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I'm trying to clean up a set of rims before I put new tires on them. The previous owner told me that they may have had fix a flat in the old tires at one point and that could be the reason for this black gunk/mold.
First, has anyone ever seen this before?
Second, how do I get it off?
I'd start with soap and water and a scrubbing pad. If that didn't get it then move up to carb cleaner or similar chemical to get it off. If that don't get it then a wire wheel, and try not to remove too much aluminum with it.
So far I've tried Meguiars wheel cleaner and a scrub brush, this hasn't done much. I was thinking about using a paint remover that goes on the end of a drill but I don't want to damage the rim.
Originally Posted by REELAV8R
I'd start with soap and water and a scrubbing pad. If that didn't get it then move up to carb cleaner or similar chemical to get it off. If that don't get it then a wire wheel, and try not to remove too much aluminum with it.
So far I've tried Meguiars wheel cleaner and a scrub brush, this hasn't done much. I was thinking about using a paint remover that goes on the end of a drill but I don't want to damage the rim.
I'm no expert on metallurgy, but those are rims that are exposed to all manner of chemicals, salt, water, gasoline and whatever else they encounter on the road, I don't think they are fragile.
That black stuff on your rims is a rubber sealer they slop on the rim's edge when they are mounting the tires. It helps seal the tire to the aluminum rim and prevents leaks. You can remove it with a round, fine wire brush mounted in an electric drill. You don't have to get fancy when you remove it, as they'll just put more on when you have your new tires mounted.
Duane
Good to know, thanks. I was thinking of getting a brass wire wheel on my grinder and trying that but a fine wire brush on the drill sounds like a better plan
Originally Posted by Duane4238
That black stuff on your rims is a rubber sealer they slop on the rim's edge when they are mounting the tires. It helps seal the tire to the aluminum rim and prevents leaks. You can remove it with a round, fine wire brush mounted in an electric drill. You don't have to get fancy when you remove it, as they'll just put more on when you have your new tires mounted.
Duane
Not that it matters.....but I come across this quite often. AND if I can see that the aluminum is not corroded...and it is 'stuff' stuck to the wheel. I use automotive lacquer thinner and red scotch-brite pad and it comes off rather easily. The I go across the parking lot to the shop that mounts tires and I put it on the wheel balancer and spin it up and give it a final clean.
I have even taken sandpaper while it is spinning on the wheel balancer to cleanup the pitted aluminum. And for those who are going to 'freak-out' because I am using sandpaper...TRUST ME...I know what I am doing and I am not removing enough material to remotely effect the wheels strength.....BECAUSE...if there are pits and corroded areas...then the aluminum is already missing.
I wish I had access to a balancer so I could do something like that, I'm sure it would speed up the process. I'll try the thinner as well, I have a gallon of it in the garage.
Originally Posted by DUB
Not that it matters.....but I come across this quite often. AND if I can see that the aluminum is not corroded...and it is 'stuff' stuck to the wheel. I use automotive lacquer thinner and red scotch-brite pad and it comes off rather easily. The I go across the parking lot to the shop that mounts tires and I put it on the wheel balancer and spin it up and give it a final clean.
I have even taken sandpaper while it is spinning on the wheel balancer to cleanup the pitted aluminum. And for those who are going to 'freak-out' because I am using sandpaper...TRUST ME...I know what I am doing and I am not removing enough material to remotely effect the wheels strength.....BECAUSE...if there are pits and corroded areas...then the aluminum is already missing.
I wish I had access to a balancer so I could do something like that, I'm sure it would speed up the process. I'll try the thinner as well, I have a gallon of it in the garage.
Just be careful. I use it in a well ventilated area and proper gloves and eye protection.
Ok, I'll look for one. Any idea what a brass brush might do?
Brass will not effect the aluminum due to not being a ferrous material.
YES...galvanic action occurs when aluminum and a steel (ferrous) material come in contact with each other....BUT it is when a substance such as salt is also introduced to this area is when you can have a PROBLEM... SO...honestly...using a steel brush is not going to leave enough steel embedded into the aluminum to where you should need to be concerned....ESPECIALLY if you go over the area with sand paper which will remove any minute traces that may have been left behind from the steel brush. And this is confirmed when I pull bodies on early Corvettes which have been local southern cars their entire life....and the condition of the aluminum body biscuits that have been in contact with steel for 30+ years are still in really good condition....BUT....If I get a northern Corvette that was in the salt...I have seen the aluminum body biscuits literally shatter when hit with a hammer.
And this is confirmed when I pull bodies on early Corvettes which have been local southern cars their entire life....and the condition of the aluminum body biscuits that have been in contact with steel for 30+ years are still in really good condition....BUT....If I get a northern Corvette that was in the salt...I have seen the aluminum body biscuits literally shatter when hit with a hammer.
That is pretty interesting. A guy learns a lot working on old stuff.
That is pretty interesting. A guy learns a lot working on old stuff.
YES...A lot of 'things' I have noticed over the years. A LOT! When I perform inspections for potential buyers...I can go right to the areas where I will know where it has been or what it has been subjected to and in many cases..... I am done in under 5 minutes....and tell the potential buyer to 'RUN' from it. OR get ready to spend a BUNCH OF $$$$$.
That black stuff on your rims is a rubber sealer they slop on the rim's edge when they are mounting the tires. It helps seal the tire to the aluminum rim and prevents leaks. You can remove it with a round, fine wire brush mounted in an electric drill. You don't have to get fancy when you remove it, as they'll just put more on when you have your new tires mounted.
Duane
03-25-2015, 02:46 PM
Black mold on rims?
