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cleaning stock polished 20 wheels

Novass454
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Novass454 Enthusiast

Novass454

Posted
Posted

My 2014 has what looks like rust/brownish on aluminum polished wheels. Also they look foggy. What do you use to clean yours wheels polishes, buffing compounds, sprays, and/or sealants?

Luster Senior Enthusiast

Luster

Posted
Posted (edited)

If you have pics that would be good... "Rust/brownish" sounds like brake dust. (but really hard to know without pics).

 

If the wheels are polished aluminum, they would be clearcoated. Start with carwash soap and water. If that doesn't work, try claybar. Next I would try Meguiars Ultimate polish on a microfiber towel or Meguiars 105/205.

Edited by Luster
Cmillerjr Enthusiast

Cmillerjr

Posted
Posted (edited)

Aluminum isn't going to rust, I'd have to agree with brake dust.

Whatever you use, make sure you don't use something that is too strong (like purple power). It will turn the clear white.

 

If you can't get it to come clean take it to the dealer, have them warranted

Edited by Cmillerjr
  • Like 1
racerkvn Enthusiast

racerkvn

Posted
Posted

My High Country wheels had white/hazy spots on them when I took delivery and had the dealership get me 4 new flawless wheels and tires. It looked like somebody in "clean up" sprayed something too harsh on them and didn't wipe it off between the spokes. Not sure if it happened from the GM wheel manufacturer or after the truck was delivered to the dealership.

Novass454 Enthusiast

Novass454

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I tried wasing and waxing it does nothing. if anyone has the same wheels please post pics. I just feel they should have a better reflection then this.

DSCN14851_zps5a51f54a.jpgDSCN14861_zpsd13cd8e5.jpg

Luster Senior Enthusiast

Luster

Posted
Posted

The wheels aren't chrome, they're polished aluminum, so the shine/reflection looks exactly as it should... except for the brown spots. Have you tried clay-bar?

  • 2 weeks later...
nahulu77 Enthusiast

nahulu77

Posted
Posted

Steel wool (0000 grade), and a good foaming glass cleaners works well.

Won't that leave little fine scratches?
Luster Senior Enthusiast

Luster

Posted
Posted

Won't that leave little fine scratches?

The wheels are clear-coated, so treat them just as you would paint. I would try claybar, then Meguiars 105 polish. Steel wool will scratch the clearcoat. (steel wool would work if they weren't clear coated)

  • Like 1
  • 1 month later...
Novass454 Enthusiast

Novass454

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I finally got some sonax wheel cleaner safe for all wheels. After use it just wipes right off. I was amazed as you could scrub with soap and water that did nothing.

  • 1 year later...
webhead Enthusiast

webhead

Posted
Posted (edited)

Just picked up a set of these wheels myself, if anyone has used that tutorial I'd love to see before and after pics.

Edited by webhead
GMCSierra4x4 Enthusiast

GMCSierra4x4

Posted
Posted (edited)

Do not get aggressive and polish off clear coat. The clear coat is tinted vice clear. I used a Dremel to smooth out small curb rash, polished and touched up clear coat after sanding with 2000 grit. Repair was perfect but the clear coat afterwards left the spot a brighter color of aluminum compared to original.

Edited by GMCSierra4x4
cbrsilv15 Senior Enthusiast

cbrsilv15

Posted
Posted

It is a polished, clear coated wheel. Treat it just like you would your paint. Don't listen to the other guys telling you to use stew wool.... Get it good and clean, and try a clay bar first. If that doesn't work, use a least abrasive polishing compound and go from there. Make sure to use a sealant when you are done also.

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