My wheels look like trash. Loads of brake dust baked on and began to rust. Can't seem to get this crap off. It's only on the front wheels. Please any help would be greatly appreciated

 

At that stage it's too late. They need to be refinished.

 

i hate to use acid based cleaners, but prob your only choice...

first read this:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=420668

first scrub them with car shampoo...
next use a non-acid based cleaner (i like p21s wheel cleaner)
then inspect- if still not clean acid is next. an acid based cleaner is usually a spray on- the wheels must stay wet at all times while using acid or the metal will etch (pretty much permanent damage)-

if rust is still on after a few cleanings, then you need naval jelly or other rust removal process.

got pics??

 

its not the wheels thats rusting at all but just the brake dust coating.. ill post pics tomorrow

 

Sounds like you're using Hawk brake pads? My HP Plus' generate a fine film of rust on the inner diameter of my wheels. This Saturday at the autocross, we're changing them out for some BHP pads which aren't supposed to do this. Carbotech pad dust is another one that is not corrosive.

Be mindful of the fact that the dust can get on the sides of your car too! When I had a full-time race car (not street legal), the dust from Hawk Blues would actually start to etch the finish around the fenders a little. It's very caustic stuff, the dust those Blues generate.

If you're going to continue to use those pads, I strongly recommend that you get different pads for street use if you don't have them already. And don't drive with those wheels in the rain if you haven't cleaned the dust off them.

HTH.

 

cobalt gts actually and already swapped back to oem

 

What typically happens is that the brake dust etches the rims then rusts forming a hard coating/mass. You have to determine if this is what has happened.

 

(taken with an iphone..suprisingly good quality)
you be the judge

 

Those pictures are REALLY good for a cell phone camera.

BOT . . . your rims are totally f-ed. I don't think this is something you'll be able to remove and they'll need to be refinished. My dad's Cayenne had crud like that on the inside of the wheels and there was nothing I could do to remove it.

This is a prime example of why it's important to clean your wheels and to protect them with some wheel wax or a sealant on a regular basis.

 

Damn, those look like some Benz wheels I see or even a Ford F-150.