Caked on black spots on inner wheel

[Kdawg15]

Hi all,

 

I'm working on a 2012 MDX with factory clear coated wheels that weren't properly cleaned over the winter due to "reasons". I ordered a turbo stick and some deep wheel cleaner to attack the inner barrels and thought that would take care of these annoying caked on black "spots" which is the best way I can describe them (images below - didn't realize they were out of focus, but you can see them),

 

However, that didn't work (didn't expect it to, caked on pretty good). I also tried spraying some bug and tar remover inside them and wiping them down with a microfibre towel but that didn't help either. Then, I brought out some clay and QD to try it on a portion, still no significant progress.

 

Any suggestions as to how I can get rid of these black specks of gunk?

 

[BrianT]

The rims on my jeep are like that, I'm thinking it's the brake dust etched into the clear coat. You could try claying it, but most likely it needs some sanding to get those spots out.

[SYMAWD]

More claying, perhaps taking them off and polishing.

[Kdawg15]

Would a pressure washer work? :S

Edited May 15, 2015 by Kdawg15

[Ricky Bobby]

You may need a wheel acid to get those off if solvent, clay, and DWC didn't work at all.

 

Megs D140 comes to mind, wear a mask, and be sure to wet down the whole wheel so you aren't spraying it on dry surfaces.

 

Let dwell for about a min, light agitation with a brush, and pressure washer rinse.

 

You'll need to take the wheels off for this.

[Kdawg15]

Yea I think that might work! I'm on the verge of trying a scotch-brite pad now (non-scratch one). Makes me cringe thinking about it but I'll try in an inconspicuous first using very little pressure and see if it creates any noticeable scratches.

 

Whenever this all comes off, I'll be sure to apply some liquid sealant and clean regularly, but sometimes you just can't avoid it!

Edited May 15, 2015 by Kdawg15

[ledger64]

Make sure you do that out of the sun too

[SYMAWD]

Yea I think that might work! I'm on the verge of trying a scotch-brite pad now (non-scratch one). Makes me cringe thinking about it but I'll try in an inconspicuous first using very little pressure and see if it creates any noticeable scratches.

 

Whenever this all comes off, I'll be sure to apply some liquid sealant and clean regularly, but sometimes you just can't avoid it!

I would try claying more or using a fine polish instead.

[Chris@Adams]

Are you sure it's not road tar? Can't tell by the pics.....

[Kdawg15]

Apologies I'll take better pictures later on when I'm free. I'm a noob, how can I tell for sure that it's tar?

[TheBurninator]

You can tell it is tar if it is sticky generally.

 

If it is caked on brake dust, then I would clay it with DWC and maybe polish if needed.

[The Guz]

Might have to take the wheel off to get better access to it. 

[Kdawg15]

Here's a better picture, I hope...

 

 

It doesn't seem to be tar as it's not sticky! (referring to the spots deep inside the barrel)

Edited May 16, 2015 by Kdawg15

[BigBlue2007]

I have that too on my 13 Malibu. It sucks. I don't know what to do about it either.

[BigBlue2007]

Clay doesn't work either.

[Ricky Bobby]

If deep wheel cleaner doesn't work at all, see my post above you may need a wheel acid.

[b_pappy]

I had some dried grime that was chunky enough I had to pick it off using my fingernail. Not preferred, but on the inner barrel it worked fine. I had the wheels off the truck to do it.

[BigBlue2007]

D140 contains acid? Does it need to be diluted?

[Ricky Bobby]

Follow the instructions for D140 if you are using it. It can be used straight but I'd wet the wheel down first. Wear nitrile gloves, and don't inhale the fumes lol.

 

Did you try full strength APC or MFR by chance? Those are strong cleaners too

[BigBlue2007]

The microfiber soap? I have that I can try that. I'm didn't try all purpose cleaner.

[Ricky Bobby]

Try all purpose cleaner first, full strength. On a cool, dry wheel. Give it a minute to dwell and agitate with woollies or brushes. The pH is almost 13 so it should help.

 

The MFR is a concentrated surfactant and degreaser so you can try it but first I'd do multiple rounds of APC.

[BigBlue2007]

thanks

[The Guz]

Easier to get to it with the wheels off. 

[Ricky Bobby]

Guz is right. I didn't mention it but I wanted to tell you to pull the wheels to clean properly