Hi all,

Does anyone have any ideas/concepts on how to remove old-pitted brake dust from our Aluminum wheels?

 The issue that I have is that I bought the car with the 2 front wheels having very dark almost encrypted type markings.

I have tried many cleaner type products with no success.
I am wondering if anyone has used a heavy/industrial type cleaner?

The brake dust is very hard to scrub off and seems to have penetrated to Aluminum a bit.

Also of note, I know this may sound or seem kind of ludicrous, but since they are Aluminum, is there any danger to steel wool them (INDSIDE of course) or is there a clear coating on that part of the rim as well.

Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks….
Frank

You'll probably have to sand 'em down, and repaint them. Or, sandblast 'em. My Cutty had that trouble, and it's not a simple fix.

_________________
One Big Ass Mistake America

you can try using a sos pad but make sure you keep the sos pad and the wheel wet so it won't leave scratches.

_________________
1999 Ford Mustang GT - Anniversary Edition - K&N Cold Air Intake

SOLD - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

That won't cut it. It WILL leave scratches. Even "0000" steel wool will. Sanding/blasting and refinishing is the best option.

_________________
One Big Ass Mistake America

Hi Guys

I am referring to the inside portion of our rims.

I purchased my GXP used and the rims were almost black on the inside from negelct from the previous owner...

Is there a clearcoat on the inside as well? it does not seem so.

Is there any danger to steel wool them (INDSIDE of course)

Frank

Frank
No danger in trying the steel wool, but I doubt this will get everything removed from the inner wheel barrel. You will make a drastic improvement though. I would give it a shot, the inner wheel barrels are not clear coated. Try it out, but then seal them with a nice paint sealer that you would use on your paint. This will give you a little added protection ( for a couple of months ) against the brake dust from doing more damage.

_________________

2007 GXP w/ minor mods

Thanks for all the help....

It is much appreciated.

Frank

HA i had the same problem might have been worst,the brake dust was so bad when i got the car i thaught it was rust.So i tried MOTHERS WHEEL MIST and a scouring sponge with water and i finally got it off.GOOD LUCK

well this weekend i will be using my PC for the first time. i was wonderin if it would be alright to use some scratch x on our rims then polish and finish with a layer of wax since i have some micro scratches on them?

_________________


Only a memory
Pioneer Nav/Magnaflow Catback/E-Cutout/Poly MM/CAI/160*/TBS/STB F&R/Wrapped X-Over & 3'' DP/Flip Paint/XP5243 Atl. Plugs/10.4mm Taylor Wires/SSC

256HP/341TQ
14.05 @ 100.4 2.24 60'

Are you talking about the face of the rims, or the back barrel? The face is clear coated, and you could buff them, but go lightly.

_________________

2007 GXP w/ minor mods

i was talkin about the face. i plan on taking them off and usin a brush and some type of cleaner to do the back barrel part.

_________________


Only a memory
Pioneer Nav/Magnaflow Catback/E-Cutout/Poly MM/CAI/160*/TBS/STB F&R/Wrapped X-Over & 3'' DP/Flip Paint/XP5243 Atl. Plugs/10.4mm Taylor Wires/SSC

256HP/341TQ
14.05 @ 100.4 2.24 60'

Your best bet with the back is to media blast them. FAR less effort. I used steel wool on mine, and after about 20 minutes, decided it wasn't even CLOSE to worth the work.

_________________
One Big Ass Mistake America

should i just stick with buffin on wax or would it be safe to use a meguiars scratch x, polish, and the wax? i got some micro scratches i wanna get out.

_________________


Only a memory
Pioneer Nav/Magnaflow Catback/E-Cutout/Poly MM/CAI/160*/TBS/STB F&R/Wrapped X-Over & 3'' DP/Flip Paint/XP5243 Atl. Plugs/10.4mm Taylor Wires/SSC

256HP/341TQ
14.05 @ 100.4 2.24 60'