Cleaning split spoke wheels

[Synyster06Gates]

How do you guys do it? I got my AMRs about a month ago. Coming from a long line of 5 spoke wheels, these are a HUGE pain in the ass to clean using the normal microfiber towels and soap/water.

What do you guys do to make the cleaning process a little easier and quicker? I easily spend 2x as long on one wheel as I did on all 4 of my old wheels.

 

[superslow86]

Daytona Speed Master wheels brushes -
http://www.autogeek.net/auto-wheel-brush.html
i use the JR and standard brush on my brembo's and it is a breeze. The big one is nice because it allows you to clean the entire inside of the wheel without removing it and the small is nice for the small spaces and corners. The big one does bend easily which can some times be a pain when you apply pressure but not a big of a deal, IMO. Well worth the money and I would but these again in a heart beat.

Autopia also has a E-Z brush, both small and regular sizes.

also, try a wheel sealant, it will help repel dirt and brake dust, making it easier to clean and keep clean.

 

[Synyster06Gates]

Awesome. I'll have to give one a try.

Any thoughts on the CG Ball Buster?

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_ACC_104_3_Ball_Buster_Wheel_Rim_p/acc_104_3.htm

 

[28ONE]

Daytona Speed Master wheels brushes -
http://www.autogeek.net/auto-wheel-brush.html
i use the JR and standard brush on my brembo's and it is a breeze. The big one is nice because it allows you to clean the entire inside of the wheel without removing it and the small is nice for the small spaces and corners. The big one does bend easily which can some times be a pain when you apply pressure but not a big of a deal, IMO. Well worth the money and I would but these again in a heart beat.

Autopia also has a E-Z brush, both small and regular sizes.

also, try a wheel sealant, it will help repel dirt and brake dust, making it easier to clean and keep clean.

^ Magic formula right there!

 

[superslow86]

I have no experience with that system. Reminds me of the flitz ball, lol. Are you trying to polish the wheels or just clean them? That looks more like a polishing system from what I read but it is pretty vague on their site.

Amazon has 2 reviews, a 4 star and a 3 star.
http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...89026948&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=CG+Ball+Buster

 

[BEAST]

I have no experience with that system. Reminds me of the flitz ball, lol. Are you trying to polish the wheels or just clean them? That looks more like a polishing system from what I read but it is pretty vague on their site.

Amazon has 2 reviews, a 4 star and a 3 star.
http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...89026948&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=CG+Ball+Buster

Dont use that POS on chrome. Started doing my wifes wheels, stopped quick. It is too rough for chrome surfaces. The scratching was so bad I had to have the entire rim rebuffed by wheel Dr.

Brought to you by tapatalk; 70k fuck yeah.

 

[28ONE]

How do you guys do it? I got my AMRs about a month ago. Coming from a long line of 5 spoke wheels, these are a HUGE pain in the ass to clean using the normal microfiber towels and soap/water.

What do you guys do to make the cleaning process a little easier and quicker? I easily spend 2x as long on one wheel as I did on all 4 of my old wheels.

Clean your wheels realy good then apply a wheel wax, sealant (JetSeal 109), or even a wheel coating. Heres a link to what I have, makes cleaning a breeze, kinda expensive but for me its worth it! Forget using that ball buster, it's more trouble than its worth...

http://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-wheel-coating.html

 

[superslow86]

^ Like he said, clean>seal>enjoy the easy cleanings after its sealed. Makes a huge difference.
Good to know that thing is a POS, I assumed it would scratch despite it saying it wont on their site.
I used poorboy's world wheel sealant on mine and like it, plus its only $20, lasts and makes cleaning super easy. Jet seal did an ok job, but didnt seam to last very long, plus its pricey, IMO.

 

[Bullitt 3309]

Daytona Speed Master wheels brushes -
http://www.autogeek.net/auto-wheel-brush.html
i use the JR and standard brush on my brembo's and it is a breeze. The big one is nice because it allows you to clean the entire inside of the wheel without removing it and the small is nice for the small spaces and corners. The big one does bend easily which can some times be a pain when you apply pressure but not a big of a deal, IMO. Well worth the money and I would but these again in a heart beat.

Autopia also has a E-Z brush, both small and regular sizes.

also, try a wheel sealant, it will help repel dirt and brake dust, making it easier to clean and keep clean.

Good post, I do the same with these:
http://www.autoality.com/store/pc/Wheel-Woolies-3-piece-Kit-201p798.htm#.Usrt-PRDuPY

 

[Synyster06Gates]

I guess I should clarify - the actual cleaning isn't a pain, but drying them and ensuring no water spots is a real bitch. Will a good sealant make the water bead right off similar to the paint?

 

[00blkvert]

I use what bullitt 3309 posted. I love wheel woolies, come with 3 different size and usually the big gets all the dirt off with no issues.

Sealant wise yes it will make them alot easier to dry. You can use a wheel wax or a synthetic sealant then just use a leaf blower to dry them off almost all the water will be off.

Another option is to use hydro2. It's a little pricey but its application takes a whole 10 seconds a wheel. It fets diluted down spray on clean wheel rinse off right after. Here's the small bottle.
http://www.autoality.com/store/pc/CarPro-HydrO2-100ml-250p6557.htm#.UsrzyJ8o7qA

 

[superslow86]

Yup, a wheel sealant will make them bead and make them less likely to water spot, just like paint. Also, using the sheeting method helps because it leaves very little water on the actual wheel to dry off. And if you have the ability to, use a leaf blower or an ait compressor to push the water off.

 

[nyuk98GT]

Synyster06Gates:

(edit)
OK, I see that "00blkvert" beat me to it by suggesting a leaf blower so I will "^^^ +1,000" his post, lol.
(end of edit)

Vac 'n Blo, or, a leaf blower.

You can get a Toro leaf blower for $60 at one of the box hardware stores and it will get the job done. I went whole hog and got a VnB and it is one of the best detailing tools I own. I sealed my wheels as the other guys recommended and blow-drying keeps them spotless.

Just my 2 cents...

Chris

 

[LS1EATINPONY]

Agree completely with the suggestions on blow drying them. Its much easier that way. As far as a wheel protectant/sealant goes, you could try the KLEERS as well. I have not tried it myself but I have seen plenty of reviews on it and people love it. It is designed to stand up to the heat of your brakes as well so it wont degrade fast and should only need to be done a couple times, maybe a few times, a year.