I've done a few searches and found some pretty good info from a while back, but was wondering if there are any new products out there for cleaning the chrome wheels??? I have tried everything to keep my wheels clean. HD cleaner, chrome polish, even wax but it seems like I can't find anything that keeps the break dust from settling on my rear wheel (only on the side with the brake rotor). I'm afraid that if I don't find something super soon, my chrome will start having problems. Hell, I'm even considering spending money on new brake pads if I could find some that don't leave a mess.

Any suggestions would be super appreciated!!!

 

Plenty of good cleaning products out there. Try applying some Pledge once the wheels are clean. That should help keep the brake dust from building up so fast. Conversely I rarely use my rear brakes unless I find myself coming into a sharp curve too hard.

 

I have the Ultra Limited Chrome wheels on my Classic and I find they are very easy to keep clean,sure,they get brake dust on them,but it washes off very easily with the HD Wheel cleaner.The only way to keep the brake dust from settling,is to install a less dusty pad.A lot of riders on here use Lyndel pads(not sure of the spelling).I'm sure others with experience will chime in here.

 

Lyndall Gold or Z pads leave almost no brake dust.

 

there is a trade-off.

softer pads are likely to leave more dust, have shorter service life BUT are less likely to squeal

hard pads are cleaner, last longer and are more likely to squeal.

good practices when installing pads minimise the chances of squeal which is caused by the pads or other parts oscillating or vibrating.

I use stock pads for the most part- I have EBC's on my FXR and they have been good. I am sure lyndalls are good too, but I have a stash of stock pads that'll last many years


clean the whole thing, expel the dirtiest fluid from the lines when pushing the pistons in, lube the pins, good spring spring clips, anti sieze on the backside of the pads and maybe even chamfer the leading ( lower) edge of the pads.

careful of cleaners that can eat the tire rubber, or make tires slick

soapy water and a sponge has always worked for me.

no pressure washers !

mike

 

Mike,

That all sounds good for the install of the pads, but how does that keep brake dust from building up on the rim??? I/m looking for a good cleaner to help prevent that build up. I've heard of Pleadge from the searches I did and I am willing to try that (althought the OL might get pissed from me using the furniture polishe she keeps on store for her g-ma's hutch she inherited LOL. A little lickie licke will take care of that thought LOL). I'm not exagerating when I say that I have this **** built up on my rim a week after washing the bike. I even tried to wax the rim after I used Harley chrome cleaner on it and still no avail. The thick and nasty dirt and grime just seems to layer itself on there.

A couple of the other guys said about the Pledge after a good wash and also Never Dull, so I think I am going to try that.