removing brake dust from polished aluminum wheels....

[Dave M]

Is there an efective, and safe, way to remove brake dust from polished aluminum wheels? I have some minor dust embedded in the wheels that won't come off with normal washing.

This morning I finished claying my car and tried the clay on the wheels. While it did remove most of the dust and did seem to polish up the wheels, it removed so much grime that the clay bar is now useless. I don't want to have to buy 4 clay bars just for my wheels, but if it's the only effective way then I might. Does anyone know of any other wheel cleaner that does a good job removing brake dust and is safe for polished aluminum?

Thanks!

[TraceZ]

Assuming your whaeels are not clearcoated....
Mother's aluminum polish


buy some

love it!

[Dave M]

I have stock 97 WS6 wheels. Not sure if they're clearcoated or not. Anyone know?

[TraceZ]

Originally posted by Dave M
I have stock 97 WS6 wheels. Not sure if they're clearcoated or not. Anyone know?

I didnt know they used polished aluminum wheels on stock WS6s.

Are they chrome? If so, they are not clearcoated and the polish will work fine.

[Bond Hawk]

The stuff for aluminum only (no clearcoat) should turn a weird color if there's no clearcoat when you apply to aluminum. You probably do have clearcoat, because my polished aluminum Firehawk rims have clearcoat, and SLP also did the WS6 in 97.

[Dave M]

so anything to get brake dust out of clear coat on wheels other than clay? If not, is the clay safe? I imagine it is since you use it on the paint's clearcoat... but just double checking.

[Bond Hawk]

I would use clay, then Zaino the hell out of the wheels. If you keep them clean and Zaino them on a regular basis, you will never have to clay out the brake dust again.

You got an awesome deal on your 97 WS6, congrats!!

[Dave M]

Thanks, I did get a good deal considering the miles, but it definately needs some work in the looks department. It looks great from a disntance but it's got a few scuff marks in the paint and the wheel problem, and the engine compartment needs one he!! of a cleaning. But it runs great and needs nothing mechanically so I can't complain... I'd be cleaning whether it needed it or not!! haha!

[coloradoformula]

I use Eagle One wheel and tire cleaner. Works great on my ZR-1 rims. Not sure if it's okay to use on clear coat rims...

[fastTa]

SLP's 1997 WS6 wheels are clearcoated. So regular aluminum polish has little effect. Treat them the same as you would the clear on your paint. I'm sure Zaino would make them glow!!

[pugmire]

Kevin,

Do you know what they use for the clearcoat? Just the regular stuff sprayed over paint, or is there something special that is used for aluminum wheels? There are some spots I would like to polish on my new wheels but would like to seal them back up after I do so.

Thanks!