Dirty Alloys

[Ex-Galaxy person]

Hi All,

 

I've searched the forum and found loads of advice on cleaning the brake dust off the alloys. I'm neither vain nor a heavy braker, but dust does seem to accumulate on the front alloys.

 

I wondered if there was some kind of circular shield/guard available, that would sit between the wheel and the hub and maybe reduce the amount of dust that ends up on the alloy.

 

I guess the risk is that the wheel would stop looking sexy - not that I'm vain at all :) . Even though it's a family car I like the alloys and the privacy glass.

 

So, does such a product exist, or should I just clean them more regularly?

 

Phillip

 

p.s. On a separate note, I finally got the digital clock to illuminate (see separate post). I did nothing, bar take it right apart, put it back together, and push the connector hard in. It is illuminated all the time when the ignition is on, but you can't actually see that it's illuminated in daylight - only at night - which is the whole point.......

[soptom]

Do a Google for brake dust shields, I've seen them fitted to some cars and they do work. Although they do the job they are designed for, I would have more concern for the brakes overheating, if they stop dust moving through the wheel, they must stop the cooling air too.

[Ex-Galaxy person]

I would have more concern for the brakes overheating, if they stop dust moving through the wheel, they must stop the cooling air too.

 

I did wonder about heat dissipation (not just spoiling the looks !). I suppose it would be OK on the basis that steel rims aren't as well ventilated as the alloys (and I doubt the brakes are different on different trim levels) but it's definitely something to think about.

 

cheers,

 

Phillip

[Smilge]

Just a quick tip

 

When I had my Mk III Mondeo I bought a new set of Ford 7 spoke alloy wheels for it. Anyway my eldest lad bought me the Holts alloy wheel cleaning kit for my birthday which contains a mild acid to clean the brake dust and tar off, a polish and a spray on laquer. I was amazed at the results and do the same for the Gal wheels. You won't use anything else once you've tried it. ;)

[johnb80]

I had some shields called 'wheel clean discs' on my 24v Senator, they were brilliant and there was no noticeable change in braking performance etc.

 

Regards - J

[Guest larryo]

Well , what I used to with my mondeo , was blow the wheels off with my compressor..................is great to for blowing out nooks and crannies inside car.eg, heater vents etc. ;)

[Bigjeeze]

I use alloy wheel cleaner - I can't remember the brand but I got a gallon of it and it works brilliantly. What it doesn't do though is clean off the crap that's under the lacquer - really poor quality.

[sepulchrave]

I think the likelihood of warped discs would increase dramatically!

 

Don't be such a lazy tart, get the Autoglym wheel care kit and never look back. ;)

[adrianf.]

All the different products on the market nowadays but i still say you cant beat a good bucket of hot soapy water and a sponge for cleaning the wheels.

I cant see how cleaning products can be any better cos once theyre clean theyre clean

(or am i wrong) ;)

[anadin]

All the different products on the market nowadays but i still say you cant beat a good bucket of hot soapy water and a sponge for cleaning the wheels.

I cant see how cleaning products can be any better cos once theyre clean theyre clean

(or am i wrong) :(

 

 

off topic for a mo , where do you buy a magic sponge like the football coaches use ???? :D

[soptom]

off topic for a mo , where do you buy a magic sponge like the football coaches use ???? :blink:

Here!

[Smilge]

All the different products on the market nowadays but i still say you cant beat a good bucket of hot soapy water and a sponge for cleaning the wheels.

I cant see how cleaning products can be any better cos once theyre clean theyre clean

(or am i wrong) :blink:

 

You're wrong ... tried that

[MadBaz]

Well , what I used to with my mondeo , was blow the wheels off with my compressor..................is great to for blowing out nooks and crannies inside car.eg, heater vents etc. :blink:

 

I sincerely hope you wear an appropiate mask!!

[greg_68]

 

 

off topic for a mo , where do you buy a magic sponge like the football coaches use ???? :blink:

 

 

I use Wonder Wheels cleaner on mine, absolutely brilliant stuff.

 

 

:lol: When was the last time you saw a physio with a magic sponge?

 

No self respecting one would be seen without the magic 'spraycan' these days

 

Wonder what is in it, a concentrated dose of placebo I bet.

[adrianf.]

 

 

off topic for a mo , where do you buy a magic sponge like the football coaches use ???? :blink:

 

 

I use Wonder Wheels cleaner on mine, absolutely brilliant stuff.

 

 

:o When was the last time you saw a physio with a magic sponge?

 

No self respecting one would be seen without the magic 'spraycan' these days

 

Wonder what is in it, a concentrated dose of placebo I bet.

I must be missing the point here i think. :lol:

Ok so ive just washed my wheels with soapy water and a sponge, they are looking lovely and shiny :D apart from the bits pealing off. :o

Along comes Mr spray can and goes to work on the wheels.

How can it make them look any better if there is no dirt or dust left to clean off. :D

I know things like back to black makes the tyes all shinny but thats about it.

If i could be convinced i would go out and get some but at moment im struggling to understand.

Maybe ive just got my thick head on :D

[greg_68]

Adrian I think it depends on how dirty you let your wheels get, how old they are and what style of wheel you have got.

 

Obviously multispoke are harder to get into properly and rarely end up getting a deep clean.

 

Mine were 10 years old and didn't get cleaned that often (about every 3-4 weeks).

 

At which point they were getting ingrained with brake dust and no amount of cleaning would shift the stubborn marks.

 

Wonder wheels and all the others get the really stubborn bits off.

 

You obviuosly do not suffer from ingrained brake dust on your wheels, well done.

[adrianf.]

Adrian I think it depends on how dirty you let your wheels get, how old they are and what style of wheel you have got.

 

Obviously multispoke are harder to get into properly and rarely end up getting a deep clean.

 

Mine were 10 years old and didn't get cleaned that often (about every 3-4 weeks).

 

At which point they were getting ingrained with brake dust and no amount of cleaning would shift the stubborn marks.

 

Wonder wheels and all the others get the really stubborn bits off.

 

You obviuosly do not suffer from ingrained brake dust on your wheels, well done.

Thank you.

I now understand, cos i thought people were using it all the time instead of soapy water.

Maybe i am lucky cos my wheels dont get ingrained dust but the wheels on the wifes Pug do so maybe a trip to Halfrauds is on the cards

[sanjsanj]

This: http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...indpost&p=70133

took me half an hour per alloy, a dust pan brush and a toothbrush! but boy did them alloys look good!!!

 

I have seen round rubber(i think) pads which are made especially to go between the brake disk+ pad and wheel. I saw these in the euro carparts mag. All you have to do to install them is take the wheel off, put the pad on (as if you were putting a wheel on) and put the wheel back on. I haven't tried them myself.