The 18 inch wheels are so "open" in design that every morsal of dirt in the INNER wheel can be seen.
The brake rotor itself has a silver high temp paint coating, and collects dirt and brake dust quite efficiently.

The only way to completely clean these areas is to remove the wheels, and scrub scrub. Who really wants to do that.

Has anyone noticed the ample amouts of visible dirt and grime shown plain as day in these areas. I suppose you can use a narrow brush in between the spokes.

Also, the rotors themselfs haze up with an immediate orange rust coating before you are even done drying the car. This of course goes away after 100 ft of driving BUT if you look close at your inner wheels, there is rust orange drip marks. These are in a perfect line as the rotors spin dry.

To me, its the little things like gleaming wheels and brake rotors that make a car look nice. Any tricks will be appreciated.

This isn't much help at all, but I noticed the same thing. I have a bear of a time keeping the wheels clean - I go through a roll of paper towels just keeping the tires clean. Wish there was something I could spray on them to help out.

At the RX-8 part of the mazda.co.jp website, they have a picture of this below - concerning the rotors. not sure what it is....

Looks like caliper paint. Check these guys out, they seem to be the best around http://www.g2usa.com/products.shtml

I've always put a good couple of coats of polish on my rims, both inner and outer faces. This has seemed to help remove and prevent dirt/rust build-up.:)

Quick FYI...

There was another post about the G2 caliper paint that recommended buying the product from Tire Rack. I checked and Tire Rack is actually cheaper than the G2 site.

Originally posted by Gyro
Also, the rotors themselfs haze up with an immediate orange rust coating before you are even done drying the car. This of course goes away after 100 ft of driving BUT if you look close at your inner wheels, there is rust orange drip marks. These are in a perfect line as the rotors spin dry.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to clean the rust stains? I got the same "spin dry" line, along with the drip spots.

I've applied WheelWax on the finished surface of the wheels and it does seem to make brake dust cleaning much easier (just soap and pressure hose).

Since my original post.....I got annoyed enough to just take each wheel off and clean them the right way.
I scrubbed the inside of the wheels and also cleaned the brake dust from the center of the rotors. I did the rotors with a towel and Zep 40 ...which is window cleaner. I liked the zep because it left no orange haze on the rotor surface.

Now that my wheels look like day one, I "modified" the way I clean the wheels to stop all of that spin dry rust.
I can deal with the brake dust ...but NOT the rust stains. I no longer spray direct water into my wheels....therefor soaking and subsequently "rusting up" my rotors. I wipe down my wheels with a wet towel......and then use a wheel cleaning tool to get inside. Seems to work better....no rust yet:D

Does anyone have any way to actually clean the rotor rust without removing the wheel?

e.g. Are any of the biodegradable rust solvents such as Ecotec safe to use on the rotor? Will these etch or harm the surface in any way? Some of the manufacturers claim it is safe for all surfaces.


Anyone have any experience with this? Are the dealers providing any help or clues?


Thanks

I use a waterless car wash on my rims, it does two things. Keeps the rotors from rusting while they dry and puts a protective coating on the rim that makes it easier to clean the next time around. I end up using several rags for it but the end result is worth it. It goes on similar to wax and comes off very, very easily. It drys to a haze and then you wipe it off. Just don't try to use it on seriously dirty rims, brake dust is ok but no mud or gritty stuff or you might scratch the rim. I buy it from the exchange at Miramar Air Station but I know it's available elsewhere.

Here's a separate question: Is there any product you can use to wash your wheels without washing the entire car (for example, it's too cold to get the hose out, the car is clean, but the wheels are covered with brake dust)? Any kind of special cloth? Thanks,
Peakster

Originally posted by sandiegorx8
I buy it from the exchange at Miramar Air Station but I know it's available elsewhere.

Do you happen to own a Blue or Red one I see around Mira Mesa?

guys, buy the G2 caliper paint kit on ebay its 3 or 4 dollars cheaper. you can get it for $35 delivered to your house, as for the inner part that gets rusty, get a high heat matte finish silver and it will protect it from rust, no more rust period.

Next time you have to clean wheels, use a terry cloth and Meguiars Quick detailer or equivalent spray. Works great. Keep your wheels waxed too....