wire wheel cleaning

[hottvr]

What does everybody use to clean painted wire wheels? I've used Dow Scrubbing Bubbles, acouple different kinds of all-purpose cleaners, brake dust cleaners, and windex. Nothing worked better than a rag. After a long cleaning session the wires turned out nice and looked even better after using Moss wire wheel paint. Is there a product that helps repel brake dust and dirt to make cleaning easier?
Rick Hansen

 

[Bruce Bowker]

A rag and many hours works great and I guess everyone has done that. Recently though, I used somebody's (can't remember the name) mag and wheel cleaner and a squirt from a hose although I don't like too much water around my cars. It sure cleaned them up real well though. Shiny and grease free. Then a minor touch up with a rag.

I don't think anything will actually repel brake dust and road dirt though.

 

[Steve_S]

Avoid acidic cleaners. I use Autoglym Wheel Cleaner with a couple different shaped brushes. There are a few other decent cleaners out there as well, but the main thing I've found to keeping them clean is to do it often rather than letting the grime build up. That's when the stains begin to show.

 

[Mike H]

I use the cleaner sold by British Wire Wheel. It is basically a spray on rinse off. Works great as long as you don't let the dirt build up.

Also, instead of using grease on the splines, I use Permatex Anti Seize. It is a silver color, almost identical to the paint. When it seeps down onto the spokes, it is almost invisible.

 

[hottvr]

Good call Mike on the Permatex. I'll use it next time.
Rick

 

[Geo Hahn]

Every time this topic comes up I read in hope of finding the magic "spray on, rinse off" answer but generally it takes rags, brushes and work to get these really clean.

A few things that may help if you haven't done them already --

Silicone sealant inside the hub around the head of the spokes will help keep spline grease from seeping thru there.

Some pads have considerably less brake dust (the one I use is even 'guaranteed not to dust').

Some LBC brake systems have features which over time can cause slight brake drag -- cleaning, adjusting or in one case disabling of these can greatly reduce dust.

 

[Steve_S]

I "spray on / hose off" at least 4 out of 5 times. They stay clean enough providing you aren't too picky about it.

 

[Bruce Bowker]

[ QUOTE ]
Every time this topic comes up I read in hope of finding the magic "spray on, rinse off" ..

[/ QUOTE ]

I was really impressed with that mag and chrome wheel cleaner I used. It really cleaned them well. Sorry just don't remember the name. I think it was green liquid and a green/gold/black (maybe) labeled spray bottle. Cut the dirt, grease, dust etc very well. Wires did shine afterward.

I have also been wondering if that car wash non streaking stuff being advertised might do a great job on wires after the main dirt was cleaned. Mr. Clean is it?

 

[Henri]

Every time this topic comes up I read in hope of finding the magic "spray on, rinse off" answer but generally it takes rags, brushes and work to get these really clean.

Shucks...I use Eagle One Chrome & Wire Cleaner...it's a spray on...hose it off...and my spokes sparkle...

Here is link... Eagle One Chrome & Wire Cleaner

As to brake dust...I'm using brake pads that do not create much in the way of dust...much...much better than the brake pads I used in the 60's... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[BEEJAY7]

I use a similar product to Henri, that is available from local car Supermarkets here in the UK. Just spray on, wait two minutes and hose off. Cleans my chrome wires superbly, but you must to remember to wash off the tyres afterwards as it does tend to stain them if left.

Cheers

 

[Steve_S]

Be careful. If it stains the tires it may contain phosphoric acid which will eat away at the finish over time. Always be certain to use a non-acidic cleaner. They don't clean as powerfully but it will save your wheels in the long run.