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Spots on Chrome Wheels

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Old 01-23-2009, 07:48 PM
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Hebstar11
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Default Spots on Chrome Wheels

I have brownish looking spots on my wheels. I have been unsuccessful at getting them off. Anyone knows what it could be and how I can remove them and prevent them from returning? I polish me wheels with Mother's regularly.
Old 01-23-2009, 08:31 PM
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ALD_Z06
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000 steel wool with soap and water. Worked for me.
Old 01-23-2009, 08:35 PM
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If you have a clay bar lying around you might try that first. I'd also try some light rubbing compound or better yet the Simichrome polish that comes with Ed's exhaust tip polishing kit before using steel wool on them.
Old 01-23-2009, 08:38 PM
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Fast06Z06
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Originally Posted by Kevin07
I have brownish looking spots on my wheels. I have been unsuccessful at getting them off. Anyone knows what it could be and how I can remove them and prevent them from returning? I polish me wheels with Mother's regularly.
Try Some "Brasso" polish they sell it at home depot. Works outstanding on any stainless, chrome, aluminum or brass.
Old 01-23-2009, 08:42 PM
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spin-doktor
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pics ? ar these OEM or aftermarket wheels ?
Old 01-23-2009, 09:09 PM
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Hebstar11
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Factory chrome wheels. I tried Zaino PC Fusion on one wheel so far. it appears to be working. Thanks for the tips.
Old 01-23-2009, 09:12 PM
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Not sure what kind of brake pads you are running, but if they are stock pads, it could be fallout from the brake dust/residue accumulation on your wheels ~ agree with suggested cleaning options.
Old 01-23-2009, 09:14 PM
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Modshack
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Why are you using abrasives on Chrome wheels? Not a good plan IMO..
Old 01-23-2009, 09:20 PM
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09Vette
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Semi-chrome cleaner......its the best and you will never use anything else after you buy it.......
Old 01-23-2009, 09:23 PM
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RadarP3C
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Originally Posted by Kevin07
Factory chrome wheels. I tried Zaino PC Fusion on one wheel so far. it appears to be working. Thanks for the tips.
Occasionally, I well get a brownish looking water spot on my OEM chrome wheels. I don't know if it's the same as what you are experiencing. Zaino's detail spray will take the water spot off with a little rubbing.
Old 01-23-2009, 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by ALZ51
000 steel wool with soap and water. Worked for me.
You need to be very careful with what you put on chrome. Any type of abrasive material may may scratch, dull or in the worse case, wear through the chrome plating, especially if the is tinted chrome (black chrome, etc.) Very mild polishing compounds can wear though chrome plating if used too hashly.

I would try the clay bar first. I've had good success with it removing all types of contaminates from various finishes (paint, glass, chrome, etc.), and it will not hurt the finish.

Chrome polishes or other polishes may help the chrome to resist future stains. But I would try to find the source of the staining and see if that can be corrected. If it is the brake pads or rotors and you don't want to replace them with a type that may or may not stain your wheel, you may have to clean and polish more frequently.

Last edited by Onyasix; 01-23-2009 at 09:33 PM.
Old 01-24-2009, 04:22 AM
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Windex.
Old 01-24-2009, 04:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Modshack
Why are you using abrasives on Chrome wheels? Not a good plan IMO..
Old 01-24-2009, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Modshack
Why are you using abrasives on Chrome wheels? Not a good plan IMO..
Old 01-24-2009, 10:19 AM
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Does anyone know if the OEM chrome gumbys are clear coated or have any protective finish over the chrome? I have used Windex a couple of times, but I am afraid of trying anything else at this point.
Old 01-24-2009, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by NevadaVette
Windex.
Told to me by the person below that Windex attracts brake dust...causing static electricity!

Last edited by ufso; 01-24-2009 at 11:24 AM.
Old 01-24-2009, 11:21 AM
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I was at a chrome plating wheel facility years ago and was told that "WATER" was the only thing to use to clean chrome wheels...of course with soap and then rinse with water! I myself have adhered to that but also have about a bazillion coats of Zaino on them too.

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Old 01-24-2009, 11:24 AM
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ALD_Z06
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Originally Posted by Onyasix
You need to be very careful with what you put on chrome. Any type of abrasive material may may scratch, dull or in the worse case, wear through the chrome plating, especially if the is tinted chrome (black chrome, etc.) Very mild polishing compounds can wear though chrome plating if used too hashly.

I would try the clay bar first. I've had good success with it removing all types of contaminates from various finishes (paint, glass, chrome, etc.), and it will not hurt the finish.

Chrome polishes or other polishes may help the chrome to resist future stains. But I would try to find the source of the staining and see if that can be corrected. If it is the brake pads or rotors and you don't want to replace them with a type that may or may not stain your wheel, you may have to clean and polish more frequently.
Triple zero steel wool was used on my 2007 chrome wheels with soap and water and they came out perfect with no scratching at all. I had the same problem as the OP and this is, by far, the quickest and easiest way to do it. Any thing that is used will have some mild abrasive in it and that's how it removes the baked on dust. For some to say not to use abrasives obviously have not tried it. I have done it and there is nothing to worry about. Again, it must be triple zero.

Old 01-24-2009, 11:26 AM
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You guys do know that you are suppose to wax your wheels right?

Once they are clean, wax them like you do the rest of your car and you will find that these kinds of spots are no longer an issue.
Old 01-24-2009, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Joecooool
You guys do know that you are suppose to wax your wheels right?

Once they are clean, wax them like you do the rest of your car and you will find that these kinds of spots are no longer an issue.


Always keep them waxed!

Gene...


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