Extremely stubborn caked-on brake dust

B

BMW335i

New member
I've tried clay (sonus green ultra fine) and soapy water with a brush but can't get the spots out. There are a few patches on the wheels itself, in the corner of the spokes. I don't want to cross the line of going TOO aggressive because they are clearcoated.



What can I do? A more aggressive clay? Strong wheel cleaner? The stuff is just EMBEDDED in there...its ridiculous because this car is brand new, I got it like this from the dealer.
 
I find that that new-car break-in brake dust is the most copious and most damaging. I don't know if it's just because the wheels are unsealed at that point, or because it is left on for longer, or if it's just different because it's the break-in dust (bigger, hotter, chemically different).



I would certainly try a strong OTC wheel cleaner like EO AW&TC or Meg's GC (I think you can get both of them at Target) or a strong neutral cleaner, something along the lines of P21S or Griot's, etc. You need to let it soak for a bit and then be gentle with the brush. If it's embedded...it may not come out. The ABF/HF wheel cleaners will burn it out, if you want to use them.
 
If its embedded in the wheels I would make the dealer clean the wheels for you. Only the wheels. Don't let them wash any other part.
 
I'd try a more aggressive clay. The same Sonus Gray that I find a bit aggressive for regular paint works great for me on wheels. Follow with some abrasive polish as needed and don't worry, most wheels have pretty thick/tough clear.



If i can get the *back* sides nice I bet you'll do OK on those tight spots.



I've also used fairly aggressive clay like that with a strong APC/wheel cleaner as lube. The clay breaks down pretty fast but until that happens it's been good and effective.
 
Remember, with clay you will only take off what is above and on the surface of the wheel. Kinda like taking off a splinter- there might be embedded parts that clay does not dig down and get. You will have to be careful. If you remove too much of the clear, you are going to cause future problems with the wheels- I believe.



Rob Regan
 
i find this is a common thing for BMWs. my best guess is due to a certain brake pad compound used by BMW. My only real suggestion that i can think of is wash your wheels more often. Ive also had a tough time removing embedded brake dust from BMW wheels and curious too. Try doing E39 M5 wheels... that was a ***** :wall
 
Yeah, I do have access to Wheel Britener. I've heard some negative things that it is too harsh though...Can I just spot treat with this? Like spray on the spots that need it, then scrub with a terry? Or should I just hose it down?



I would try clay but I can buy some Wheel Britener locally as opposed to ordering online for Sonus...
 
One product that I have found that works very well on this is Adams Undercarriage Cleaner. It got rid of all caked on brake dust on my H2.
 
If you're talking about the Meg's Wheel Brightener, used according to directions it should not damage the wheel...the negative things about it being too harsh are probably on YOU; proper care should be exercised when using ABF/HF wheel cleaners.
 
Wheel Brightener is Hydrof. Acid?? Man, I would not use that stuff, ever. I did at one time, but learned more about the effects and read reports about people losing fingers over its use. It is not made by more and more manufacturers. You can not only damage wheels, but your health. I thought it was not good to use on clear coats? I remember seeing it eat right through some coated wheels years ago. To be compliant to use this stuff, you need a respirator, face shield, gloves, etc. Dude, seriously, I would try anything before that and even buy new wheels before using HF Acid.



You don't want to damage parts of your own body (that you may not see results for a long time) in order to clean some brake dust.



I know guys and just trained with some that use it still. They changed their minds like I did after educating themselves on the health aspects. I'm sure some of you use it and like it a lot..it works very well when used as directed. However, as a caring individual and someone that would hate to see this stuff mishandled, or accidently left out for a curious child to spill, my 2 cents are that you simply say, "no" to this type of cleaner.



Rob Regan
 
I use Wheel Brightener only after winter weather when I do not have access to clean the wheels every week. Ive gotten it on my hands before with no negative effects. I wouldn't breathe that stuff in though.



However, it does one helluva job cleaning up wheels. I'd recommend WB to ya. Even 4:1 will take off the toughest brake dust.
 
Seankf1105 said:
i find this is a common thing for BMWs. my best guess is due to a certain brake pad compound used by BMW. My only real suggestion that i can think of is wash your wheels more often. Ive also had a tough time removing embedded brake dust from BMW wheels and curious too. Try doing E39 M5 wheels... that was a ***** :wall
Click to expand...



Haha yeah, or 10 yr old E36 M3 double spoke wheels. :bestwish :LOLOL
 
I would imagine it takes out brake dust REAL well if its concentrated HF acid...Its actively dissolving metal shavings.



I will try some strong OTC wheel cleaners first...
 
I think some people are paranoid about using Meg's WB. I used it today, with gloves and goggles. It worked great, and didn't seem horribly dangerous...
 
I use wheel acid all the time at work(dealership), and it works very well. I've only seen it damage wheels once and they were so old who knows if they were damaged before hand...



It is safe for clear coats as we use it on paint to remove rust marks.
 
Alright, well I bought from Meguiar's Hot Rims from Wal-Mart. I hear this is harsh.



Should I start out with Eagle One A2Z first?
 
WCD said:
Wheel Brightener is Hydrof. Acid?? Man, I would not use that stuff, ever. I did at one time, but learned more about the effects and read reports about people losing fingers over its use. It is not made by more and more manufacturers. You can not only damage wheels, but your health. I thought it was not good to use on clear coats? I remember seeing it eat right through some coated wheels years ago. To be compliant to use this stuff, you need a respirator, face shield, gloves, etc. Dude, seriously, I would try anything before that and even buy new wheels before using HF Acid.



You don't want to damage parts of your own body (that you may not see results for a long time) in order to clean some brake dust.



I know guys and just trained with some that use it still. They changed their minds like I did after educating themselves on the health aspects. I'm sure some of you use it and like it a lot..it works very well when used as directed. However, as a caring individual and someone that would hate to see this stuff mishandled, or accidently left out for a curious child to spill, my 2 cents are that you simply say, "no" to this type of cleaner.



Rob Regan
Click to expand...





+1....just making sure you know you've been heard.



This stuff is to be used with caution. Please don't take it lightly.
 
Guys, HF Acid does NOT burn..you won't feel anything if it is on your skin. This does not mean that it is safe. A girl car washer years ago got some in her glove. Never noticed. The acid got through her pores and starting eating the calcium (if I remember correctly). She had to have 1 or 2 fingers amputated. Please do some reading of the MSDS sheets of your product and find out what you are really dealing with. You can also contact Ron Ketchum at Auto International who can elaborate more.



Thanks and good health, Rob Regan



BTW: I tried my vapormaster on my neighbor's '86 Audi last week. He told me that he had tried everything over the years to remove some of the brakedust. The steamer got them about 95% clean without ANY chemicals. I know this won't cause many to spend the money on one, but it is another method to clean without chemicals.
 
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