Cleaning wheel backs after 5 years
05-08-2011, 07:04 PM
#1
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I am trying to clean the backs of the wheels from a 05 545i. Planning on repainting the front faces. The backs are a non metal flake surface that almost looks like silver power coat. My problem is that what looks like 5 years of baked on pad dust and wheel weight adhesive is not coming off even with fairly drastic measures. Tried wheel cleaner, Goof Off, Gunk and Carb cleaner (in a spot) with no success. Used stiff brushes and scotch brite for metal prep (brown).
Any suggestions other than tons of elbow grease with the scouring pad? Looking for a miracle solvent or process that will leave the coating intact on the backs. Stains are worst in the gaps between the spokes.
Thx,
Marty
Any suggestions other than tons of elbow grease with the scouring pad? Looking for a miracle solvent or process that will leave the coating intact on the backs. Stains are worst in the gaps between the spokes.
Thx,
Marty
05-08-2011, 09:05 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530d M Sport Automatic, Le Mans Edition.Le Mans Blue Individual Paint Special, Syrah Blue Individual Leather, Piano Black Individual Interior Trim, Front seat heating,M Double Spoke 172 19
[Any suggestions other than tons of elbow grease with the scouring pad?
Marty
/quote]
That's your answer,it's a messy job and takes a lot of time.
Since the faces need repainting I would go for refurbishment.
Marty
/quote]
That's your answer,it's a messy job and takes a lot of time.
Since the faces need repainting I would go for refurbishment.
05-09-2011, 04:39 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i M-Tech Sport Package, Carbon Black, Black/Anthracite Bamboo
Purple Power Degreaser works great on the back side of the wheel. Local auto store should have it.
05-30-2011, 02:09 PM
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On the most dusty, nasty, dirty brake dust staining vehicle in the history of mankind, coupled to the hardest wheels every designed to clean (Mercedes 300E) I used tons of brake cleaner, wheel cleaner, simple green and ect. The wheel cleaner seemed to have the most effect, but you've got to let it soak on for a while before you take a green scrubbie or stiff nylon bristled brush to it. It does take elbow grease, but it all came off for me.
Now I make a habit of cleaning all my wheels completely every year, sometimes twice a year. I do it when I take them off to swap over to my winter wheels (with studless snow tires). I clean them up before I store the wheels, but its tricky because I have to make sure that I haven't waited too long as my hose will freeze up and I've got to blow out my sprinkler system and turn off my normal outside water spigot.
I'm generally a big fan of wheels with 5 spokes that have large gaps where its easier to get a brush or your hand in behind the spokes to clean them when the wheels are mounted up....
Now I make a habit of cleaning all my wheels completely every year, sometimes twice a year. I do it when I take them off to swap over to my winter wheels (with studless snow tires). I clean them up before I store the wheels, but its tricky because I have to make sure that I haven't waited too long as my hose will freeze up and I've got to blow out my sprinkler system and turn off my normal outside water spigot.
I'm generally a big fan of wheels with 5 spokes that have large gaps where its easier to get a brush or your hand in behind the spokes to clean them when the wheels are mounted up....