Cleaning Spiders?

[Snakes]

Anyone know the best technique for cleaning the inside of the wheels (i.e. behind the spokes). Mine are a bit grubby?

Currently use hot water, car shampoo and sponge. Push between spokes and do inside egde. Roll car forwad to do bits previously inaccessible behind discs. Stand back and admire then go and get elastoplast for cut knuckles!

Originally managed to get them back to original spec but now starting to get more difficult (especially since the factory got overspray in a few areas).

Help.

>>> Edited by Snakes on Sunday 6th February 12:52

[Mr Freefall]

Snakes said:

Anyone know the best technique for cleaning the inside of the wheels (i.e. behind the spokes). Mine are a bit grubby? Currently use hot water, car shampoo and sponge. Push between spokes and do inside egde. Roll car forwad to do bits previously inaccessible behind discs. Stand back and admire then go and get elastoplast for cut knuckles! Originally managed to get them back to original spec but now starting to get more difficult (especially since the factory got overspray in a few aras). Help.

Take them off, its the best way

[Snakes]

Mr Freefall said:

Take them off, its the best way

Just a bit daunted by need to buy low-drop jack (for clearance) plus torque wrench, etc.

[maddog-uk]

I use a 99p microfibre cloth from tescos and meguairs car wash. I also bought p21 gel for some tough stains. I did source that in the us though as its 50% cheaper (same as meguairs). I also actually use pressure washer on alloys, but not the rest of the car.

Look new everytime!

[bomb]

You need a proper 'spoke brush'. They are about a foot long, and designed for old type spoked wheels. Maybe you'd track them down on the internet.
I've got a couple, but cannot remember where i got them.....maybe at an autojumble or an 'old fashioned' brush shop. (there is one in the old grass market in Edinburgh if you are up that way).

Failing that, I use Mrs Bombs toothbrush.....

>> Edited by bomb on Sunday 6th February 17:12

>> Edited by bomb on Sunday 6th February 17:13

[maddog-uk]

actually i saw something yesterday in san francisco, its a vase cleaning brush for narrow vases. May be I will pick one up!!

[julianc]

I use Autoglym Super Resin Polish, a clean cloth and plenty of elbow grease/sticking plasters - makes the wheels come up a treat!

Julian

[evostick]

Snakes

I use Autoglym Wheel Wash from Halfords. You spray it on and then leave for about a minute. Then attack! Everything comes off loads easier but you'll still need the plasters! Try and get somone with small hands as well (bribe a child??) my husband cleans the car & I do the wheels!

Eve

[Snakes]

I've got no problem with the outside of the wheels it's the matt grey inside that's the problem. I heard that the wheel cleaner sprays contain acid and (gradually) get under the lacquer. Any views on this?

[daftlad]

Snakes said:

I've got no problem with the outside of the wheels it's the matt grey inside that's the problem. I heard that the wheel cleaner sprays contain acid and (gradually) get under the lacquer. Any views on this?

I stay clear for the damage it can do and the fact it takes off any wax youve already managed to build-up. Alloy whell cleaners in general, including Auto Glym, are quite aggressive.

Light cutting compound and WD40 are both good stain removers. When you got them looking like they should, good old fashioned Auto-Glym.

With RR brakes the fronts are a bigger pain to clean than normal and I find the only way to keep the insides looking good is wheels off.

[Snakes]

daftlad said:

With RR brakes the fronts are a bigger pain to clean than normal and I find the only way to keep the insides looking good is wheels off.

So have you invested in low-level jack and torque wrench etc or have you just got access to a ramp?

[daftlad]

Snakes said:

daftlad said: With RR brakes the fronts are a bigger pain to clean than normal and I find the only way to keep the insides looking good is wheels off. So have you invested in low-level jack and torque wrench etc or have you just got access to a ramp?

Already had a reasonably low level jack and torque wrench. To jack the car still involves raising the front - easily done by driving onto wooden blocks.