10 year old brake dust on barrels...what to do?

What's your go to product(s) or method(s) for cleaning off brake dust off behind the spokes on the barrel that has never been cleaner before in a very very long time... 10+ years?

I was trying to clean a set of oem wheels that had never been cleaned before in the back. The barrels were basically black. I tried iron X . Hit it like 4 times. It turned red and everything, but didn't really do zilch to the brake dust. Didn't even touch it.

Wondering what else is out there that is safe? Kinda scared about acidic wheel cleaners on expensive wheels. Oh and the Iron X turned all the wheel weights (the lead kind that you put behind the spokes) bright green which pissed me off.

 

what car is it? Did you try tarminator or meg wheel brightener?

 

Tar X, Tarminator, or Brown Royal. Or any combination of those products.

 

98 Supra TT

I used paint thinner on the barrel too after the iron X and it didn't really do anything, so I doubt tarminator would work.

 

I do not use it a lot,but malco has a product that is a gell that will take everything off. Wear gloves and let it sit 5 minutes. If you look up malco you will find it. It is called brake off, most of the European dealers use it. This Ida's the only thing I have found that just removes the dust in sheets with no agitation

 

Tarminator is a solvent guys. Solvents are generally made to be non reactive on metals themselves.

 

Awesome. Is it clearcoat safe? It would suck if a little of that Malco made it's way to the face of the rim that is painted and clearcoated and took that off also if you know what I mean lol.

 

You won't be able to clean those without an acid based product if they are that bad. Just do one at a time and you should be ok.

 

Liar. Sonax rules all.

 

But seriously, something of oxalic or phosphoric acid is going to be your friend here - properly diluted of course.

 

The malco product is safe for all wheels except uncoated polished. It also does not hurt calipers. For being inexpensive you will be amazed,
It is not a boutique cleaner. But you need to use what works,, and you only need to spray once. And with no agitation.

 

That's crazy. I like the sound of that. Where do you get it?

 

Malco is an industrial bulk detailer brand, if you have a detail supply outlet store near you, they usually have brands like that. If not, at least Amazon has it

 

At Amazon its $23.96 for a Gallon + $12.99 shipping...
DanF

 

Dealer goodies in pa. Ask for Eric and tell him I toled you to call. They do not do retail,so if you have a business or can order thru one it will be cheaper

 

Megs WB should do the trick, just make sure you follow the instructions.

 

Awesome info. Thanks everyone.