WARNING!! Wheel cleaner damage to APracing hats/caliper paint!

[BimmerRob08]

Well,

If I had known that off the shelf wheel cleaners like Meguires gold edition,
F1, etc. I used would damage (etch/discolor) the anodized paint of the disc hats, I would have never used it. I do not recall reading any cautions/warning on the back of the bottles that these products can damage the paint of anodized alluminum. Check this shit out!

I followed the directions while cleaning, washed it off and started to notice discoloration/staining after some washes. I didn't realize how bad this was until I took the wheels off and tried to clean the wheel wells, brakes up and realized this shit was not coming off.

My options now after talking to Stilen, APracing and my authorized dealer I bought them from is either replace the hats and hardware (expensive$$) or re-paint the hats with high-temperature exhaust paint (recommended by APracing/UK) Of course, I'll have to replace the hardware if I remove the hats to do it right.

What experiances or suggestions do you all of on re-painting disc hats? Also the calipers have become a bit dulled by the chemicals

If I go the re-paint route, I want to make sure the paint don't chip off after a short while. A buddy that used to own a detail shop saw this and suggested to sand the surface up a bit for better paint-contact, don't use any primers but of course use a high-quality high-temp paint. Either caliper paint or exhaust header paints.

Any recommendations? Thanks!
RB

[GregW / Oregon]

Wow, that's some agressive cleaner. I've always used Griot's with no problem.

Prep is always the most important part of painting, so sand with 220 grit metal paper, followed by thorough cleaning. There are lots of brake caliper paints or kits out there (just Google). I'm not sure they work better than engine or exhaust paint, but maybe give you a wider color range.

[montreal red]

i think you left the cleaners on the brakes too long. i've used eagle1 (off the shelf autozone brand) and P21s wheel cleaners and both are pretty effective at removing brake dust but you have to make sure you dont leave them on too long because they are still strong cleaners.

[Singletrack]

Pretty sure I did the same thing to my rotor hats with p21s gel. Package says you can leave it on a looooong time, but I'm pretty sure it spotted them up.

That sucks man, sorry for your troubles.

[BimmerRob08]

Well, since I've allways had to use car wash. I'm thinking no more than 5 minutes on the timer by the time I sprayed it on, then rinsed it off. I can't believe 5 minutes of this shit soaking in would do this.

[gthal]

Off the shelf "wheel cleaners" are often very harsh on wheels/brakes even when they say they are OK. They are often not PH balanced. Stick with a better cleaner like P21S or Sonax which are safer. However, never let the cleaner actually dry.

[mastek]

This is NOT from the wheel cleaner.
Since I've never used what your using ... and my AP Calipers look the same.
AP England tried to tell me it was from Pressure Washing -- I said BS and had them send me new calipers.
Its a problem with that Matte Black paint finish that they use.

[Singletrack]

The plot thickens : )

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by mastek

This is NOT from the wheel cleaner.
Since I've never used what your using ... and my AP Calipers look the same.
AP England tried to tell me it was from Pressure Washing -- I said BS and had them send me new calipers.
Its a problem with that Matte Black paint finish that they use.

No shit! Very interesting. I will contact them again then. Thanks and glad to hear this. I guess I was convinced it was the cleaning agents.

Edit: that's the same crap they tried to give me, that it's a high pressure wash. I think I can agree on the caliper paint, but what about the hats? Did you get the same damage? The hats must have had damage from the wheel cleaners. pm me if you please and if you could tell me exactly what you did/say/contact to get new calipers. Thanks!

[808MGuy]

Were the brakes warm or hot when you sprayed the cleaner on? A lot of cleaners become highly acidic when their temperature goes up.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

Were the brakes warm or hot when you sprayed the cleaner on? A lot of cleaners become highly acidic when their temperature goes up.

They were lightly warm, ambient temp here in the SW, to the touch. I made sure of this.

[MVEED3]

I've had the same experience with anodized wheels in the past. The only cleaners that won't etch them is regular car wash solution. P21 motorcycle wash was fine for heavier brake dust build up but I only did one wheel at a time and maintained a small window to work in. I try to avoid anodized finishes in all aftermarket car and motorcycle parts.

If this is a manufacturing or finish defect, I hope you're able to get things taken care of through the vendor. Good luck!


Allen

[aus]

So AP calipers and hats can't take a pressure washer, but the rest of the car can???

[Jaypod]

This is interesting - my AP black calipers look nothing like that. I take a pressure washer to them regularly and drive them through the winter. Have about 30+ track days on them as well.

I have only used P21s and Sonax on them.

[STALKER]

My calipers are red, but they have also been pressure washed a few times. My hats don't look new, but they have about 12 track days, 2 winters, and about 40 000KM on them.

[blackoutm3]

I have satin finished hres and Brembos Dish soap and high-pressure does the the job just right. I can't count the times I've used brake cleaner and degreasers and have ruined finishes on wheels and hats. Allllllways make sure that brakes are completely cold cause
If you are using any cleaner u bet ur balls there will b staining/fading everywhere. High heat paint and recoat your calipers, will look better than new.

[BimmerRob08]

Well, I'm working with my authorized dealer to try to get this warrented, especially since other's have reported some problems with cleaners. Hopefully I'll get this resolved. If I had known about these cleaners only! GRRRRR!!!

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by Motion

Did you wash your wheels with hot brake rotors and calipers?

No, question was already asked ealier. I'm sure this issue is because of the wheel cleaners aggressive chemicals and low quality paint of th APracing BBK. Let's face it, this should not have happened.

[HP Autosport]

I guess the wheel cleaner is just too aggressive. I usually just use car wash soap and water.

[HP Man]

Wow -- that's terrible. I have had no issues with my hats or calipers, however, I've got red calipers and don't use that type of cleaner.

[Leo@AlpineMSS]

Woe

[Leo@AlpineMSS]

Wow