[overcoil]

Do any of you think the wheel cleaners that you spray on a rinsed wheel and the wheel cleaner turns purple - do any of you think that type of cleaner is too harsh on rubber brake lines or caliper-paint? That P-21 or soap and water will not cause any issues after years of use like the products that turn purple do ?

[pz619]

I've been using either sonax or adam's wheel cleaner almost weekly and haven't had any negative effects in the 2ish years I've had the car.

Although I try to not spray the caliper directly. My thinking is if this eats brake dust, and the brake pad is basically brake dust in solid form, I should avoid spraying on the brake pads.

[cxp213]

Originally Posted by pz619

Although I try to not spray the caliper directly. My thinking is if this eats brake dust, and the brake pad is basically brake dust in solid form, I should avoid spraying on the brake pads.

Makes me want to spray the different wheel cleaners I have on a spare pad I have laying around to see if any of them does anything like that.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by cxp213

Makes me want to spray the different wheel cleaners I have on a spare pad I have laying around to see if any of them does anything like that.

If you do I’d be curious at the results. My guess it won’t do anything but who knows. Could be a good science expirement if you get bored.

Hmmm now I think of it, I’m bored. I might try this out over the weekend.

[jmwilson125]

Originally Posted by pz619

If you do I’d be curious at the results. My guess it won’t do anything but who knows. Could be a good science expirement if you get bored.

Hmmm now I think of it, I’m bored. I might try this out over the weekend.

Actually curious too. Never really thought about that. I bet if it does take anything off it'll be a micro amount and not visible to the naked eye

[pikcachu]

I doubt it would affect the paint.... the new formulation it's even ph balanced

[SteveInfante]

It's just fine. I miss the German P21S pink wheel cleaner gel.

[pz619]

Science has officially commenced.

[cxp213]

Are those brand new pads or used? Did you take before pics and/or weigh them?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by pz619

Science has officially commenced.

That is so freakin cool. Thank You

[MarcoZandrini]

I’ve used meguiars car wash and a mesh speedy scrub on my bimmers’ alloys for decades without any problem. The speedy scrub is available from McMaster Carr.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

I’ve used meguiars car wash and a mesh speedy scrub on my bimmers’ alloys for decades without any problem. The speedy scrub is available from McMaster Carr.

is a 'mesh speedy scrub' a generic dish scrub thingy or a dedicated car detailing product ?

[MarcoZandrini]

It’s a generic dish washing item. I buy them at the local army base commissary. You can buy them at McMasterCarr at https://www.mcmaster.com/#scrubbing-pads/=1auqpns. Click on “Mesh Scrubbing and Scouring Sponges.” Wash them a few times with the towels. I’ve used these for decades on alloy wheels. Absolutely no issues.

[pz619]

I’ll find some time to post the findings and pictures, but I was a little surprised. If you spray wheel cleaner on the brake pads and rinse them off, really no problem. But should you forget or leave it on, it can definitely cause some premature wear. You’d really need to push the envelope here beyond common sense, but I was able to compromise about 5% of the brake pad (top surface) by leaving the cleaner on. Basically it would eat the iron off the surface leaving a relatively porous material behind that can easily flake off.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by pz619

I’ll find some time to post the findings and pictures, but I was a little surprised. If you spray wheel cleaner on the brake pads and rinse them off, really no problem. But should you forget or leave it on, it can definitely cause some premature wear. You’d really need to push the envelope here beyond common sense, but I was able to compromise about 5% of the brake pad (top surface) by leaving the cleaner on. Basically it would eat the iron off the surface leaving a relatively porous material behind that can easily flake off.

Why do I feel like junior will be handing in "wheel cleaner vs brake pads" for his elementary school science fair this year?

So in essence the findings seem to support don't be an idiot and all will be fine. That's always good to know.