Hello,

I recently bought a '05 Infinity G35 with factory 18" sports rims. The problem is the rims are covered with brake dust and it won't come off.

I tried claying it and that didn't do much except make the surface real smooth. I sprayed some Simple Green and worked it in with a nylon brush and that didn't help. I then bought Meguiars Hot Rims all wheel cleaner and that didn't work either.

I was wondering what are some more aggressive products I could use without damaging the rims. I have heard of Poorboys Spray and Rinse Cleaner to be pretty aggressive (pH = 4).

What do you professional detailers use to get baked on dust off rims? Also, does anyone know if the G35 has clearcoat on the rims. Thanks.

 

I used Hydrofluoric Acid which works very good. It might be hard to get hold of, but you can purchase it online.

For the record, it should be handled with care, as it can be fatal.

 

Here is the link to a site where it can be purchased -
http://www.chemical-supermarket.com/...FQRDYQodOAbFbA

Again, if you have never handled Hydrofluoric Acid, please read the MSDS and required protective measures for use.

 

i would say some simple rubbing compund would do the trick...i think acid is a bit harsh...rubbing compund almost always gets anything off

 

yes the OEM are clear-coated... many have had very good results from WheelWax...

 

use the orange gel that mechanics use, to wash grease of thier hands.

 

^+1

That works with a good brush.

 

^

That doesn't scratch at all? Most of those (Fast Orange, Gojo, etc) have pumice pellets in there. I haven't tried it, so I'm just wondering.

 

use the white stuff WITH OUT the sand.

 

I don't think I have ever heard of a suggestion quite this bad. I work in the chemical industry and this stuff is without question DEADLY. The fumes alone will allow it into your blood and bones and you will suffer a long, miserable end. Anybody handling this is suited up, gloved to the armpits, and with a pressurized respirator. To use this as a cleaner is Darwin award stuff. I can't believe they even sell it to the public. Idiots are setting themselves up for legal problems.

 

wow so closed minded, it deffinetly works just like replacing laundry detergent with gasoline

 

I'd think someone working in the chemical industry would know that HF in low enough of a concentration can be safely used without respiratory protection. It's definitely not as safe as some other methods, but it will work well. 7 years ago when I worked in a detail shop, thats what we used. Just be smart, wear eye protection and gloves and use it outside. As was mentioned above, read MSDS and use your judgement.

 

Pretty big risk for some brake dust. I'll pass:

Question though. What makes this stuff get the brake dust off and not attack the paint and aluminum?

 

The link he supplied is for 49% concentrated HF. Spill a few ounces of this on your leg and see what happens. This poor guy did and he died an agonizing death 15 days later after they sawed of his leg. Your former employer clearly had your health in mind.

If your wheels are worth it, go right ahead.

http://www-safety.deas.harvard.edu/advise/accident.html


"A 37-year-old male laboratory technician was performing acid digestion of oil well core and ditch samples with 70% w/w concentrated hydrofluoric acid in a fume cupboard. He was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity (100-230 ml) of hydrofluoric acid onto his lap, splashing both thighs. The only personal protective equipment (PPE) worn was two pairs of wrist length rubber gloves and a pair of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sleeve protectors. As a result of the fact that the technician was working alone, it is unclear whether the spill was from the digestion cup or the 2-l bulk acid container.

The technician sustained burns to 9% of his body surface area, despite washing his legs with water from a makeshift plumbing arrangement that supplied water at 6 l. min -. No calcium gluconate gel was applied to the affected area and contaminated clothing was not removed during the flushing with water. Following flushing, the technician, who appeared to be in severe pain and shock, immersed himself in a chlorinated swimming pool at the rear of the workplace, where he remained for approximately 35-40 min before ambulance help arrived.

The injured man was hypothermic and hypocalacaemic on admission to an intensive care unit at a nearby hospital, and soon became unconscious. His condition continued to deteriorate despite subcutaneous injections of calcium gluconate and administration of intravenous calcium and magnesium. His right leg was amputated 7 days after the incident. He subsequently died from multi-organ failure 15 days after hydrofluoric acid spill."

 

this thread is getting nutty... I work in an industry that deals with HazMat... I would not suggest for any reason dealing with HF or any other potentially volatile substance for something as simple as cleaning a vehicles wheel.

What the hell are you peopling thinking? There are tons of safe effective products on the market. Some better than others, which I think is why the OP asked the question... back-room chemists kooky recipes would just be ignored if you have any amount of intelligence.

If you are offended - re-read and think hard about the logic here. Buy the stuff that safely cleans the f-ing wheels. Why risk anything else.