cleaning Bundts

[s class]

As much as I like Bundts, I have to admit they are just about the most miserable thing to clean.  Brake dust tends to accumulate in the crevices.  In the past I 've refurbished wheels and wound that even with diligent regular cleaning, after about 20 000km or so they start to look tatty again.  It seems as if the dust particles imbed themselves into the paint and are almost impossible to get off again.  Driving in wet weather with dirty bundts seems to accelerate the process.

I'm interested in miracle cures for a) cleaning a and b) preventing the dust build up in the first place.  And no I will not consider dust shields.

Ryan

[s class]

My Bundts are refurbished with a 2-pack silver and clear coat.  The dust definately does not just wipe off if its been there for a few days.  I usually rinse the wheels off with water and a soft paint brush every few days.  But even so, there is a gradual buildup of 'permanent' grime in the crevices. 

Ryan

[WGB]

I could never understand why the brake dust was so difficult to remove and appeared to imbed itself into the paint until it was pointed out that when the brakes are working hard, and particularly with metallic pads, the residue is red hot when it comes off the brakes and burns its way into the paint.

I know it's always better to wash them every week - comes off much easier.

You can buy pads that have a white residue but I do't know what the quality is like.

Bill Babe

[James R]

Try Wonder Wheels. Not sure if you get it in your neck of the woods but it works really well. I've just cleaned the inside of my bundts and its brought them up superbly - dust and dirt just dissolves.

//http://www.shop.edirectory.co.uk/autosave/pages/moreinfoa.asp?recordid=815334&cid=225&afid=88888

[gregdeklerk]

I was told by the guy who painted my wheels that it is a good idea to polish the wheels with a nice wax polish and then the layer of polish will (hopefully) prevent the brake dust from burning the wheels!!

[s class]

Greg, welcome.

I have heard the story about wax polish, and I tried it but it seemed to dramatically worsen the problem.  I think the wax softens in the heat and helps to really glue the dust onto the wheels.  Though this is probably preferable to having the dust burn into the paint. 

styria,  I can't get my head around green bundts  , but as you say it may work for the inner surfaces.  Perhaps they make the same paint in grey?

I'm snowed under with car projects at the moment, but when I get a gap I will be refurbing my 15" bundts. 

Ryan

[gregdeklerk]

Where did you get a set of 15in bundts. As far as I know, they were only available on 6.9s and 500SEL 126?

[s class]

15" Bundts were never original equipment on any standard Mercedes product.  Centra and others supplied them for special heavy duty applications like ambulences, armoured vehichles et. 

I found a set of three Centra 7.5x15 et23 at a specialist breaker.  They went cheap (R500 as is) because I was told "I'd never find a 4th one"  A year later I found a single one in Cape Town at a 2-bit breaker who didn't know it was any different from a 14" Bundt.  I got it cheap as it as in shabby condition.

Presently I have 2 of the 4 completely rubbed down, waiting for etch primer.

Ryan

[Papalangi]

You asked for miracle cures.

This sounds like one to me,
http://www.ioniczone.com/pco-sanitizer-tio2-photocatalyst-sprays-coating-s/6.htm

Check out the picture of the gaurd rail.  I have heard of self cleaning window glazing and this must be how it works.

Of course, you do have to get the wheels clean the first time.

Michael

Ah Ha,
http://www.ioniczone.com/titanium-dioxide-uses-s/153.htm