Help cleaning grime off BBS rims

S

StiCy

New member
Hello, I am new to the forum and need some help. My rims are the OEM painted BBS Sti rims. I missed some hard to reach areas on either sided of my rims spokes and now there is a bit of brake dust that won't come off. I tried scrubbing it off with a rag and some Megs NXT wash, but its still there. I am considering ordering some p21s gel and see if that works. Are there any alternatives? I makes me kind of sick having that stuff on there, being that the rims are silver. Any ideas?



 
I use Meguiars wheel brightener or Eagle One tire/rim cleaner and it really eats up a good amount of brake dust off those STi BBS's. You might have to pick at it with your nail if its really persistant, I have a thread somewhere where I had the same problem on my friend's STi rims.
 
Get them cleaned off with something strong, and then put a sealant on them, and it will be much easier to clean in the future.
 
My alloys have the same caked on brake dust as yours. I would try to clay them first and then try one of the stronger wheel cleaners that these guys mentioned. Good luck.
 
I have the same problem on an s2000. I cleaned it with a brush using the same shampoo that I washed the car with and put a sealant on it. The next wash was soooooo much easier
 
Wheel wax actually works on stuff like that sometimes. Cleaner wax, clay or a strong wheel cleaner, and elbow grease should get it off. Then wax/seal the wheels to prevent future problems.
 
P21S Total Auto Wash is great for wheels, wheel wells, engines, and the whole car to strip the LSP. It is a great product that I think most would benefit to have in their arsenal.
 
It's paint, just like on the body..car wash soap and friction always ended up working best for me..the right tool makes a world of difference. I have a dedicated mitt for wheels. I like being able to use my fingers to get into the nooks and crannys
 
I have eight of the SAME wheels. I just cleaned them all. They were brand new (new ones on the car) and four new takeoffs with tires that I bought (for Winter use).



They all had very difficult to remove staining and brake dust in the same spot (and around the lug nut area (even though the car only had a few miles when I bought it).



Here is what I did and it removed everything 100%. I cleaned the wheels off the car.



- Wash and rinse well using a spray bottle mixed with car wash soap and water

- Wiped down the wheels with 303 Aerospace cleaner and a MF (I used 30:1 ratio) - applied from a spray bottle

- Wiped down the wheels with Oil Flo Safety solvent and water and a MF (8:1) - applied from a spray bottle

- Clayed with an old piece of clay (using the soap and water mix from step 1 as a lube)

- Cleaned with Jeff's Workstatt Prime Strong (worked better than Klasse AIO on this application)

- Topped with JW Acrylic Jett



Time consuming -- yes, a lot of work -- yes... Results -- outstanding. Wheels are perfect and no damage.



The PrimeStrong/AJ are making it MUCH easier to keep clean. I do have the OEM Brembo brakes and pads and they spew dust while just looking at them :)
 
On autopia car care there is a Perfect Shine Detailing Clay Bundle for $7.99. Couldn't post a link for some reason.
 
If you have a local napa they sell napa brand wheel acid in gallons. Well the ones around here do at least. Dilute it with some water and spray on and rinse off. You shouldn't have any problems but since they are painted don't let the acid sit too long or dry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top