cleaning wheel back sides...
cleaning wheel back sides... What's the best method of cleaning the back sides of a set of ZR-1s that are pretty blackened up from cooked-on brake dust and road grime? Thanks. WJ
TECH Addict
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,564
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From: Bellingham/Edmonds, WA
I'd take them off and spray them down with some brake parts cleaner and let that sit for a bit then scrub with a sponge or towel and then hose it off. Then maybe after that use simple green and do the same thing over again. Brake parts cleaner -shouldn't- hurt the powdercoat.
I'd scrub them a few times using Eagle A2Z wheel cleaner (which is a pretty strong acidic wheel cleaner) and a good wheel brush, then take a claybar kit to them. This should get them clean, but you'll need to polish/wax as necessary to shine them up and protect.
I would be leary of using stronger chemicals like brake cleaner or Simple Green as they may damage the finish. What finish are they: painted, powdercoated, polished, chrome, etc.?
I would be leary of using stronger chemicals like brake cleaner or Simple Green as they may damage the finish. What finish are they: painted, powdercoated, polished, chrome, etc.?
I would treat them like the paint on your car... clean with Eagle One A2Z or similar strong, wheel-safe cleaner, then clay bar, then polish and wax. As always, start with a mild method and if that doesn't work you can get more aggressive from there. Here are some threads for reference:
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...threadid=51700
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
Good luck!
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...threadid=51700
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ted+AND+wheels
Good luck!
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Well well well look who got a nice set of wheels. Hey, that guy LS1? is right. Start mild and go from there. Try some Dawn first,shouldnt hurt anything,at least it'll get the grease off there. A weak solution of simple green wont hurt anything either. Maybe 25% SG to water. The backs arent clearcoated so you dont have to worry about that. Just remember to keep the strong stuff away from the fronts of the rim as they are clearcoated. I just use soap and water on them. If the clearcoat goes bye bye you'll have to start polishing them and you dont want to start that PITA. See ya at LVD
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I always take mine off every month or so and scrum them down good all over. i just use soap and water go get the majority off, then a brush and whatever solvent to get the tuff stuff. -Jim
Originally Posted by WJ SOM SS
What's the best method of cleaning the back sides of a set of ZR-1s that are pretty blackened up from cooked-on brake dust and road grime? Thanks. WJ
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[QUOTE=12stones]I always take mine off every month or so and scrum them down good all over. i just use soap and water go get the majority
Agreed. I usually start off with a 409 or wheel cleaner then use soap and water. It just takes some scrubbing. Nothing too difficult though. Really makes a difference and brightens up the wheels.
Agreed. I usually start off with a 409 or wheel cleaner then use soap and water. It just takes some scrubbing. Nothing too difficult though. Really makes a difference and brightens up the wheels.
If you look at the Simple Green dilution chart, you'll see that one of its uses is also stripping wax. Be sure to wax the wheels when you are done so they aren't unprotected.
I've also read that Simple Green is corrosive to aluminum so don't let it sit for very long and make sure that you rinse VERY well.
I've also read that Simple Green is corrosive to aluminum so don't let it sit for very long and make sure that you rinse VERY well.
