I need something that will get rid of all that junk on the inside of the wheel not just the outside.

My plan is to remove the rims and clean them all around, It seems like if I clean the face, all the nasty black tar/gunk from the inside just works its way right out.

any suggestions?

I previously tried the off the shelf wheel cleaners and simple green . Neither really worked like I hoped.

 

Try this stuff its really good. But without seeing some pictures of the damage I cant really say if it will work or not

Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner

 

thanks, do any of the local parts stores sell it that you know of or is it just online?

 

If you find it local, let me know.....

Best price I know of
http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-wheel-cleaner.html

 

^^THIS.... I will have to get...I just dont want to damage my wheels...Thanks

 

Look up the Brown Royal wheel cleaner on YouTube, I use it n its great! Comparing to all the wheel cleaners in stores

 

never use anything more than soap and water to clean your wheels. some of these are acid based and ruin the finish. id use a steam cleaner !

 

ya that works great on the outside, but I have these tiny spots on the outside of the rim from my brakes.

And the inside of the wheel is just filthy, and it seems like that dirt just works its way out as soon as it clean the outside of the rims.

 

what type of finish are the wheels? for painted barrels i usually use brake cleaner, scotch bright pads/microfiber towels, and a power washer.

 

Pre soak with a good mixture of all purpose cleaner and hit it with a power washer if you have one...if not pre soak...spray again and go to town with decent sponge...works for me ...Meguiars hot wheels cleaner (red or purple bottle i forget) has done the job in the past but it's easier for me to mix some all purpose.

 

It sounds like you have some axle grease stuck to the inside of your wheels because normal brake dust doesn't act like the way you're describing it. You need to get the bulk of it off with a paper towel or something before you waste your time with cleaners. I recently bought some P21S wheel cleaner gel since I've always liked gel wheel cleaners, but haven't used it yet.

 

generally...if i'm pulling my wheels to clean them outside and out...i use purple power and dish detergent and also spray teh wheel with purple power wash it and rinse it off and work on the next wheel.

 

Meg's makes a great product called Wheel Brightener. You cannot buy it in the store. It is part of their pro line. You buy it by the gallon and dilute it. If you go that route make sure to buy a chemical resistant sprayer. That stuff can be abrasive. Also, when I use it I wear rubber gloves. I know, it sounds too strong. It's not overly strong, but you'd be surprised what it can do. Sonax is great, but very $$$.

 

I've had good luck using just bug and tar remover. Supposedly it won't harm the clear coat on the wheels but it removes just about everything. I have just sprayed the entire wheel and allowed it to penetrate for about 5 minutes. Then using a kitchen scrubbing brush, like the one for dishes (not to stiff to scratch but hard enough to actually do something) just give them a a good scrubbing. You can try this and maybe a mr clean magic eraser, those things remove alot of crap. Just don't forget to wax the wheel and use a wheel sealant afterwards. There are plenty out there that minimize stuff sticking to the wheel for a while after you wash it.

 

yup steam cleaner works best with some sort of a degreaser. Purple power works well cut down

 

I agree with the Sonax being the best. Could also try Iron-X and Tarminator. Tarminator they sell at most auto parts stores so it should be easy to find. All these products are safe for wheels. Iron-X and Tarminator can even be used on the paint as long as it is wet prior to application. Let the products dwell for awhile then hit with a wheel brush and rinse. Repeat as needed. Once you have them clean don't forget to seal the wheel. Good luck!

 

Bacon Grease!!!

 

Random post to bump your post count, that wont fly around here

 

I use Poorboy's World Bio-Degradable All Purpose degreaser. Works very well, and you can dilute it to fit your needs. Use the same product to clean my engine bay, and i use diluted version for a house hold cleaner (bath tube, kitchen sink, etc) very versatile product. You can by it by the from Autogeek.net. http://www.autogeek.net/pbapc128.html

 

+1

This stuff is amazing! Dont let it dry on your wheels and use it in a well ventilated area. Its very strong smelling. I also use latex gloves with it.

 

Heavy duty stove cleaner does wonders!