Just bought the car and figured I would be able to clean this black stuff off my rims by hand wash with a mitt but looks like it's brake dust that's caked into the rims. Thoughts on how to get this black stuff off?

 

Spray some Iron-X on it.

If it's actual brake dust, it will turn it into a bloody red color and hopefully break it down. Might need several hits of it if it's really bad.

If the chemical of Iron X does not turn red, then you are dealing with something different than brake dust.

 

It is very difficult to tell what I am looking at based on the photos, but here is the general approach to dealing with these types of things.....

If it is contamination above the surface, you will need to find a solvent of some sort to remove whatever it is that is on your wheels. Often times a tar/grease remover might work well, mineral spirits, etc etc. it just depends on what the substance is. A word of advice - always test the chemical in an inconspicuous area (barrel of the wheel) before spraying it on the face of the wheel to ensure there are no negative effects from using the product.

If the staining has penetrated the surface, you need to use some type of abrasive to remove some material in order to remove the stain. A typical compound or polish will usually do the trick, but if it is severe, sanding may be needed.

Hope that helps

-Zach

 

Well I tried cleaning it with Sonax Wheel Cleaner, then moved onto IronX and then I tried to polish it off with some Meguiars polish and nothing seems to take it off. Whatever it is, assuming it's brake dust is really caked into the surface. Is this something I should take to a professional to sand or is this something I could probably do on my own?

 

If you can feel it with your finger or fingernail, then it is safe to assume it is above the surface of the wheel and can be removed.

If you can't (which I suspect is the case), you may be looking at staining that needs to be professionally refinished.

I would seek out the opinion of a professional in your area.

-Zach

 

I use the SOS pads. I haven't scratched anything while doing it yet. Just keep it wet at all times. If it doesn't work you May need to get it buffed out.

 

I highly advise against using SOS pads on any finished automotive surface. They are equivalent to fine grit sand paper/steel wool.

 

I decided I'm just going to powdercoat the rims.

 

Why don't you take it to a professional first before you sink money into it?

 

Because it will probably cost just as much to get them polished as it would to get them powder coated.

 

This happens when the wheel is hot and someone sprayed wheel cleaner om the wheel and did not get the wheel cleaner off in time. I see it all the time at my dealership

 

Lol negative ghost ryder. Use it the correct way and you're good to go. Aluminum you're good

 

I was thinking the same thing after noticing the stains are directional. Looks like the dreaded chemical etching.

 

Could that be something in the finish that is turning bad?