Can These Wheels Be Salvaged?

[RatherBeInCabo]

Is there hope for these wheels? They have a bad case of baked on brake dust. When I bought the car I just thought the wheels were dirty. Most of it cleaned up but there are a bunch of black particles that won't come off. I tried Bug & Tar remover on them as a first go.

Thanks in advance!
​

 

[agpatel]

Try to use a clay bar, it should take care of it if it is not pitted.

 

[jugodegolf]

Try to use a clay bar, it should take care of it if it is not pitted.

never dull will be faster imo.

 

[renegademobiledetailing]

Is there hope for these wheels? They have a bad case of baked on brake dust. When I bought the car I just thought the wheels were dirty. Most of it cleaned up but there are a bunch of black particles that won't come off. I tried Bug & Tar remover on them as a first go.

Thanks in advance!​

I did some rims that had that same problem. It was a bmx that actually was in worst condition than yours. I found that the only thing that i had (on hand) that would work was the clay bar. So give that a try!

 

[RatherBeInCabo]

I did some rims that had that same problem. It was a bmx that actually was in worst condition than yours. I found that the only thing that i had (on hand) that would work was the clay bar. So give that a try!

Thank you for the suggestion, I will give it a shot this weekend.

 

[img]

oven cleaner

 

[Matt S.]

never dull will be faster imo.

Nevr-Dull should NOT be used on a painted surface

 

[RatherBeInCabo]

Just a quick note...these wheels are on an 08 528i.

 

[agpatel]

I would try clay, It is save for the paint and should be somewhat easy to take care of.

 

[RatherBeInCabo]

I would try clay, It is save for the paint and should be somewhat easy to take care of.

I do have clay I was also going to do the paint this weekend. I'll give it a quick try tonight after work.

Thanks!

 

[ScottB]

I would grab a paint polish or two .... worth a shot also.

 

[Jimmie]

NTW=Not-to-worry. Worst case senario is if the fixes the guys above gave you don't work you can try wet sanding then (link) Wurth Wheel Kit . You absolutely cannot tell the difference in the touch up areas. I've done a wheel on a BMW and two on an Audi. They came out PERFECT.

 

[fech]

+1 for the clay bar.

 

[jugodegolf]

Nevr-Dull should NOT be used on a painted surface

from their website:

The Ultimate Metal Polish and Cleaner

NEVR-DULL is an extraordinary cleaning wonder that shines all metals with sparkling ease. Each can contains a generous supply of specially treated cotton wadding cloth. Simply remove a piece of wadding from the can and rub it thoroughly over the surface to be polished. NEVR-DULL works instantly, removing tarnish and dirt. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and metals are restored to their original luster.​

Unique, treated cotton wadding cloth

No spills, no mixing, no liquids or powders

Completely safe for all metals

Leaves no residue on surfaces or in crevices

Will not scratch or corrode

Fast, effective and easy to use​

I'm the last person that would put a scratch on my car or any car, and have been using it for a long time.

 

[RatherBeInCabo]

Metal polish would not be the right compound as these wheels are painted. In any case...I did a quick clay bar test when I got home from work tonight and the results appear to be promising.

My plan is to wait for the P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner to arrive and use that first and then do the clay bar. Below is a pic of the area I hit quickly. Too bad there is a scratch there but that is not so bad compared to the brake dust crap.

​

 

[Emile]

I have had very good luck with Mothers PowerMetal Aluminum polish. It works well on painted/clear-coated aluminum wheels. Skip the PowerBall though...in my experience, PowerMetal is best at removing the tough stuff on your wheels simply by hand with a microfiber towel. For what it's worth, it makes quick work of what tough degreasers and wheel cleaners cannot remove, and it's completely safe for the type of wheel you are showing us.

P21S Gel is just a good wheel cleaner that is safe for all wheel types. I don't think that it will work on what you are dealing with. But since you already ordered it, give it a shot and keep in mind to let the Gel sit for the full 2 hours. The cleaning power of P21S Gel is based on time...the longer you let it dwell, the better it will work.

 

[jugodegolf]

Just trying to help out here. Until I hear a explanation as to why not to use on painted surface. I will show a before and after of a wheel that rubbed up against something.
Before

After this is with some rubbing. Again I'd like to point out that I'm the last person that wants to put scratches anywhere.

 

[BenzDetailer]

Heat The Painted area with a 1500 Watt Blow Dryer for 4 or 5 minutes a section and take some clay that has been chilled below 65 degrees but not below 40. That will come right off.