FYI: Simple green + Stoptech BBK enamel = :-(

[EBG 18T]

I had read that simple green worked great to clean wheels and was safe for the wheels and the finish on stoptech bbk's. Well it isn't. I cleaned my wheels last week with a diluted solution of Simple green (cut 1 simple green : 2 water). Sprayed it on the wheels, scrubed the wheels with the brush. Washed everything with water. After everything dried the brake calipers no longer had the nice shine they had before. It looks like simple green fades the finish on the calipers. [down]

Oh well, lesson learned. Anyone else had this issue?

[VroomVroom]

Geez, this is surprising. Are you sure the finish is faded, or could it just be a haze residue from the Simple Green? There was a recent thread where Grouse (I think) expanded on the reasons not to use it...not so much that it damaged anything, just that it left a residue that wasn't easily rinsed away. Do you have another APC that you could try?

[EBG 18T]

Geez, this is surprising. Are you sure the finish is faded, or could it just be a haze residue from the Simple Green?

I was hoping it was just that. So when i changed my wheels i wiped the caliper again with just soapy water and then a coat of quick detailer (Prima Slick) hoping it was the case. But no go. The finish is now faded. It isn't a big deal as they will soon be covered in brake dust and crap from my race pads at the next track day. But i was just disappointed.

I just don't want anyone else to do that same thing and be surpized.

[BMWWW]

When did you first notice the fading?

Whenever I need to use an acidic/harsh chemical, I always wash with soap right after.. Pain water may not cut it, hence the need for a rewash.

Hope you've learned from this experience!

[CO AVANT]

Try buffing them or using a polish ball with some wheel wax/sealer on it. I used Poorboys wheel sealant (came with my Jline wheels). I used one of those red polish balls with my drill and put a bunch of pressure on it. I did it to my calipers and the powdercoat to of my rims. Made them look nice and shiny again!

[Capt. Obvious]

You think Simple Green is bad, see what happens when you clean them with Castrol Super Clean.

I had to repaint my red calipers because they turned pink. hahaha

[EBG 18T]

When did you first notice the fading?

After the calipers dried, when i went to dry my wheels. Maybe 20 minutes elapsed. They were fine before i washed the car.



Whenever I need to use an acidic/harsh chemical, I always wash with soap right after.. Pain water may not cut it, hence the need for a rewash.

Simple green actually has a Ph of 9.3 so just slightly basic. When cut 2:1 with tap water (my home is ~7.2) it lowers the Ph to ~7.9 which isn't really that basic. After noticing it was faded i thought it might just be residue so i did wash it was soap and water. But to no avail.


Hope you've learned from this experience!

I am not sure what you really mean by this comment.

[EBG 18T]

You think Simple Green is bad, see what happens when you clean them with Castrol Super Clean.

I had to repaint my red calipers because they turned pink. hahaha

Yeah that Castrol Super Clean is crazy stuff. It has a Ph of 13. About the same Ph as bleach. I'm sure your red car looked hot with those pretty pink calipers..[:D]

[Dark 'n' Dirty]

After the calipers dried, when i went to dry my wheels. Maybe 20 minutes elapsed. They were fine before i washed the car.



Simple green actually has a Ph of 9.3 so just slightly basic. When cut 2:1 with tap water (my home is ~7.2) it lowers the Ph to ~7.9 which isn't really that basic. After noticing it was faded i thought it might just be residue so i did wash it was soap and water. But to no avail.



I am not sure what you really mean by this comment.

Since you cut the Simple Green 1:2 (Simple Green to H2O) and lowered the pH from base to more neutral (water being 7.0), I'm inclined to think that the fading had to be due to something else. From personal experience, I've used Simple Green diluted 1:1 on tons of applications and have never seen fading from one use. Here's a post (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99226) I did last year for a customer that requested I remove the rims to clean the inner rim and wheelwells. He had Stoptechs as well. Definitely no fading from what I could tell. I have Brembos on my car and they're still in showroom condition. I'd check with the manufacturer to see what products they would recommend. Simple Green definitely isn't for everyone. Do you have any pix?

[Brooklyn]

not doubting or disputing your findings either, but i've used simple green in diluted and full strength formats on wheels/calipers and have never had either discolored. very strange indeed. is there an organic degreaser that would otherwise be recommended for this application?

[EBG 18T]

Since you cut the Simple Green 1:2 (Simple Green to H2O) and lowered the pH from base to more neutral (water being 7.0), I'm inclined to think that the fading had to be due to something else. From personal experience, I've used Simple Green diluted 1:1 on tons of applications and have never seen fading from one use. Here's a post (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99226) I did last year for a customer that requested I remove the rims to clean the inner rim and wheelwells. He had Stoptechs as well. Definitely no fading from what I could tell. I have Brembos on my car and they're still in showroom condition. I'd check with the manufacturer to see what products they would recommend. Simple Green definitely isn't for everyone. Do you have any pix?

dark & dirty - I read many posts of people taking about Simple Green Diluted as a wheel cleaner. I worked great, but maybe it is something else that faded the coating. It might just be coincidence. I will call stoptech sometime this week and ask them about wheel cleaners and their finish. I had used the P21 wheel cleaner in the past without issues. But i didn't have anymore and it seemed like Simple Green was a good alternative.

How do you like the mequires gold class wash?

Thanks.

[VroomVroom]

I'd certainly try a mild paint polish to see if you can remove the haze, but wheel wax and Poorboy's wheel sealant have no cutting power - abrasive or chemical - and are only intended for protection.

I'm really sorry to hear about this. For degreasers I love 303, Poorboys BAPC, and Four Star White Lightning.

[Dark 'n' Dirty]

dark & dirty - I read many posts of people taking about Simple Green Diluted as a wheel cleaner. I worked great, but maybe it is something else that faded the coating. It might just be coincidence. I will call stoptech sometime this week and ask them about wheel cleaners and their finish. I had used the P21 wheel cleaner in the past without issues. But i didn't have anymore and it seemed like Simple Green was a good alternative.

How do you like the mequires gold class wash?

Thanks.


I personally think Gold Glass is great for the money you pay, but I'm sure there are better car wash soaps out there that will lubricate, foam, strip less oils and wax from your car's surface. I use it more because of the volume and you can buy it OTC at any auto store or wholesale club.

[VroomVroom]

Echo. Gold Class is great. I always stock up @ Costco or whenever I see it on sale. Granted - I am a bigot - I use it for wheels & wells, and save the boutique stuff...which does seem to have better lubrication and suds...for the paint.