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Best way to clean up aluminum wheels?

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by goldentaco03, Oct 16, 2024.

  1. Oct 16, 2024 at 5:09 PM
    #1
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Got these 4Runner wheels for a steal. They’re in pretty good shape but could use a little love. I understand these have clearcoat on them from factory which may be some of the oxidization and discoloration I see. What’s the best way to clean these? Also what’s the best way to clean up where the bead seats? Will a steel wire wheel damage the aluminum?
     
  2. Oct 16, 2024 at 5:35 PM
    #2
    Sterling_vH111

    Sterling_vH111 Go do something real instead.

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    I probably wouldn’t take a wire wheel to It, that will be pretty abrasive On the soft aluminum. I would try some good cleaners, and Brillo pads.
    Or a shop that can sandblast and clear coat them, but you will probably lose the front machine surface
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2024
  3. Oct 16, 2024 at 7:53 PM
    #3
    1 Limited Toyota

    1 Limited Toyota ISO XRunner body kit complete or pieces

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    I've been attacking my Sienna Limited wheels. They are the same finish. Its not a machined surface on the front. Its a thick argent metalic paint or baked on finish(?) on the face. I took a wire wheel to the tire/bead lip rubber build up after scrubing the machined back and tube surfaces. I used car wash and course brillo to cut the years of brake soot build up. The brillo didnt leave a scatch.
     
  4. Oct 17, 2024 at 4:30 AM
    #4
    Rocketball

    Rocketball If The World Didn't Suck, We'd All Fall Off

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    I'd start with a good wheel cleaner like P&S Brake Buster to get the dirt and brake dust off of them, and then go from there. P&S Brake Buster is the best wheel/tire cleaner I've ever used that is not acid based.
     
  5. Oct 17, 2024 at 5:23 AM
    #5
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    These definitely look like a machined surface on the front with some sort of clear coat overtop. Good to know the wire wheel worked fine for the bead seats
     
  6. Oct 17, 2024 at 5:58 AM
    #6
    1 Limited Toyota

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    You can see the wheel finish/powder coat chipped on the lip. If you remove it there is a finished surface underneath. At least the lip on my Toyota Sienna Limited has shown this when I lightly scraped the chips. I'll try to get pictures. I'm contemplating using paint stripper or just touch up paint on the chips

    You can see the fine machined lines vrs top picture
     
    goldentaco03[OP] likes this.
  7. Oct 17, 2024 at 8:40 AM
    #7
    atc250r

    atc250r Recovering Ram Owner

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    The bead area and lip next to it I'd clean with a Scotchbrite pad. As far as the face of the wheel it looks like water got under the clear and the aluminum is oxidizing. No cheap or quick fix for that IMO.
     
    1 Limited Toyota likes this.

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