can't seem to get the stock wheels of my fd clean anymore, no matter how much i scrub, brush, soak the grunge just won't go away. would using a 2500 psi pressure washer to clean them cause any harm to the wheels?

bob

 

If I'm not mistaken, the FD wheels are clear coated. They are the easiest wheels to clean of any car I've ever owned. Usually I need nothing more than carwash soap and water. Maybe the clear coat paint has come off your wheels and that's why you're having a problem?

 

There are 2 different wheels. The first ones had no clear coat and are a pain in the *** to clean. The second run had clear and are easy to clean.

I know this because I have 1 new style wheel on my car. Apparently the previous owner had it replaced.

FD3boost can verify this.

 

my fd was originally purchased in july of 1992.
i figure it has the old wheels with no clearcoat since the dirt and grime isn't easily cleaned. though i've tried different cleaners i haven't tried bleach. maybe i'll try that before using the pressure washer.

 

Try Castrol Super Clean! But dont use it on your driveway. Works great!

 

i always spray simple green on the rims then use the soapy water to wipe it off. gets them clean every time. nick

 

If your wheels are clearcoated try the Meguire's step one paint cleaner, I also had the same cleaning problems and tried this stuff just before I sadly sold mu FD. Try a small section to test the results.

 

Simple green is mildly corrossive to aluminum and will eventually take the finish off of your rims!

Don't use it on aluminum!

 

yep, it takes the finnish off rims.

 

I'd be very careful with the pressure washer, as it might get your wheels clean, but will peel all of the paint off of your center caps!

 

Not to mention cut your tires. I know, I've done it.

 

my buddy tried to use a presure washer to take off some bugs from his front bumper....it took them off alright, along with the top layer of clear coat and some paint....BE CAREFUL

-Ben

 

Mine come clean just fine with Eagle all-wheels cleaner, a stiff sponge, and a towel.

If you don't have clear-coated rims, it's possible they already have damage. Have you tried a wheel cleaner designed for unpainted aluminum? If that doesn't work, buy some aluminum polish like cymbal cleaner.

 

My wheels are not clear coated (1992) and I use Eagle One A to Z wheel cleaner; it's safe for any finish. Keep in mind I daily drive, autox and run Hawk HP+ pads so I know how to deal with brake dust

Spray the cleaner on liberally and let it soak for 3-5 minutes. Then blast it with the spray nozzle on your garden hose. This will get 95% of it off. For the rest that lives in the small corners of the spokes spray on more cleaner and scrub with a stiff nylon bristle brush. The wheels will sparkle.

I have been doing this twice a week for 2 years and have no paint problems on the wheels nor the plastic centers; it works.

Stay away from Simple Green. Great stuff, but not meant to be used on things with a "finish".

 

I can second that, the Eagle One A to Z is some really great stuff.

 

thanks for the info guys, i'll try out the eagle one stuff this weekend............

 

just take your rims off, and dip them in a bucket of brake fluid overnight..

that'll get them nice and clean.

(BTW: don't actually do this unless you want the wheels to be bare alloy)

 

I just wipe the brake dust off.

 

I use powerclean from Autozone and it works great.