Hello everyone,
I hope you're all doing well. I own a Lexus IS 300 2019, and I've noticed rust on my wheels due to not changing my brakes recently. I'm unsure how to safely remove the rust without damaging the paint or wheels. Could anyone advise on a safe method to remove the rust and whether this is a significant issue?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
yeah you have to stay on top of the wheel cleaning, or else the dust gets embedded in the lacquer finish.
You should also rotate the wheels every couple of oil changes too.
Welcome first timer!
In rough order of aggression:
- soap and water
- wheel cleaner
- pressure washer
- polishing compound
- rubbing compound
- scotch brite pad
- wet sanding (eg, 1500 grit)
- dry sanding (eg, 600 grit)
- wire wheel
Anything from 7 on down will require repainting the wheels.
Hi Dad2LM2,
Thank you for your advice! I've already tried using soap and water, but unfortunately, it didn't work. I've taken some pictures for you to take a look: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gKhrqNcr932NC2KlnTwlqotjndrThElM/view
I would greatly appreciate any additional thoughts or tips you might have based on the photos.
Thanks again for your help!
Hmmm. Looks like the surface has roughened up quite a bit. I wouldn’t expect that on a Lexus. I’d probably try rubbing compound, but realistically I think you’re doing to have to sand them down and repaint them or have them powder coated. (If there is a good powder coating shop near you, they’ll probably advise you on how to prepare them)
Try some 0000 steel wool. I've had good luck with it on chrome and stainless.
Well is it rust or is it just brake dust that bakes itself on. You can get any kind of wheel cleaner wheel polish to polish that stuff off. It's basically impossible for those Wheels to rust because they're allies that don't rust if they're factory rims
Hi Scotty,
Thanks for your advice! I think it's a mix of brake dust and rust, even though they're factory rims. I've snapped a few pictures for you to take a look : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gKhrqNcr932NC2KlnTwlqotjndrThElM/view?usp=sharing
Would love to hear any additional thoughts or tips based on the photos.
Appreciate your help!