How can I remove this brake dust?

Question

I have factory rims on my SUV and they were silver but now they're black. When I wash it the stuff I bought from AutoZone that's supposed to remove it doesn't work. I've heard that they sell an acid that is supposed to work. Can I remove it some other way and if not where can I find the acid stuff?

Answer 1

There are several ways to clean your wheels, choose the least aggressive method that will get the job done. A quality car wash/water solution is the least aggressive and will probably remove most of the dirt/brake dust from the wheel. My favorite is Sonax Gloss Shampoo at a dilution of _ measuring cupful per gallon of water to clean wheels. If car wash does not do the trick, then try a quality wheel cleaner. My two favorite wheel cleaners are both made in Germany, P21S and Sonax. Be careful when choosing a wheel cleaner, as most of the popular brands are highly acidic and may damage the finish on your wheels. The active ingredient in many wheel cleaners is hydrofluoric acid (the same stuff they use to etch glass). A current class action lawsuit in California alleges that a popular advertised brand is damaging to almost all wheel finishes. I get 2-3 calls a week from people who have stripped the finish off their wheels with this or other highly acidic products. P21S and Sonax are pH balanced for the German wheel finishes. They may not be as aggressive as other brands, but neither will they strip the finish off your wheel.

Most wheel cleaners work best on a dry wheel. Spray the cleaner on the wheel and work evenly into all areas of the wheel with a soft cloth, soft sponge or wash mitt. Try to smooth out any drips or runs so there is an even coating of cleaner over the entire wheel. Allow the wheel cleaner some time to work (3-5 minutes) and gently scrub the wheel with your cloth/sponge/mitt. Some areas of a dirty wheel may require gentle brushing with a soft brush to dislodge the dirt. If areas need additional cleaning, respray with wheel cleaner and gently brush. I repeat the warning, the keywords here "soft" and "gently". The finish on many wheels is acrylic enamel or a high temperature lacquer that is relatively soft and may scratch. Once the dirt/brake dust is loosened, rinse thoroughly with water and dry.

Answer 2

You should be able to get the acid from AutoZone, or any other car parts store.. I think they even carry it at Walmart. Just ask the clerk at the store what kind of acid solution they carry that will clean aluminum rims. Usually I think it contains Hydrofluoric Acid.. but there are other products that do not have this acid.

Answer 3

Usually wheel cleaners work well, try a different brand. You might need to (gulp) actually get a wash rag out and do a little work to get them clean. Next brake job, insist on higher quality ceramic based pads and the problem won't be so bad. Have fun!

Answer 4

The acid we use is made by 3M and is only available on the commercial end,it works good but you have to be very careful when using it.I would visit a detail shop and ask them,they should be able to help ya out,if you have a good relationship with a car dealership they can help ya out too,......

Answer 5

I would not use any acid product on your rims..
Try a different cleaner , a good brush and use some "elbow grease"...

Answer 6

The advice given before is good, but just a word of caution - brake dust is asbestos; don't breath ANY.

Answer 7

You could try this...i use it and it works great on everything...takes a bit of elbow grease but the results are worth it...good luck :)

Answer 8

well im sorry to say but once its baked on its on, the acid you are refering to could to more damage than good, take your vehicle to a shop that polishes wheels and ask them

Answer 9

some air spray can cause cancer,get some type of air tank .

Answer 10

non clorinated brake cleaner