Brake dust and iron

[BigKev67]

When brakes are applied they release hot dust particles that contain iron. These iron particles can embed themselves into wheel surfaces and they cant be removed by normal washing.
its worse on cars where the discs are inside the wheel and there are lots of products on the market that are designed to dissolve this iron from wheel rims. The product is applied and turns red after a few minutes as it dissolves the iron, agitated for very dirty rims. Its then washed off and thats it.
I have just ordered some Bilt and Hamber iron remover for my car. Its PH neutral unlike the early iron removers that were acidic
So I was wondering if anyone has used these iron dissolving products on their bikes and perhaps could give a report.

 

[deangsadv]

I’ve used the Bilt Hamber on my car with excellent results, but most brake discs on bikes are stainless steel so not much point really.

 

[Mr Bean]

I thought they still have some iron content in them?

I do use Bilt Hamber on the bike and it brings the wheels and calipers up a treat - also gets rid of the dust/grime on the inner edges of the calipers.

 

[Steptoe]

Hammerite used to sell iron gate cleaner/degreaeser in a trigger bottle, intended for use on iron before using one their Hammerite paint products... One squirt on GS wheels and they came up like new. Widely posted about on the forum at the time.

Unfortunately it's no longer sold due to it's toxicity.....

I've still got a bottle somewhere in the garage.

 

[BigKev67]

Good point about stainless but the base metal is still iron with Chrome and other elements added to give resistance to corrosion. Not sure if most brake pads have metal in them, ie sintered.

 

[Mr Bean]

The fronts are on the LC, rears organic from memory.

 

[2gses]

I use Autosmart Red 7, it’s expensive but good stuff.

 

[Snowman]

Been using this [h=1]Cleenly Iron Fallout Contamination Remover/Wheel Cleaner (6 Litres) - Safe For All Alloy Wheels, Paintwork, Mirrors, Glass and more[/h]
Got it from Amazon for under £24 - It comes as 5 litres and a one litre spray bottle

Is PH Neutral and works great

 

[Zx9man]

I’ve used the Bilt Hamber on my car with excellent results, but most brake discs on bikes are stainless steel so not much point really.

I would second this as it’s what I use you can get some good deals on the 5ltr if you look on detailing companies websites

 

[malcopopolo]

After every ride i wipe my front and rear brake discs with brake cleaner soaked in a rag. I then wipe the rims (cast) with a cloth sprayed with GT85.
to remove brake dust.

This ensures the wheels only take minutes to clean....

I also clean the front screen as well and other bugs/flies from the front. - takes less than 10 mins and means the bike can be ridden for a period before needing a deep clean

 

[GrinningGSer]

This is surely an OCD wind up

 

[theoneandonly]

i clean my bike once a year ....whether it needs it or not.

...ok.... i wash the screen and clocks.

 

[Hann]

These cleaners use a mild acidic content. So mild they`re not really that effective on anything other than lightly contaminated wheels.
During lockdown last year i was bored so i decided to clean the wheels of my car. Going up a level from the proprietry wheel cleaners i remembered i had some `spirit of salts` in the garage which is 33% sulphuric acid so tried that!
It worked very well on crusty, brake dust embedded and filthy old wheels. They came up like new with minimal effort just by scrubbing with a tooth brush.
I am not advising anyone to use this stuff - let alone bike wheels - it`s lethal.

Rinse well....

Before;


After;



Any remaining acid was thoroughly washed off...

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

After every ride i wipe my front and rear brake discs with brake cleaner soaked in a rag. I then wipe the rims (cast) with a cloth sprayed with GT85.
to remove brake dust.

This ensures the wheels only take minutes to clean....

I also clean the front screen as well and other bugs/flies from the front. - takes less than 10 mins and means the bike can be ridden for a period before needing a deep clean

That's an issue, Go to your General Practitioner. They will be able to assist you.

 

[Steptoe]

i clean my bike once a year ....whether it needs it or not.

...ok.... i wash the screen and clocks.

My 1150R is now three years without a clean, my RT 18 months

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

My 1150R is now three years without a clean, my RT 18 months

Scared to clean my bike now, Might destroy the drive shaft again