Topic: How to Get Rid of Sludgy Brown Brake Dust Residue on Rims

[Angry Chicken]

Scotch-Brite "Never Scratch" all purpose soap pads.  Almost no elbow grease needed and does extremely quick work on that brownish brake dust residue.  Cleaned up my rims like a champ. and guaranteed "safe for delicate surfaces" according to 3M, the maker.

Try it first on an inconspicuous area of course!

[dr_spock]

Did it remove any of the clear coat?

[Angry Chicken]

Did it remove any of the clear coat?

Apparently not.  I just washed the car again, paying close attention to the wheels and they look as sparkly and shiny as new with no hazing or fine scratching.

[blownb310]

It's important to check the aluminum wheel cleaning product to see if it is for bare aluminum wheels, or clear coated wheels. One will have a mild acid in it [for the bare wheels] and the other is milder for the painted wheels.

[RX7heaven]

 Abrasive brake dust could scratch the rim once it is scrubbed off onto the pad. I used cut polish and an orbital polisher on stained aluminum rims with a good result. They say that it will have to be done again once clearcoats have been removed. I use a wheel brush with car soap and lots of warm water on our good rims. A premium brake pad should reduce brake dust-being easier on the brakes and driving light vehicles helps too.

[Turbo Bob]

Stuff it, dirty wheels are a sign you've been driving properly!

 

[RX7heaven]

My RX7 stops in 120 ft. from 60mph. with lots of negative g's and brake dust. Being hard on a racecars brakes won't win any races!

[KGCCS]

If the wheels are clear-coated then you could try traditional wheel/rim cleaners like Meguiar's Hot Rims.

For wheels with significant brake dust/grime build-up my technicians have been successful in using ACDelco Engine Shampoo. Spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes and agitate where/if necessary before rinsing. It is a heavy-duty degreaser which can also be used on engine bays, removal of rust-proofing, etc.