F111F

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Okay, I can get to the outside part of the wheels and clean most of the brake dust. But, I would love to clean the entire part of the wheel to showcase what a cool mag MB puts on the SLK.

Any suggestions on how to clean off all that brake dust??? Seems like a huge mess and difficult to get to through the spokes.

Tslick

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Using a floor jack, remove the wheel and clean and dry both sides horizontally. It seams like a lot of work, but it's easier on the back and quicker. Plus you get a chance to ensure the lug torque is correct.

MarkR171

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You could either remove the wheels or just use a wheel brush to get in between and behind spokes

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Wheel consideration is a factor for me. I wouldn't have a set of wheels that's difficult to clean. My wife's SLK 350 has the AMG 18" five spoke wheels.


My SLK has the TSW Bremma 19" wheels. Both style wheels are easy to clean by reaching inside and cleaning the entire wheel. I didn't like either the stock SLK 350 17" multi spoke wheels or the SLK 55 stock 18" multi spoke wheels. Looks and cleaning were equally a consideration.

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VitaminT

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On the 55 do you have to pop a plug out and have a special adapter to jack it up with a floor jack?



Oh and MB was nice and cleaned the fronts and backs when they had them off last trip to the dealer. They were so clean as I sometimes have a hard time getting to the backs of mine.

reallife

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.... of course, you have to remove the wheels and clean them up good first. Use Dawn dishwashing soap and a claybar to remove all the existing brake dust. Then give them two good coats of Zaino. Brake dust will still accumulate on them, especially the front wheels; but a good rinse with the hose will get most of the dust off once a week. Then I usually try to wash the wheels with the usual tools and Zaino carwash every few weeks.

Most of the time my car, which is now my one and only car, looks so sharp that people I meet in parking lots, etc stop me all the time to comment. It requires a bit of elbow grease but a clean, sharp looking car is also much less likely to get dinged by the careless person parking next to you. I really believe that my Zainoed car catches their eye and they become much more cautious when opening their car door.

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RealLife, that's a GREAT pic. Beautiful stance, wheel, and brake assembly. MACHO! Nothing better than a well detailed, beautiful car.

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V8SLK

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i'm with Tom on this. i save a lot of time by taking the wheels off of the car. trying to REALLY clean the inside of the wheels without taking them off is more trouble than it's worth. a floorjack, torque wrench and a couple of beers make for an enjoyable evening in the garage.

Paul

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I've found this product pretty good for keeping alloy wheels clean:
http://www.poorboysworld.com/wheel-sealant.htm

I found it highly recommended on a few detailing sites and gave it a try.
As mentioned above take the wheels off, claybar them and apply a couple of of coats of this wheek sealant and from then on the majority of brake dust just washes away with car shampoo.

Gayle280

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I clean off the dust every day on my 5 spokes with a small CA Duster. Reaches fine all the way inside the rim even under the brake shields on the fronts. Look great all the time,but needs to be done every day. No big deal for me. Have been doing this for 1/ 1/2 yrs ,no scratches and the wheels look like off the showroom floor

Dolebludger

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I use the CA duster as well. Just one warning. Never use the same duster that you use on your wheels to dust your painted surfaces. Brake dust is way too abrasive for this.

A power washer can help clean wheels also. Just make sure that it is set on spray -- never on a pin point water pattern which can strip clear coat and paint. Don't use a power washer with a high power rating unless it has a feature allowing you to dial down the pressure. A good rule of thumb is to put your hand in the spray about 4 inches away from the nozzle. If it does not hurt, it should be OK to use.