Remove baked on brake dust, but clear coat safe?

[ChuckP]

I recently bought some wheels that have some baked on brake dust. The other day i got at it with a microfiber and some car soap and couldnt make a dent in the brake dust. What product out there is safe enough for the clear, but will cut through this stuff? Should i mess with citrus cleaners? im lost. TIA
Detail Addict....where u at?

[racer1]

Simple Green has always worked well for me.

[ChuckP]

^ diluted or 80 proof?

[DetailAddict]

Adam's All Purpose Cleaner...

Spray on, agitate with a brush, let it site for 15-30 minutes, clean with a good wet wheel brush and rinse off...

If not, go with P21s

[DetailAddict]

use P21s the same method... if that doesn't work, try clay bar... if that doesn't work, man, you'll need acid based wheel cleaner...

[ChuckP]

Clay bar didnt even cross my mind, good thinking. Detail Addict, what do you think about simple green? I only ask because i have a gallon in my garage.

[DetailAddict]

Simple Green wouldn't hurt. Give it a try! :)

[ZK]

I say go with the clay... acid-based cleaner if clay doesn't work. Some jobs with delicate wheels, you can't use acid cleaners so after washing, its clay and a 2 stage hand polish and sealant on the wheel.

On clear-coated wheels, acid cleaners do wonders - just remember to wax/seal after you are done - it will strip any protective layers you have on the wheel.

[ChuckP]

Can you give an example of a good acid based cleaner? TIA

[ZK]

Well, if you are looking for something you can pick up in stores, I don't know what you can find... most of the stuff there is pretty tame for normal consumer use.

If you get it online, Mequiar's wheel brightener is very good - remember to dilute with water because 1:1 strength is pretty strong. P21S Gel is good for wheels too. Very gentle but requires you to do some serious scrubbing.

I use Poorboy's Spray and Rinse which is not as strong as the Mequiar's but still has a lot of cutting power. Here's my use of it:
http://www.norcalevo.net/forum/index.php/topic,10377.0.html

[ChuckP]

^thanks. Im going to play with some simple green and clay bars before i go strong.