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Cleaning Aluminum Wheels

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Old 12-11-2009
Stoothoff's Avatar
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Cleaning Aluminum Wheels

I have some Mickey Thompson Beadlock Wheels and the front two get brake dust on them and when i wash my truck i cant seem to get all of it off. Whats the best way to get it off and get the wheel shining again. Someone told me to use white lightning but is an acid and im scared it will turn my wheels or make them dull. Any ideas???
 
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Old 12-11-2009
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There is a really good "How To" in that section.
 
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Old 12-11-2009
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dont use any acid based cleaner like that. some of them even have a warning saying not to use on bare aluminum. i clean my wheels (same ones you have) with the wash mit and soap that i wash the truck with and they come nice and clean.
 
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Old 12-11-2009
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You may have to polish them to completely get it off. Just take one of the "Powerballs" and go to work.
 
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Old 12-11-2009
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I have done both. i own a powerball but i was just wondering if there was an easier way but i guess i will just take more time with the power ball
 
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Old 01-07-2010
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I use the Turtle Wax Spray (orange color / trying the green one next) on Wheel Cleaner just before I wash the truck or before the Car Wash during the winter.
It removes all of the dust and the wheels come out looking brand new.

I always ended up after the winter car wash runs with dirty front wheels and paying and extra buck or two every time was out of the question so for 5 buck I get a bottle of the Turtle Wax Wheel Wash and get 10 or washes out of it.

Works good !
 
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Old 02-10-2010
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None of these will work buddy. I have some aluminum rims and the only thing that works is elbow grease. You need to use steel wool but no the course kind you use to wash dishes. What you need to get is 00 or 000 steel wool. It won't scratch your rims don't worry. Actually the mickey thompson website recommends it as well on their polished aluminum wheels. Clean them with a wheel cleaner and the steel wool. That will do the trick.
 
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Old 11-03-2010
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If you ever get your rims nice and shiny, you can always put a good paste wax on them to make the shine last longer and for a little protection.
 
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Old 11-08-2010
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Krud Kutter or Goo Gone with an SOS wire pad if harden or ordinary household sponge.
 
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Old 12-13-2010
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Try some P21s wheel gel. It is expensive the the stuff works great. Let it set for ten minutes the wash normally. Then after follow up with a quality wheel wax or glaze.
 
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Old 12-13-2010
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Comet powdered cleaner and 000 steel wool. and a scotch brit pad.
 
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