Remove caked on brake dust?

[bruker]

What's the best way to remove caked on brake dust? I don't think the previous owner ever rotated the tires because there's a ton of caked on brake dust on the back sides of the front rims. I've tried Purple Power which usually works and even some mineral spirits but neither one did much. Any suggestions?

 

[Jay FX4]

For anything but the face of the wheels, a wire brush works like a charm.

 

[bruker]

For anything but the face of the wheels, a wire brush works like a charm.

I'm sure that'll work but won't that also remove any protective coating on the rims?

 

[Mark_88]

Wear a face mask when you do that...a good one...not those cheap paper types...brake dust is part asbestos...or can be...

You can also try spraying it with water before brushing...that keeps the dust down to a minimum...but makes a very black and dirty floor if you spill any...

 

[adsm08]

a pressure sprayer also works nice if you have one.

 

[scotts90ranger]

have you tried brake parts cleaner? that stuff works great for just about everything...

 

[Kroeter]

I sprayed some simple green on mine and let them soak for a while. Took most of it off, I repeated a couple times.