Maintenance methods for wheel hub cleaning

Preparation before cleaning

• Choose suitable cleaning tools: Prepare soft brushes (such as bristle brushes or soft toothbrushes), a high-pressure water gun (if available), sponges, towels, etc. Brushes are used to clean the surface and gaps of wheel hubs. Sponges can be used to apply cleaning agents. Towels are used to dry the wheel hubs.
• Select cleaning agents: Select cleaning agents according to the material of wheel hubs. For aluminum alloy wheel hubs, special aluminum alloy wheel hub cleaners can be used. Avoid using cleaning agents with strong acidic or alkaline components as these components may corrode the surface of wheel hubs. For steel wheel hubs, mild soapy water or professional wheel hub cleaners can be used.

Cleaning steps

1. Initial rinsing: First, use a high-pressure water gun (or a normal water pipe if a high-pressure water gun is not available) to rinse off large pieces of dirt, dust, and grime on the surface of wheel hubs. Ensure that all parts of the wheel hubs are rinsed, including the inner and outer sides, with particular attention to areas where brake dust tends to accumulate.
2. Apply cleaning agent: Pour an appropriate amount of cleaning agent onto a sponge or brush and then evenly apply it to the surface of the wheel hub. For areas with stubborn stains (such as brake dust and oil stains) on the wheel hub, allow the cleaning agent to stay for a few minutes to fully exert its effect. For example, brake dust, which contains metal particles, may be relatively stubborn. Appropriate dwell time helps to break down these stains.
3. Careful scrubbing: Use a brush to carefully scrub the surface and gaps of the wheel hub. For wheel hubs with more spokes and complex shapes, pay special attention to cleaning the gaps as these places are prone to accumulating dirt. A soft toothbrush can be used to clean some small gaps, such as around the wheel hub screw holes and at the intersections of spokes.
4. Rinse again: Use a high-pressure water gun or a large amount of clean water to thoroughly rinse off the cleaning agent and dirt. Ensure that there is no cleaning agent residue when rinsing as residual cleaning agent may form water stains or corrode the wheel hub.
5. Dry the wheel hub: Use a clean and soft towel to dry the wheel hub. You can use absorption or gentle wiping to avoid leaving scratches on the surface of the wheel hub.

Maintenance measures

• Waxing for protection: After cleaning, you can wax the wheel hub. Select wax suitable for the material of the wheel hub, evenly apply the wax to the surface of the wheel hub, and then polish it with a clean towel. Waxing can form a protective film on the surface of the wheel hub, preventing the adhesion of dirt and brake dust and also increasing the glossiness of the wheel hub.
• Avoid contact with corrosive substances: Try to avoid the wheel hub coming into contact with corrosive substances such as road salt and seawater. If the vehicle is driven by the sea or passes through roads sprinkled with deicing salt, the wheel hubs should be cleaned in time.
• Regular inspection and cleaning: Regularly (such as every 1 - 2 weeks) check the cleanliness of the wheel hubs and clean them according to the actual situation. This can remove dirt in time and reduce the erosion of dirt on the wheel hub. At the same time, during the inspection process, you can also find out if there is any damage to the wheel hub, such as scratches and deformations.