Last weekend, I did some major detailing. I removed each wheel, cleaned the inside of the wheel, the wheel well, brake calipers, suspension, and etc. I was disappointed to find a bunch of stamped steel components under there that had begun to rust. My G35 coupe had all aluminum suspension components. The worst corrosion was on the drive axles. All the coating had flaked off and was rusting very badly! I used a scrubber and some light sand paper to remove most of the flaking rust, then used a rust remover that turns rust into a black primer. Once dry, I painted them black. It looks a lot better now and gives me a better sense of that clean feeling about the car. The whole cleaning process took about 3 hours due to the scrubbing of tar and road grime that was inside each wheel, especially the front 2.

Just thought I'd share. Something you might want to check out. Especially those of you that live in the salt belt! Even if you don't drive in the winter (me included) salt residue is always present.

 

Good job!! I like to remove my wheels and clean them and the wheel wells twice a year. I am always amazed at the crap that gets in there.

 

Thanks for the Heads Up! However, you Guys are taking away more of my Driving time with all these "suggestions".

SF

 

the calipers will rust too. mine were starting to rust before i traded the xf.

 

I have to clean my 2 front wheels almost every weekend otherwise it gets completely black and I hate that.
Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips on how they clean their wheels.
I'm a girl so removing the wheel to clean might be a challenge for me.

 

I have found that wheel wax works pretty well. It doesn't necessarily keep the wheels clean, but it allows you to just rinse them off with a hose (given you do this at least once a week). Also, when it rains it cleans them up real nice!

 

Rotex Gold Brake Pads...the very best $ ever spent.

 

This is an old motorcycle trick: I use lemon Pledge on the wheels. It helps repel dust caused by static. Reduces the brake dust accumulation nearly by half.

 

Get the "Rotex Gold" brake pads from www.brakeworld.com and your rims won't get that black brake dust on them ever again. It is the first thing I did after buying my Crossfire and me wheels stay bright and clean now.
You won't be disappointed.

 

Ditto on the Rotex Gold pads. If I get a new XF I'll have the Rotex gold pads here before the car is delivered and the dealer installation will be part of the deal.