strong aluminum wheel cleaner

[Highbanked Hauler]

  I pulled an aluminum front wheel off my dually to check the steering  and the inside of the wheel was solid with metal from the brake pads. I tried over the counter wheel cleaner and let it soak in and nothing. I thought someone on here said there is an acid that will clean brake metal-dust off aluminum wheels. these wheels are the old type not being clear coated. I put in "aluminum wheel cleaner" in a search and nothing turned up.   Does anyone remember or know what will work? Its got to be industrial strength for these wheels.

[captnsim]

muriatic acid

[Highbanked Hauler]

muriatic acid

Where can it be bought, have you used it, what was the results?  Thanks.

[captnsim]

Most hardware stores carry it.
Be sure to wear protective gear.
Test in a inconspicuous spot first.
Mix with water for desired strength.
Be careful as undiluted this is Strong enough to eat aluminum. (not very fast though and water neutralizes it)
Should lightly bubble when applied.
Polished finish aluminum may need to be re-polished after using this as it will etch the surface if mixed too strong.

[Brock Lee]

I cleaned two sets to like new appearance with a acid/cleaner that is made to clean central AC condensers. You should be able to get it at from any place that services central air systems.

[TruckDriver]

Most hardware stores carry it.
Be sure to wear protective gear.
Test in a inconspicuous spot first.
Mix with water for desired strength.
Be careful as undiluted this is Strong enough to eat aluminum. (not very fast though and water neutralizes it)
Should lightly bubble when applied.
Polished finish aluminum may need to be re-polished after using this as it will etch the surface if mixed too strong.

Keep in mind too, make sure you are up wind when using this stuff, it WILL take your breath away big time if you breath it by accident. AND, wear old clothes in case you get a little on your pants or shirt, cause they will be garbage if it happens. I use about a 50/50 mix of acid and water. Let it sit about 20 to 30 seconds then rinse. Repeat if needed. Although, you may wanna start out with a 25/75 acid/water mix til your get familiar with how it works. This is the same thing they use at most larger truck washes that they call "brightner".

Also, look at a farmer's supply store or one that sells farmer supplys. They use this to sterilize/clean milk house stuff with it while deluted. Also some swimming pool places may have it as well.

[jb666]

Most hardware stores carry it.
Be sure to wear protective gear.
Test in a inconspicuous spot first.
Mix with water for desired strength.
Be careful as undiluted this is Strong enough to eat aluminum. (not very fast though and water neutralizes it)
Should lightly bubble when applied.
Polished finish aluminum may need to be re-polished after using this as it will etch the surface if mixed too strong.

Oh man... All VERY good advice.. That's some strong stuff, and remember, like Bill Clinton was once told, DO NOT INHALE while using this stuff...

[Highbanked Hauler]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKAAAAAA!!!!!!

   When I worked at a GM dealer years ago the recon dept. used to get this stuff in a 5 gal. plastic container that they used for cleaning cars and I bet that's what it was. Live and learn, thanks all