Thread: How to remove "sticky weight" residue from wheels?

Is this on the inside of the wheel? If so, use a wire wheel. If on the outside, try Goo Gone.

I always use brake cleaner with a rag and just rub the **** out of it.

I've balanced enough rims in the past to know how stupid some brands are to get off.

A wire wheel will damaged the rims, it will remove clear coat and paint. Only use that if the rim is already half junk and peeling.

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

I always use brake cleaner with a rag and just rub the **** out of it.

I've balanced enough rims in the past to know how stupid some brands are to get off.

A wire wheel will damaged the rims, it will remove clear coat and paint. Only use that if the rim is already half junk and peeling.

The inside of the rim isn't clear coated like the outside, is it?

Originally Posted by bobc455

Sure is. Obviously the inside of the wheel is less visible, but if you grind through the clear coat then that area would be more susceptible to picking up brake dust in the future.

Have you actually used goo-gone for this?

No, but Goo Gone is famous for getting rid of sticker residue and it doesn't harm paint or clear coat. My brother has used it on his door before.

This or wax and grease remover and rub a lot. Use a softer plastic or wood tool to scrape the excess off while wet, without scratching. Then go from wet rag to dry rag alternatively (Cotton. Or terry or microfiber for more scrubbiness) with the solvent for quickest results. It won't harm the finish but you'll probably want to rub it with some polish afterwards. Care for the shiny face of the wheel as you would paint. Just my 2 cents!

IDJ, is that available retail anywhere? A quick look seems that it is available through industrial sales channels only.

An auto parts store that sells paint and body shop stuff should have that or be able to get it. Can they sell it to an individual? I don't know about in MA. If you can't locate some, WD-40 will also soften it without harm to the wheel. Leaves it oily though. Any paint prep wax and grease remover would do the same job. The 3M adhesive remover is about the mildest solvent there is. Once there's a can of it on your shelf, you may be amazed at how many uses you'll find for the stuff.

By the way, its also available in smaller sized aerosol. The quart size is a lot if you are just removing wheel weight goo. But its great for road tar, tree sap, grease on carpet, etc. Lots of uses in and around the home as well.

Just re-read your first entry. If solvents fail, the next move is polish. Those also contain mild solvent but have the added scrubbing action since they aren't just clear liquid. Just avoid rubbing compound that feels gritty and kills gloss. Try any auto paint polish you've got. Either way, elbow grease is what really does the work! Mention of acids is scary to me, I would not try any because I'm simply not familiar with them.