I have a Mk1 Octy Vrs with Chrome wheels on it.

They look great.

But.....

They are a nightmare to clean because all the brake dust sticks to them like glue and will not come off unless I break my arm trying to clean them!!

Does anyone have or know much about break dust shields?

Do they work and are they worth it. Also can they be cleaned simply?

Do they look good (this i may have to compromise on) presumably they will cover up my green calipers?

If anyone knows of any 'Magic' cleaning fluid to get break dust off chrome wheels I would be really greatful. I currently use Auto Glym custom wheel cleaner.

Cheers.

if they work how id imagine them to then they would be a bad idea if you drive the car quickly as theyll reduce the airflow a lot. try getting a few good layers of wax onto the wheels, either a rim wax or something really durable like collinite 1st as youll want as much airflow as possible ideally over the brakes.

I have a Mk1 Octy Vrs with Chrome wheels on it.

They look great.

Is the wrong answer, I'm sorry I'm going to have to pass it across.

Sorry IMHO they look anything but great.

For cleaning you could try a dilute solution of Stardrops with water in a sprayer and a soft wheel brush.

HTH

The wheels are already going a good job of blocking off the airflow to cool the brakes so adding something else into the mix will not be a good idea. I would do as mentioned earlier, apply some wax to them to help you rinse the dust off. Also clean them more regularly, daily if neccessary otherwise the dust will eat through the chrome and destroy the finish.

ISTR Meguiar doing a special wheel wax that stops brake dust sticking. Do not, under any circumstances, even think about "dust shields". I know someone who faded their brakes at town speeds with a set of those fitted (and on a lighter car than an Octy too).

I had them fitted on an E30 318 BMW quite a few years ago, they don't look good (black rubber) but they did keep all the dust off the BBS's. Driven at normal road speeds there was no hint of brake fade or cooking the brakes.

However if you like to press on a bit then IMO they would be a bad idea.

Looks like I'm gonna be doing some hard work on them for now then. I think I drive a bit too right and left footed to get dust shields and destroy my brakes.

Will have to get some wax etc to protect them when I finally get them completely clean.

Thanks for all the advice. Back to scrubbing my wheels again. lol

Edited 15 September, 200817 yr by blueriver
Typo

Next time you change pads look for pads that are of a lower dust output but still perform.

EBC Greenstuff are, in my opinion, not worth trying; just so you don't waste your money

:iagree:, as do the staff at Awesome.

For cleaning you could try a dilute solution of Stardrops with water in a sprayer and a soft wheel brush.

HTH

Thats what i use too...and if that wont shift it, just add a little more Stardrops.

Edit:

Found this as well Poorboys Car & Bike Alloy Steel & Chrome Wheel Sealant on eBay, also Cleaning, Waxing Valeting, Car Care, Car Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 08-Oct-08 08:30:50 BST)

Edited 15 September, 200817 yr by chicken_eyebrow