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So, my front wheels obviously get pretty nasty even between my weekly washes. i noticed after my last wash that there were still some areas that seemed dirty, or even stained, on the front wheels. I found if i took my fingernail to it I could clear it, albeit tedious.
First off, I've heard these wheels have a clear coat that can get stained over time, how do we protect from this? How do you guys clean your wheels? I've just been using my car wash with my mitt but for some of those specific marks it wasn't enough. Maybe I could graduate to a harsher scrubbing tool... but.. I don't want to scratch wheel or clear coat.
I have two sets of wheels and run the Monoblocks during the colder months because they are so easy to clean (when compared to my mesh wheels). I just use car wash soap and a microfiber to clean them. I do wax them frequently. Whenever I switch sets of wheels I wax them including the barrels. I also wax them when I have them off for various maintenance projects. I'm not running the dusty OE pads and that helps a lot as well.
@ddb what pads do you run? I was told that if I switch pads up they'll be a lot "noisier" because of the composite they're made of?... these oem pads are ridiculously dusty...
@ddb what pads do you run? I was told that if I switch pads up they'll be a lot "noisier" because of the composite they're made of?... these oem pads are ridiculously dusty...
I just can't deal with the OE pad dust. I purchased my car with new front rotors and new OE pads front and rear. One of my first projects was installing new rear rotors and replacing the front and rear OE pads with Akebono pads. Interestingly I think they are made in Japan. Huge improvement with regard to dust. They stop really well and mine don't make any noise whatsoever. I think you would like them.
+1 You will be amazed at the amount of less break dust. Although they do take a few stops to get a good bite going I absolutely love them
Armani
Originally Posted by ddb
I just can't deal with the OE pad dust. I purchased my car with new front rotors and new OE pads front and rear. One of my first projects was installing new rear rotors and replacing the front and rear OE pads with Akebono pads. Interestingly I think they are made in Japan. Huge improvement with regard to dust. They stop really well and mine don't make any noise whatsoever. I think you would like them.
Guys, I've attached two photos that outline my concern. The first one, you can see these marks, looks like drips, that seems to be pretty engrained in the clear coat or whatever. You can scratch them with your finger and it doesn't touch them, no affect. Same with blemish number two... what is this? Some kind of weird corrosion?? You can feel this blemish, unlike the "drips"... Anyone know what we're looking at?
I am going to try the Amour All Wheel Protectant. My local car wash does a really great "acid wash" of the wheels. Right after this, I am going to apply this stuff and let it dry and see how well it does.
If its no good, I will move to the Akebonos although I am really wary of aftermarket pads that claim magical properties- though a lot of rave reviews about them here.
low dust pads wear the rotors faster from what I have heard.
I coated my front wheels with this stuff called rejext and it seems to work. I'm out of the country now for work but I will post some pics when I get back. After several weeks without a wash my front wheels are noticably cleaner than the rears.
I don't know what it is, but I'm glad you posted the pics, I thought that was what you were talking about, but the pics made it clear. I've experienced the same stains, from time to time, and don't know what it comes from. I hope someone chimes in who does. It's happened to my wheels before and after the Akebono were installed.
I've used the orange citrus cleaner (don't remember the brand) but it cleans it very well.
Just updating, the Armor All Wheel Protectant works VERY well. Far less dust, wheels still look very clean after two weeks. Cleaning off the dust that is there is pretty easy. I will definitely continue using this stuff.
You can also consider putting a coating on the wheels. The type of wheel cleaner you use makes a difference too - I love Sonax - expensive but well worth it.
@ddb what pads do you run? I was told that if I switch pads up they'll be a lot "noisier" because of the composite they're made of?... these oem pads are ridiculously dusty...
This sounds like Feminine Hygene commercial .
You girls...
Though I hate to wear one if it were made Carbon..Itchy. I'd just blame it on your sister.
I replaced rotors and pads 2+ years ago. Used stock AMG rotors everywhere (wow $$$!!) and Akebono ceramic pads everywhere. Must do a really good brake fluid replacement and bleed, and I have fantastic brakes now with virtually no noticeable dust. Just redid brake fluid / bleed a few weeks ago, and the rotors and pads are showing remarkably little wear.
I found any rubber surface cosmetic will entice the wheel to bring out itself in contrast and shine.
It truly makes a difference.
I've waxed my wheels first and then applied the cosmetic.
I don't know if it washes away the wax but it sure looks good after applying the shiney shine.
One more update on Armor All Protectant, after a week and a half there was very little dust and I just cleaned them in all of two minutes with a rag and a water spray bottle. Wow.
Thanks for all of the info guys. Washing today and will apply some armor all... then... new brake setup when the time comes. need those aluminum lines bad... that brake pedal loves to travel.
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