Help! What to clean CT wheels (not aero covers)!!

[Noblelr3]

I’ve had my truck since March and I clean it regularly. I have the perfect DI Tank/foam set up. The only problem is I’ve tried so so many products and yet I cannot seem to get the brownish crap (I know what it is) off my wheels. What are you guys using. I’ve gone through just about every basic product at Auto Zone and O’Reiley!! It must be me because I never see threads on this.

 

[Black306]

Haven’t cleaned my CT yet, but my go-to wheel product is Meguiar’s Hot Rims wheel & tire cleaner.

https://www.meguiars.com/automotive...t-rimstm-wheel-tire-cleaner-g9524-24-oz-spray

But I’m guessing you’ve tried that if you tried many products from auto parts stores. Any pictures of the brown stuff?

 

[Electric Metal]

I’ve had my truck since March and I clean it regularly. I have the perfect DI Tank/foam set up. The only problem is I’ve tried so so many products and yet I cannot seem to get the brownish crap (I know what it is) off my wheels. What are you guys using. I’ve gone through just about every basic product at Auto Zone and O’Reiley!! It must be me because I never see threads on this.

I use either Spray Nine or Greased Lightning. Works good. Make sure the rims are NOT HOT!!!!!

 

[Art138]

Windex with a microfiber cloth works on mine. A dab of paint thinner in areas that have a thick film. I also wipe off with a damp cloth at the end. Thinner can impact the paint.

 

[Cybergskr]

is a bit of work but might help

 

[mark555055c]

I’ve had my truck since March and I clean it regularly. I have the perfect DI Tank/foam set up. The only problem is I’ve tried so so many products and yet I cannot seem to get the brownish crap (I know what it is) off my wheels. What are you guys using. I’ve gone through just about every basic product at Auto Zone and O’Reiley!! It must be me because I never see threads on this.

I did the following.

Removed and cleaned all wheels with p&s brake buster/wheel cleaner
https://a.co/d/1t0x99c

Ceramic coated each wheel with stoners ceramic coating. It's for trim but works great and makes future wheel cleaning much easier.
https://a.co/d/3378iqa

 

[getsometom]

When you say brown stuff, do you mean the oxidation spots or from brake dust?

You could potentially try an iron remover to see if that gets rid of it.
https://a.co/d/4ByRWhN

 

[Noblelr3]

When you say brown stuff, do you mean the oxidation spots or from brake dust?

You could potentially try an iron remover to see if that gets rid of it.
https://a.co/d/4ByRWhN

My understanding is that it’s not just typical brake dust. Because brakes are rarely used the pads build up road debris and mixed with the brake dust even when seldomly used it causes this coating. It’s just frustrating because I’ve not no problems like this with my other wheels!

 

[mark555055c]

My understanding is that it’s not just typical brake dust. Because brakes are rarely used the pads build up road debris and mixed with the brake dust even when seldomly used it causes this coating. It’s just frustrating because I’ve not no problems like this with my other wheels!

It's definitely typical brake dust and/or iron from the rotors. A good wheel cleaner like the one I mentioned above will take care of it.

While brakes may not be used as much, they are used regularly even with one pedal driving. There is also a system to scrub the brake discs regularly, especially in wet weather, which is to remove water from brake discs. So, brake dust and iron deposits will occur.

 

[Gundo]

Be careful what you use - there's lots of super harsh chemicals out there that will strip finish off your wheels over time.

There is nothing better than Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner. I use it on the CT wheels, and it works wonders on the rear wheels especially.

Griots Wheel Cleaner

Followup with some Ceramic Spray and they'll stay clean longer.

Griots Ceramic 3 in 1

 

[HaulingAss]

I just use a brush and a bucket of soapy water, the same brush and soapy water I just washed the truck with. Then I hose it off.

If I really cared, I would wax them once or twice per year, but it's a truck.

 

[Outdoors]

I just use a brush and a bucket of soapy water, the same brush and soapy water I just washed the truck with. Then I hose it off.

If I really cared, I would wax them once or twice per year, but it's a truck.

Nice and old fashioned. Nothing works like a bucket of Dawn soap and a sponge. Doubt any other product could be cheaper, and I don't have to read an MSDS on the product.

 

[JUSTICEQD]

Check out of spec detailing youtube channel

Here’s How I Clean & Protect Every Surface On The Tesla Cybertruck!

 

[Noblelr3]

It's definitely typical brake dust and/or iron from the rotors. A good wheel cleaner like the one I mentioned above will take care of it.

While brakes may not be used as much, they are used regularly even with one pedal driving. There is also a system to scrub the brake discs regularly, especially in wet weather, which is to remove water from brake discs. So, brake dust and iron deposits will occur.

Perfect, thanks for this info!