P21S isnt cutting brake dust at all

killerGLI · 10-13-09, 07:44

So I got P21S wheel cleaner gel about 2 months ago and when i use it, it doesnt seem to cut through brake dust at all. I have to scrub just as much as I do when I use purple power. Im not sure if Im just not doing it right. Here is my process: I spray the wheels with some water to lube up the wheel then spray p21s generously. I wait for about 5 minutes per wheel making sure that it has cut enough brake dust. I also keep the wheels mildly to moderately wet so that the p21s doesnt dry onto the wheels. Is there anything that I am doing wrong? I just dont get the results that you guys get when I compare the before/after pictures on here and my own results. Please teach me your ways!

Setec Astronomy · 10-13-09, 07:57

P21S is just a detergent. If you have metallic brake dust that has attached itself to the wheel, a detergent just isn't going to cut it. Some of this depends on the finish of the wheel, its state of polish, and LSP. But if the contaminants are bonded on there, you are going to need to mechanically remove them (clay or hard scrubbing) or chemically dissolve them (acid wheel cleaner). A detergent-based cleaner is only going to go so far, just like on the rest of the car.

steelwind101 · 10-13-09, 08:00

Hi

The product is already a gel, i cant see it needing help to stay wet unless the wheels are hot or its in the sun.

Also, if your soaking the wheels first the gel wont ever stick.

What are you using to clean? I think the Swissvax style brushes are the best but they also include a decent spounge.

Here is P21's RED a more powerful wheel cleaner in use but you can see the idea:

Spray:

Then i would let it sit for 30 seconds then start spreading it around. Working in the corners and ensuring i get a covering on the dirty parts of the wheel:

Leave it to dwell for a couple of mins, maybe give it another brush:

Hose off:

Geoff

RaskyR1 · 10-13-09, 09:14

I let it dwell longer than 5 minutes if they are really dirty.

tom p. · 10-13-09, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by killerGLI

Please teach me your ways!

P21S is great on well-maintained wheels. I'd suggest using every week or so. I think you might be less than satisfied with the product if the wheels are getting cleaned less frequently...it just doesn't have the punch you might find with other products.

Cleaning Fool · 10-13-09, 10:17

I would clay to remove the brake dust then clean as normal.

5150kon · 10-13-09, 12:33

what finish is on the wheels?

nando1 · 10-13-09, 03:20

dude save your money. I bought P21s once just to test it out and for me its only O.K.

S100 has the exact same product at half the price. you can get it at your local Harley dealer. I use S100 on my very expensive 3 piece wheels and have had no issues. My rims have a mixture of matte black/Gloss black. Never any hazing, streaking or any of the sort.

I still use a microfiber towel to clean off the brake dust during the washing process.

chefwong · 10-13-09, 04:47

Dwell time is KEY with P21S...
it also depends on how bad the brake dust is, but it needs to dwell for it to work

toyotaguy · 10-13-09, 04:49

i have to say, I bought some p21s at 75% retail cost back when DI had a special running for fathers day. I will not buy it at retail pricing as pointed out, it doesn cut through the REALLY caked on stuff!

megs wheel brightener comes to mind as something that would work, but its acidic, so watch out! If you are taking the wheels off, clay, the polish, then sealant would be the best bet after you get the majority of the junk off the wheels!

pharden · 10-13-09, 04:50

For dwell time are we talking 10 minutes or more like an hour?

chefwong · 10-13-09, 04:57

How neglected are the wheels.

I normally don't use P21S on neglected wheels. I would rather use something stronger and work on other things...

I use P21S on my ~really clean wheels~ and I generally just let them dwell for 30-45 depending on what time of day it is. It is great stuff for $$$$$, but for regular wheels IMO, I'd push for a product that is stronger off the bat.