How to remove brake dust/rust corrosion?

[91RS]

I'm trying to get some factory 20" wheels for my wife's SRX and I've been having bad luck getting a decent looking wheel from these salvage yard. This one was definitely off a northern vehicle that no one bothered to properly wash so it was some brake dust and/or rust corrosion in the areas an automatic car wash wouldn't be able to clean. I was able to clean up the barrel of the wheel pretty decent with a Scotchbright pad but I think the damage is already done there also since I believe factory wheels are clear coated. I bought a Mother's Powercore and used it with Optimum Metal Polish and it took off some of corrosion but not all. Here's two pictures of what I'm dealing with:

 

[tom p.]

You may be at the point of no return. Personally, I'd try FerreX or IronX after I let a proper wheel cleaner dwell for a bit.

You've got to go easy with the abrasive scrubbing...that will do permanent damage.

Welcome aboard!

 

[ShaneB]

Lockup your scotch brite pads and never let them near your car or wheels again. It WILL damage the finish on the wheel.

That being said, I would try something like iron x, or even sonax wheel cleaner plus. If that doesn't work you could try an acid wheel cleaner such as megs wheel brightener or poor boys spray and rinse. But my guess is the sonax or iron x will get it clean