Cleaning Lug Not Holes?

[dolebludger]

My '04 C 320 sedan has the standard six-spoke clear coated aluminum wheels. The five lug bolts on each wheel are recessed in holes about 1" in diameter and close to 1" deep in some areas (with lug bolt removed.). These holes in which each of the lug nuts sit is a perfect place for brake dust to mix with forms of "road sludge, making the inside of these holes brownish-black, instead of silver. But I have yet to find a brush or other tool that will adequately clean the insides of these holes.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Richard :confused:

[tiggerfink]

How about a tooth pick. Meguiars sells foam tip swabs. They work fine on my cars.

http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_detailpage.cfm?product=Reusable-Detailing-Swab-Kit&sku=G-301

[Scott Singer]

I would use clay and lubricant.
Take wheels off, wash holes with soap and water.
Then mold some clay and motion back and forth on the sides of the lug holes.
That is really the only way.

Mercedes eve recommends, once a year or so taking wheels off and cleaning their insdes.

[dolebludger]

Scott and all:

I'll check with my dealer about this wheel removal and cleaning, as I lack the equipment, ability, energy, and desire to DIY! Thing is, though, the lug bolt holes get grimey more than annually, and are near impossible to clean way down around the bolt edges.

So (as I often do) I found a solution I THINK will work (time will tell). I bought some chrome lug bolt covers from www.PerformanceProducts4Benz.com, which protrude out further than the lug bolts and are easily removed. They cover the area that is near impossible to clean, and can be removed to clean the areas within these holes that CAN be cleaned. So when I remove the covers, clean all parts of the hole that can be reached, and re-attach the covers, all that shows is the clean part of the holes. I'll let all know how this works out after a reasonable trial period.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[Arn560]

Go to a pharmacist & buy a feeding bottle brush. It has bristles at the tip so if you spray wheel cleaner inside, you can brush off, & hose out with a strong jet of cold water!

[Scott Singer]

i wouldn't pay the dealer to take off and clean wheels, I suggested it only if you were to do it yourself.

[Ferdman]

Richard, a Griot's Garage Boar's Hair Wheel Brush does a fine job cleaning the lug bolt holes. Granted the tight annular space prevents cleaning to the very bottom of each hole, but the wheel brush cleans deep enough for an acceptable, clean appearance. If you wash your cars weekly a Griot's Garage Wheel Brush will keep your wheels looking fine. When I rotate tires I use Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax to clean the bolt hole recesses and the entire wheel, followed by a coat of carnauba wax.

[dolebludger]

Yes, Ferdman, I may try one of those boar's hair wheel brushes. I have the Griot's boars hair car wash brush --- the one on a pole or pipe that flows water to the bristles ---- and I swear it just gets the car cleaner!

Yet, my problem is with the "gunk" that accumulates at a depth in the holes equal to and deeper than the lug nut heads. I'm afraid that only wheel removal will allow me to access that area! But the lug not covers to which I refer above are working well. When cleaning the wheels, the covers are easy to remove, I clean down as far as I can, and re-install the covers. They hide the area I couldn't access to clean.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[dolebludger]

Rubbermaid makes a tool that looks like an ergonomic magic marker that has a brush sticking out of one end, and what looks like a pointed eraser on the other. The bristles of the brush stick out about an inch, but rotating the ring just below the bristles extends them to about four inches. I bought one at a Target store for about two bucks, and it really works for cleaning lug bolt holes. The pointed eraser is particularly helpful for some of the "gunk."

Hope this helps,
Richard :) :) :)

[Martinez]

I use Q tips. Just dip in soapy water and insert into the lug hole. It may take a few until you get them clean. Then just use when you normally wash your car. When you rotate the tires then you can clean the entire hole.

[Alex]

What's needed is a cylindrically shaped brush whose business end has an outside diameter of 1-1/4" and inside diameter of 3/4". Outside depth of 2", inside depth of 1". A 6" long handle will do. Since I have not come across such a brush, I suggested it to Griot's garage. Am awaiting their response.

[sl3204me]

German brake pads are notorious for their black brake dust.It adheres to every surface and bonds very tightly to the alloy wheels.After just a few months,the once very clean wheels look just like an old Panzer tank and just as difficult to clean.I found that spraying the wheels with Maguire's wheel cleaner,letting it soak in for a while and then going to the high pressure car wash spray seems to do the trick.To get down to the bolt heads and around the holes of the wheel,I remove the wheels(not a difficult job) and use a small bottle brush or test tube brush and detergent.After cleaning,I put some carnauba wax on the wheels to protect them and keep the brake dust from adhering as bad.I find myself spraying down my wheels with cleaner and a hose once a week to keep them looking nice.I think I will switch to ceramic pads on my next front brake job and try them.

[Alex]

As fussy as I may be about cleaning the car it doesn't seem right to have to remove the wheels to clean them properly. I concede that some things, like weapons, for example, need to be disassembled for thorough cleaning. But they were designed that way. I don't believe cars are designed with disassembly required for cleaning. Not wheels, not engine components, not seats, not doors, etc. Perhaps concourse enthusiasts may differ on this.

[dolebludger]

Guys:

See my post entitled "Solution Found" five posts up. The little Rubbermaid brush and tool I described there REALLY works! The bristles are stiff and point directly into the lug bolt hole. The length of the bristles is adjustable to take into account the design of your wheels. And the pointed "eraser" tip on the other end will remove baked-on gunk in hard-to-reach places.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[joes380SL]

I agree with SL3204me.

When the brake pads need to be replaced, or even just to eliminate the dust, change to ceramic disc pads. Their benefit is to eliminate the black brake dust, while stopping the vehicle just as good. Most all the main players are manufacturing them for your vehicles, Raybestos, Wagner, Bendix. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

[VA5-0]

I purchased my '87 300D 4 months ago and I swear the wheels had not been cleaned since it left Germany. I tried every "wheel cleaning" product to no avail. Today, while under the kitchen sink, I saw a few Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. They are white sponge-like foam bars that will clean just about anything I have tried them on. I thought I would give them a try on the accumulated brake dust. Was I ever thrilled!!! No elbow grease required either. Those things cut right through years of baked on brake dust like nothing I have tried. I cannot say how thrilled I was with the product or the results.

[Alex]

Richard,

Yesterday I bought one of the Rubbermaid brushes at Target, as you recommended. Will report after I try it out.