in the wheels

I will try some WD40 on one and Lemon Juice on another
Wonder wheels is getting there slowly but it is not penetrating deeply enough.

[Keith]

WD40 didn't make a dent
I have not tried Lemon Juice yet

I think I need something stronger

[Ken]

This may sound daft but what about oven cleaner?

[T-Cut]

Oven cleaners might work, but remember they are very alkaline and could strip paint as well as the muck. The best wheel cleaner is hydrochloric acid (mixed with detergent) but not easy to get hold of. Sulphuric acid (eg. from an old battery) diluted in warm water might be effective. Wear goggles /gloves.

[JP53]

Keith a very MILD mix of costic soda. Do not breath in the fumes do it in the open air. Do ware gloves and do not leave it on long. I had some acid like substance I used on my MGC wire wheels bot its gone off I've just been checking it. You may be able to get some it's like wonder wheels but stronger, professional valeters use it. John