Help with acid based wheel cleaners

**Spilchy** · 04-10-2005, 04:12 PM

I`m curious to know who here uses an acid based wheel cleaner.

I need something that is stronger than A2Z or EFHI to cut through baked on brake dust on clear coated wheels.

For example, I worked on a BMW and an Acura who wheels were atrocious. I needed #0000 steel wool and a delicate touch to take the dust off. Clay wouldn`t touch it. It took like 1.5 hours.

I am looking for an acid cleaner, diluted properly to use on clear coated wheels like these.

Any help, suggestions or products you can recommend? How do you use them in your situations?

I know I spoke to a couple of you here about it, but the products were locally based.

Something like Auto Magic Spoke. I saw Clean Dean used it on those chrome Jeep wheels. Was that full strength?

Sorry for the rambling, just need some feedback on acid. Again, something for clear coated wheels.

Thanks :xyxthumbs

**kartoon** · 04-10-2005, 05:04 PM

Supposedly Poorboy`s Spray `n Rinse is very strong. I never used it but even Steve made it known that you have to excercise caution while using it.

**holland_patrick** · 04-10-2005, 05:18 PM

I second the PB spray and rinse

**Setec Astronomy** · 04-10-2005, 05:21 PM

Meguiar`s has a full range of wheel cleaners from neutral pH to strong. The Pb`s Spray & Rinse is designed to be a spray on , hose off formula to work on those nasty stains without agitation. I haven`t used it, but as kartoon said, Poorboy has warned that it`s strong...I`m in the same boat as you with badly stained wheels and how to get the crap off without damaging the finish or taking forever.

**togwt** · 04-10-2005, 06:15 PM

My only problem with acidic wheel cleaners is that they can leave there own `stain` on the wheel surface.

I prefer to polish stains out (having said that I`m not subject to time restaints like a pro detailer)

JonM

**imported_mrecktid** · 04-10-2005, 06:30 PM

Will all of these acid based cleaners strip off sealants on the wheel?

**imported_CBX Carl** · 04-10-2005, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by mrecktid

Will all of these acid based cleaners strip off sealants on the wheel?

Yes

The price of a strong cleaner.

**wash_me** · 04-10-2005, 07:58 PM

I use Meguiar`s Wire Wheel cleaner which is a acid and I don`t think they make it anymore but its still around. I just fill a spray bottle about 1/4 full of acid them top it off with water. Make sure you don`t spray acid on hot rims that have been in the sun and if you get over spray on to the brakes or disk they will make them look rusty. I use to spend hours cleaning rims now it only takes me few minutes per wheel.

**Lowejackson** · 04-11-2005, 06:22 AM

I would try some brake cleaner

**benpocock** · 04-11-2005, 06:27 AM

When I have wheels that need a serious product to get the crap off I use Autoglym Clean Wheels which is pretty potent - especially when the wind catches it and blows it in your eyes!

I also use teh Autoglym Hi-Tech wheel brush which looks like it will trash the surface of the wheel, but when combined with the Clean Wheels is actually a very effective combo.

Ben