Cleaning Aluminum Wheels

[kketterling]

I'm looking for recommendations on how to clean my aluminum wheels. Right now they are really water spotted and when I tried to clean a spot with a wax/polish the spot wouldn't budge. It looks like the wheels may be clear coated not sure though. They are made by Accuride. Checked their web site and they say not to use a wax polish and all you need to do is wash and wipe dry but the spots were there when I bought the coach.

Help.

[Norm4015]

If they are the Auccride wheels that are coated they will be stamped with the word ACCU-SHIELD. If you have spots that won't come off with window cleaner, then try vinegar. Damped a soft cloth with vinegar and gently rub the spots.

[The Danes Are Coming]

I use "elbow grease" and Mothers aluminium polish.

For the larger areas I use Mother's Powerball.

I did try out bronze wool as a polishing agent but I felt that I was scratching more than polishing.

[denochs]

MOTHER'S, it the only thing that has worked for me. After you get them shinny again, apply a coat of wax and you won't have to use so much elbow greese the next time.

Dave

[Flagelpater]

FWIW Somewhere I read that Monaco had a problem where they inadvertently clear-coated some aluminum wheels during the coach painting process. A problem with the air flow in the paint booth. This rendered whatever coating the wheel manufacturer applied useless. Maybe someone can chime in and expand on this or correct me.

[AFChap]

I have a 2003 Winnebago on a Spartan chassis. A couple of years ago, I emailed Accuride with info from my wheels to find out whether or not they are clear coated. Info stamped into the outside duals includes the following info "120psi maximum cold pressure - 28844 AIP - 22.5 x 7.50 - ACCURIDE U.S.A. 9257."

An Accuride rep called me to make sure I got the right into. Based on the info stamped on my wheels, he said they are not coated. He said they did not begin making coated wheels until about 2005. Also, if coated, they would have a sticker indicating "ACCU-SHIELD" and the stamped letters "AIP" would be "AIPC". For polish he recommended Bush Enterpirses kit 64028 at www.buschshineproducts.com. I still haven't got around to trying any polish as yet...

[RedT]

If you want to clean the wheels quite easily, and polish them after cleaning use Magic Mix quality polishes and waxes from Valco CIncinnati Consumer Products. The Lazy Man's Polish

I have found it at Flying J - use the cleaner according to instructions - it is strong, but will clean your wheels quickly.


RedT in Glendale, AZ