Do you clean only half your wheels?


Kayvan

Kayvan

GT Owner
Jul 13, 2006
4,782
So, as part of the hibernation process, I wiped down all my wheels by hand using old wash coths. Then did the tank fill-up and Sta-Bil.

Used 4 towels all solid black after. Took about 15 minutes per wheel, on the 6spokes: outer rims, each spoke, inner crevices.

Then realized that I was bascially only cleaning half the wheels.

It seems near impossible to get to the other side unless you unmount wheel.

Is there another way, Power washers, tools/brushes, ?


Basically seems like long term pitting is guranteed unless you do both sides?
 
Depending on how much driving you do per year, I would suggest un-mounting the wheels at least once per year, thoroughly cleaning them, and putting a coat or two of wax on them (That means in the wheel "Barrel" too) Your wheels are clear coated so do not use any metal polish (Flitz, Nevr-Dull, Master Formula, etc...) on them. The waxed surface will resist brake dust better than an non-waxed surface and there are some waxes (I.E. Rimwax) that are made specifically for wheels and are formulated to resist brake dust (Although I have yet to see any brand fully come through)

The above is just my personal opinion, I am interested in seeing all the other ideas too :thumbsup
 
Takes time and patients but it can be done. The car has to be moved about 10 feet to get to the entire surface. Clean the tire first then use a a product like quick detailer with a microfiber cloth on the wheel
 
What's maddening for us waxers is that you can do all this cleaning, polishing, and detailing and then drive the car around the block. You will have brake dust all over the wheel. The pads are fantastic for stopping, but if you intend to keep the wheels in show condition, driving them any distance makes this impossible. I have learned to live with it and enjoy the performance more than the "wheel barrel" shine. Of course I could change brake pads, but I don't think so. As for quick cleaning the wheels, I have devised all kinds of tools to reach into the barrel, such as a California duster without the wood part. You can reach most of the inner wheel. But of course removing the wheel and cleaning everything is the most satisfying approach, but as I said, it's all dusty in a half mile. So now, I just clean the outside after each run (wax helps as Jason said) and learn to live with the dust.
 
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Cleaning all of the wheels

I just removed and cleaned the wheel while mounting the mud flaps and was suprised to see the rust that was starting on the nut that attaches the brake roter to the half shaft on both rear wheels.:eek:ack Now I worry that this will become a problem in the future when the roters need to be replaced.:confused I live in california where it does not get much rain but does get washed. Perhaps taking the wheels off and cleaning them periodicly is not a bad idea.:frown
FLY GT40
 
Mud Flaps

How did you mount the muf flaps? Did you drill holes?
 
BlackICE said:
How did you mount the muf flaps? Did you drill holes?
Click to expand...

Yes and painted the screw heads black. In the past I found any thing short of screws or rivits didn't hold up on other cars
FLY GT40
 
Try this one, it works great, flexibl and the top end is rubberized, gets into everything,

http://www.autogeek.net/ezdebrfca.html


autogeek_1977_12500894.jpg
 
I think Bony could use that for his carbon fiber love chamber.
 
Damn Frankie,...
Not everyone is into barnyard sports... :)
Least I'm not...
But thanks for looking out for me... :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
wheel cleaning

I too have commiserated over this issue !
What I have discovered has been ;
Wax rims with wax formulated for this use. ( Jason recommended)
Use the Michelin wheel spray brake dust retardant (recommended from a forum member)
Replace your brake pads with a harder compound. The stock pads are quite soft.( I used xtremes that I bought from Stillen ) The harder compound is also a good compromise between street /track use. more versatile pad as well . I couldn't wait to see the difference!! I would say 8o% less brake dust!!! I am quite pleased.
Ron/roketman
 
roketman said:
....Replace your brake pads with a harder compound. The stock pads are quite soft.( I used xtremes that I bought from Stillen ) The harder compound is also a good compromise between street /track use. more versatile pad as well . I couldn't wait to see the difference!! I would say 8o% less brake dust!!! I am quite pleased.
Ron/roketman
Click to expand...

80% less brake dust???
That is significant. Would you mind sharing some comments/observations about the differences between the stock and the replacements brake pads you have noticed please?
 
Kingman,
The biggest noticeable difference is the pad compound. A harder pad.
The stock Brembo pad ,you can actually feel that it is much softer.
In terms of performance ,none on the street no overheating or fade on the track.
Does this answer your question?
 
The concern I always have is that competition pads require warming up. Nothing like getting in a cold street car, having to panic stop and not having brakes.

On ceramic disks the pads that I have seem to kick off no noticeable dust. That is why I pray we can work out an agreeable program with STOPTECH.
 
Bony,
I have not had that issue with them at all. I too had the same concern .Especially living in New England's cool fall weather.
 
Bony,
Are you using the ceramic pads for the GT? How are they on the track and where did you get them?
Flash
 
Flash, we have a Ceramic Brake Thread started by Brian on his SEMA find. We are in discussion stage with STOP TECH.


No Ceramics for the FGT yet... but hoping.
 
Easy wheel clean.

After washing the wheels I lay the rag over a flat wooden paint stir stick. This allows me to swish it back and forth over the inner hub, works good, reaches the back age, non abrasive, and low cost.
 
roketman said:
I too have commiserated over this issue !
What I have discovered has been ;
Wax rims with wax formulated for this use. ( Jason recommended)
Use the Michelin wheel spray brake dust retardant (recommended from a forum member)
Replace your brake pads with a harder compound. The stock pads are quite soft.( I used xtremes that I bought from Stillen ) The harder compound is also a good compromise between street /track use. more versatile pad as well . I couldn't wait to see the difference!! I would say 8o% less brake dust!!! I am quite pleased.
Ron/roketman
Click to expand...

Stillen shows two xtreme pads. One is listed as "motorsport" and one not. Which do you have and do you know what the difference is other than the motorsports are more money. I couldn't find any mention of the difference on theirs or mintex's website.
 
With regard to the original question, I also remove the wheels to clean them inside and out as well as cleaning the suspension parts, rotors and calipers. I usually do it after a day on the track.
I cannot stand brake dust on the wheels, and usually clean the outer wheels after every drive session. If I don't let the dust build up, it's pretty easy just to use a wet terry cloth towel to wipe them down, then dry them with a micro fiber towel. No need to rub when the dust has not been accumulating over time.
 
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