Cleaning Wheel Wells

Volvo4Me · 05-30-02, 07:18

Hopefully this hasn't been discussed before!

Can y'all tell me the best method for cleaning the wheel wells <i><b>without</b></i> removing the wheels? I know the best method would be wheel removal, then do the work. But sometimes there's not time for it.

I sprayed wheel cleaner (just the TW 2001 brand) on my dad's wheel wells, and scrubbed with dawn & a stiff brush, but they still look dirty when through. I've ordered EF HI cleaner and wonder if this would do a better job?

After cleaning, should I spray vinylex in the wells, or try to wipe it in there? I just hate to have beautifully clean wheels & tires and these yucky wheel wells - even if it isn't on my car!!

Thanx!

JeffBruce · 05-30-02, 07:27

CMA sells this product
http://www.properautocare.com/wurhigbuilun.html
I have it on order, i to have the same issue..I wash with dawn,
scrub as best I can and am not happy with results..
jeff

StyleTEG · 05-30-02, 07:42

I use Eimann Fabrik Power Wash+ and a brush simmilar to this

The brush & soap loosen up the dirt quite enough were a powerwasher rinse removes most of it. On average it takes me two-three passes per wheel well.

Guess My Name · 05-30-02, 08:04

I Clean like you stated but using the old wash soap with some dawn added in.

When done I spray in the cheapo protectants like STP or Armour All and let it sit while I do other things....then I come back and wipe it down with an old towel....be careful not to get any on the tires though

bretfraz · 05-30-02, 08:56

Quote:

Originally posted by StyleTEG
I use Eimann Fabrik Power Wash+ and a brush simmilar to this

The brush & soap loosen up the dirt quite enough were a powerwasher rinse removes most of it. On average it takes me two-three passes per wheel well.

I use this exact brush (the small one) and EFHI to clean them. On my car the clearance between the tires and wheelwells is very narrow. I can only clean 1/4 to 1/3 of the wheel well with the brush.

Only solution for me is to remove the wheel and do a complete job. I follow up with a tire dressing (Eagle One Concours) - any one will do.

Keep applying cleaner and brush what you can until you have the time to remove the wheels.

Cleaning wheel wells is a thankless job - I hate doing it. I'd much rather clean windows.

Volvo4Me · 05-30-02, 09:05

Quote:

Originally posted by bretfraz

Cleaning wheel wells is a thankless job - I hate doing it. I'd much rather clean windows.

I totally agree! But it's amazing how dirty wheel wells spoil the overall look!!

My clearance is pretty slim, too, so I have a skinny brush that I got from target -- looks like an oversized bottle-brush with an oxo type handle -- and it can reach in pretty far.

Guess I just need to work harder and longer in order to get them clean!

~V4M~

CharlesW · 05-30-02, 09:09

A friend of mine used a product called "No Touch Tire Cleaner" on the wheel wells of a Jeep that he used off-road a lot. He washed everything and when it dried, just sprayed the No Touch on the wheel wells and that was it. Never tried it myself, but his Jeep looked awfully good when he was done.

Charles

StyleTEG · 05-30-02, 09:11

Sounds like a blend of tire foam, never thought of using one on wheel wells. I will have to try that durring my next wash.

mikebmab · 05-30-02, 09:52

After you've cleaned them as much as possible( I mean really clean!!!) use semi-black( or flat -black ) spray paint to finish off the look of clean and new wells.Make sure they are very dry before painting!!!
This was an old detailer trick from working at the dealer days.
I stress please be careful...no overspray or you'll hate me for suggesting this.This really makes your detail job look complete. take your time... light coats are always better than heavy. Of course it is still better to do it with the wheel down.... don't you guys clean the back side of your wheels & tires too?
OK OK I'm a little anal about it, but you do see the back side of the fronts when you turn and I can't show more attention to the fronts without the backs getting their feelings hurt....(too many car show days). So drop them off & do it right. You will love the results.
Sorry for the loooong 1st post/reply
Mike
mikebmab

TortoiseAWD · 05-30-02, 10:41

Quote:

Originally posted by StyleTEG
Sounds like a blend of tire foam, never thought of using one on wheel wells. I will have to try that durring my next wash.

I'd given up on aerosol tire protectants a long time ago, but this seems like a good use for them. Another thought: since the button sprayer on those "no-touch" products is much like a WD-40 button sprayer, I wonder if you could attach a thin straw (ala WD-40) to the canister to allow better access around the tires for those of us with a narrow fender gap . . .

I guess this will go on my list of things to try when I'm really bored.

Tort

Redcar GUY · 05-30-02, 11:01

I would have to say, take off the wheels and do it, you can do a much better job and it is much better, once it is REALLY clean after doing it that way, it will be much easier to keep them looking nice................

mikebmab · 05-30-02, 11:19

RedCar Guy....

Love the Garage pics!!!!
Saw a friend who got commercial/Industrial mats cut to 18" squares from a rag rep for next to nothing....these were ribbed sorta like a front door mat only hvy duty thick etc. Laid the pattern in a crossing pattern( 1 north-south...next east-west)
Liked it sooo much He had his airplane hanger done the same way....( After he spent Mega-Bucks for epoxy floor paint/sealing job...)
You might give it a look into.... They've stood up Very well (1+yr)
Mike