I've noticed these black dots on these particular rims for early-year Rodeos/Troopers a lot. I'm not talking about the dirt on top of the shiny silver (hey it's winter)... I'm talking about the black dots that simply won't rub off. They've been there for years now, but what is that ? I tried aluminum wheel cleaner, etc. but nothing works. Any ideas ?

Well I know I don't have the dots, with the same rims. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Only thing I could think of is actual hot shavings from the brackes burning the coating on the rim, far fetched <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Scott F.

What's the condition of your clear coat? When mine started to peel off I got similar discolorations from the aluminum oxidizing. Also once the clear coat was off it seemed that they stained really easy and would not clean up. I ended up stripping them altogether and painting them. And seeing as your in NY, road salt plays hell on things. I know I'm in PA.

You tried cleaner, how about some Mother's Aluminum Polish?

I've got my money on the "clear coat wore off" theory. Maybe some brake fluid or other corrosion, or just UV cracking in the clear coat let in a little water/dirt and it grew from there.

Of course, if Mother's works, then you'll wind up with bright spots on your rim.

looks like it's time for a refinishing. auto parts stores have some abrasive and polishing pads that attach to a drill to strip the clear coat off, shine them up, then apply a fresh polyurethane clear coat. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

i have the same thing on my aluminum wheels. What i have done it just used a wire wheel and put it on a dremel tool and scraped away. Steel wool works too but takes a little longer. I did use cheepo wheel cleaner, it helped a little bit, but simple green worked even better. I dont have any clear coat on my wheels. You can also go to a detail shop and they have industrial or whatever it is, but is is an acid type and gets it REALLY clean.

kevan

What i have done it just used a wire wheel and put it on a dremel tool and scraped away. Steel wool works too but takes a little longer.

Be careful when doing this. The steel abrasive products can leave behind steel particles. Steel+H2O=Rust You don't want to end up with rust stained alumnium wheels.

Michael

Be careful when doing this. The steel abrasive products can leave behind steel particles. Steel+H2O=Rust You don't want to end up with rust stained alumnium wheels.

ya a good whipe down made sure of this, thanx though
kevan

what you are seeing is a combination of brake dust, general dirt, and road tar. The brake dust and tar make those little dots like that. I have the same thing on both my Isuzu cars and the Trooper. They will come off. Here's what I do.

I use a product called "Grease Lightning" It's not that purple bottled stuff that they sell at the parts store... it's a white bottle with a big yellow lightning bolt on it... I've seen it at Lowes and HomeDepot... it's an all purpose degreasing agent. I spray it on and let is soak for a couple of minutes (not in the sun, it will dry it up).
Then clean it real good with a brush or rag... then spray it again... let it set and you can usually scrape the dots off with your fingernail. Grease Lightning doesn't hurt clear coat either. I even use it on my tires... It works better than anything I have found. Spray it on the tires and watch the icky brown goop drip off...

Hope this helps

You guys rule. I will try out the grease lightning first (as that seems the least work), otherwise the other methods.. and report back...

Also, what about the white streaks you see around the perimeter ? I think I got some peeling of the "clear coat" (now I realize what that was coming off) when I tried to wash it out. The white wouldn't come off either... similar to old glue...

BTW, I went to school in Buffalo for 4.5 years, soon after I bought the truck... so the roads there presented pretty bad conditions most of the year.