Wheel well cleaning

[Aurora40]

I did this several months ago, and the Engine Kote in the wheelwells has held up quite well. They rinsed out quite clean with just a spray for a long time. They are starting to need another cleaning now, though. Sorry if you read this already...
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Here are my wheel wells dirty. I pulled the wheels one at a time, cleaned the well, and then cleaned the wheel itself to get the backsides (and I cleaned both sides of the tire).



I used two Meguiar's products from their Detailer line. The first was All Purpose Cleaner Plus, which I used to clean. I used it diluted at 8:1. I sprayed this in the well, and then scrubbed it with a soft-bristled brush (you can see it in the photo a bit). Then I hosed it out. I also used this to clean the tires, but used a harder bristled brush.

I then coated the plastic liners with their Engine Kote product. It gives a nice durable shell to plastics. I sprayed it all over being careful to keep it off the painted body and the rotors. Then I wiped it down with a folded up paper towel to remove excess and to even out the coverage since I didn't want to spray near the paint.



There is a little bit of area in the bottom corner that isn't coated, but I got that before I put the wheel back on. Also, the sharp-eyed will note that these aren't shots of the same wheel well. It was easier to snap a pict of the dirty one, then of the one I just cleaned and then get back to work...

[JimW]

You can tell by the turn signal lights

I really go the ghetto route and spray some Eagle One tire wet product into the wheel well, once its dried up. Seems to work, I'm sure there is a side effect to that procedure.

To be honest I look forward to hearing it!

btw...you could really use some slotted rotors and ceramic pads ;D

[Aurora40]

EO Tire Wet is that clear stuff, right? Does it ever really dry? There's nothing wrong with using a cheapy tire product in the wheelwells. I'd think EO Wet would attract and hold a lot of dust, though. I'd personally use a cheapy water-based product like Armor All regular/original stuff. The Engine Kote dries to a hard shell and is very durable, which is what makes it so appealing. Tire products will probably give a more temporary good look. I've heard Mop & Glo will give hard shell results like Engine Kote, though I've never tried it.

Edit: Oh, I've been toying for a while with the idea of painting the "AURORA" logo on the calipers, but it would be so small in order to fit across that narrow middle part. I may get cross-drilled rotors, though the stock ones have been very good so far, as have the stock pads.

[JimW]

The methodology was to clean the wells, and then give it a nicer shine with the EO tire wet, and yea its the clear spray stuff. I just hoped the ingredients of the tire wet itself wouldnt eat away at the guards and coating in the wheel well itself.

[bigal]

Most of those plastic fairings are just held on by pushpins. You should be able to buy a puller at any auto supply shop. The puller will safely remove the pins so they may be re-used. Pop the pins, remove the cover, clean it, coat it and put it back by aligning the holes and just pushing the pins back in.

[TwinCam]

You can actually use a small claw hammer to pull the pins out without damaging them. Just be careful and don't pry on it like it's a nail. best of luck and good job on those wheel wells.

[R4D30N]

i use a gas powered pressure washer