how to clean brake dust

**joliver2** · 05-28-2008, 07:28 PM

in addition to my SS I have a 97' F150 that has a set of Dick Cepek DC-1 wheels that are polished aluminum. As of late I have spent alot more time cleaning the car than the truck. The wheels were absolutely covered in brake dust but I have managed to get the biggest part off but there is still quite a bit in sections that I cant get. I have used different cleaners and a mothers power ball....Any suggestions of things that have worked for you?

**Z06-Goose** · 05-28-2008, 09:22 PM

What worked in other areas, should work everywhere else. Try a toothbrush to scrub it down. Some products you need to let it soak a little bit before you work it off

There's a product called P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner that might be what you're looking for. Make sure is the "gel" formula. Do a google search, and you'll see a lot info on it
I've seen this product used by pro-detailers and it has done a great job!

Also, a similar product S100 Wheel Gel Cleaner in gel form can be found at almost any Harley Davison dealership. These two products are water-based and will not ruin your wheels...

**Mr. Luos** · 05-28-2008, 09:31 PM

New wheels.

**JoshieDoom** · 05-28-2008, 09:43 PM

Get some good pads from advanced auto and you wont have brake dust.(thanks orion)

**tiny47** · 06-02-2008, 04:30 AM

Most detailer supplers have a mild acid (wire wheel cleaner). This works very good. However DO NOT leave it on for a long time it may stain your wheels. I have used it for about 10 years with no problems.

**GULLETT17** · 06-02-2008, 07:44 AM

2000 grit wet sand paper then mothers

just finished up my wheels with this a couple days ago. . . they shine better than what they did new

**Nauty99SS** · 06-04-2008, 03:34 PM

change pads

**Selride** · 06-06-2008, 05:23 PM

I've had good luck with using fine steel wool. Just rub very lightly and keep the surface wet at all times! I used eagle-one aluminum wheel cleaner as the lubricant.

**Jim D.** · 06-08-2008, 10:25 AM

I'd avoid acid cleaners as it will clean, but will require more polishing later.

An abrasive like steel wool will also get some areas clean, but it won't get in the nooks and crannies, and will probably still require polishing.

Knowing which cleaners you've used specifically may be helpful, but if you haven't tried Eagle 1 All Wheel & Tire Cleaner (about $6 available everywhere), give that a try. Spray it on, agitate with a soft fine-bristled (or split-bristled) brush to get into the nooks and crannies, and rinse with a strong car wash solution. Inspect and repeat.

Get them clean and then try polishing them with the PowerBall and aluminum polish.

If you have pitting, that's another challenge, and brake dust can get lodged in the pits.

Try those things, and if you need more help please provide a photo.

**summy** · 08-25-2008, 08:33 PM

How about the inside of the stock wheels? Now that I have got a new DD the TA is going to get the royal treatment like it needs. I tried wheel and tire cleaner and it worked a little.

**KahanaReef** · 08-25-2008, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

Get some good pads from advanced auto and you wont have brake dust.(thanks orion)

Which pads? I am having a really hard time with my front wheels. A few hundred miles and they're nasty!

**JoshieDoom** · 08-25-2008, 09:25 PM

Bendix from Advance

**KahanaReef** · 08-25-2008, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

Bendix from Advance

I've still got 70% left on the front and 90% on the rear...but, I can't take it anymore!

**Wesman** · 08-26-2008, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

Bendix from Advance

Bendix is no more at Advance!! They now only carry Wagner as their top of the line pad, which are supposedly better than Bendix.

I would go with Hawk for good performance pads though.

**Blackbird WS6** · 08-26-2008, 01:59 PM

get a power washer that should fix you prob. haha

**KarenCaren** · 09-11-2008, 07:14 PM

Getting a new pad will solve the problem. Also you can buy a brake dust cover. just my 2 cents.

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**Z06-Goose** · 09-11-2008, 09:11 PM

I put sealants on my wheels. If you don't have sealants, just use the same wax you use for your car at least once a month. It will make the job of cleaning brake dust much easeir...

**Mike's TA** · 09-16-2008, 09:21 AM

I used to have horrible stains on mine. No idea how they got there. I tried using a bunch of products and nothing seemed to work.

Then they came out with the mini.

I used mothers powerball mini with mothers aluminum polish. Spent about an hour on each wheel. It got them looking new again. The key is to really take your time and use a slow rpm on your drill.

Not a close up, but gives you an idea: