Removing Stubborn Brake Dust

[Atrocity79]

My uncle has a new Ford F-150. He added some custom chrome wheels. It doesnt really get cleaned on a regular basis. So these wheels are in need of a good cleaning. Im looking for something safe enough to use on these chrome wheels. The brake dust is like caked onto the wheels.



Some pics:

 

[neonecko]

I also have a problem on my Z4, the wheels are not chrome, however the original owner had never cleaned the wheels and it seems as though tar or caked up brake dust has built up in the corners of the spokes. Any ideas on how to remove EXTREMELY stubburn brake dust. I spent almost an hour trying to remove it from one wheel and could not get rid of it.

 

[jchetty]

the first pic looks like water spots on the lip, but it could also be degreaser residue..often when ppl wash with a degreaser, if it is not completely removed it will result in spotting...if usually very noticable on windows and reflective metals..in either case i would try a mild polish such as meguiars nxt all metal polysh, start on the lip use in small area..apply with foam applicator and remove with a soft towel...as for the face of rim, if extra bite is needed, use a terry cloth applicator and again try a small area first

 

[Atrocity79]

I have no idea what they've been washing this truck with. But Ive since bought car wash soap and plan on getting these wheels back to the shine they once had. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Atrocity79]

A follow up. I purchased the Meguiar's NXT All Metal Polysh from Autopia. Im pleased on what it did to these chrome wheels. Not the best pictures, it was getting late. But it really brought back the shine hiding under the caked brake dust.



Passenger Side un-Polished.

Drivers Side Polished.

Again, not the best pics.



I dont really like using spray-on wheel cleaners on chrome wheels. But what could I spray that will knock out the brake dust inside the wheel>?

 

[imported_themightytimmah]

To spray and remove that stuff you're gonna need some serious acids. On the plus side, acids are pretty chrome-friendly, Meg's Wheel Brightener comes to mind. Start with a 4:1 dilution of water:brightener then mix stronger from there as necessary.

 

[furnace]

What about on alloy wheels?



I have crappy Mintex Red Box brake pads up front and the dust like crazy. Currently I am using a rough cotton towel and QEW to get it out.



What's abetter way to get the tuff stuff?

 

[Charlies02GLS]

What about on alloy wheels?



I have crappy Mintex Red Box brake pads up front and the dust like crazy. Currently I am using a rough cotton towel and QEW to get it out.



What's abetter way to get the tuff stuff?

I use Eagle One A2Z Wheel Cleaner, a megs wheel brush and a toothbrush for the crevices. If you're looking for a lower dusting pad I can suggest the EBC Greenstuff pads. I went from the stock Pagids on my Jetta to the EBC pads and the difference is night and day.