Aluminum Rims

[YING]

Any good ideas on how to clean up the inside of my Borrani rims prior to mounting a new tire? They have a safety bead and can be a real bitch for the tire to pop up initially. The “corrision”was caused by me using a water soluble product (Ru-Glyde) to ease the mounting. It works but leaves a mess on the rim.
Thanks,Mike

 

[B+Bogus]

Wire wool and WD40, plus a fair bit of elbow grease

 

[Grandad]

I prefer to use a non steel wire wool or perhaps a brass wire brush instead, brass wire brushes can be found with a fine wire and are actually rather gentle in use much to most folks surprise.

 

[Grandad]

^^ yes plenty of ELBOW ... Lol !!!

 

[concours]

I use a stainless wire brush mounted in a die grinder

https://www.amazon.com/Weiler-Trulock-Threaded-Stainless-Diameter/dp/B004FTPQE2/ref=asc_df_B004FTPQE2?mcid=290c1eed51f53ac59c98058c5ccfb70e&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693675076695&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18125776456629849007&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002460&hvtargid=pla-570413441648&psc=1

For severely corroded:

Amazon.com

 

[ilikevelos]

Try roto-loc scotchbrite discs in a die grinder. They are a little milder than wire brushing. I find they clean the surface quite well. I would also try something mildly acidic such as S-100 or uncoated mag wheel cleaner to help remove the corrosion.

 

[nortonmargie]

What about a Dremel tool fitted with a Scotchbrite disc?

 

[o0norton0o]

I wouldn't use any powertools on aluminum. I would just use 0000 (called "four oh") steel wool and some elbow grease and the 0000 fine steel wool will cut through the dirt and oxidation and polish the aluminum without scratching it... Any steel wool of a higher coarseness, those being 000, 00, and 0 grades may scratch the aluminum or at least dull the sheen.

 

[Time Warp]

Is it corrosion or some form of 'muck.
I got the Borrani's on my Moto Guzzi vapour blasted including the inner dish so only the outer visible side needed polishing. (The easy option)

The inner side if light corrosion can be done with a hand wooden handle brass bristle wire brush up and down the grooves.

 

[baz]

Any good ideas on how to clean up the inside of my Borrani rims prior to mounting a new tire? They have a safety bead and can be a real bitch for the tire to pop up initially. The “corrision”was caused by me using a water soluble product (Ru-Glyde) to ease the mounting. It works but leaves a mess on the rim.
Thanks,Mike

When you refit your new tyres use talc instead of liquid

 

[acotrel]

In electroplating workshops, aluminium oxide is removed with a mixture of chromic acid and phosphoric acid. It is done prior to welding to avoid getting porosity in the weld. They dry the treated parts in an oven and use a scratch-brush prior to welding. Aluminium oxide locks in organic material. - It is how anodising works.

 

[concours]

in

In electroplating workshops, aluminium oxide is removed with a mixture of chromic acid and phosphoric acid. It is done prior to welding to avoid getting porosity in the weld. They dry the treated parts in an oven and use a scratch-brush prior to welding. Aluminium oxide locks in organic material. - It is how anodising works.

ever weld aluminum Al?

 

[ilikevelos]

If you decide to use steel wool, I would recommend the stainless variety. Personally I am not too worried about micro-scratches inside the rim and don't hesitate to use the fine rotoloc discs on the inside of the rim. Harbor Freight sells a version of these down to 1 or 1.25 in as I recall.

 

[BrianK]

Are you sure it's the Ru-Glyde? I've used that for decades and never experienced any corrosion/other schmutz as a result.

 

[YING]

Are you sure it's the Ru-Glyde? I've used that for decades and never experienced any corrosion/other schmutz as a result.

Brian,
I was looking at the container for the correct spelling when I posted this question. I am just trying to clean up the inside of the rim to make the mounting of the new tire easier. I never look forward to this job!
Thanks,
Mike

 

[ilikevelos]

I rarely use anything other than a rotoloc disc and a mild acid solution on aluminum rims. I use naval jelly on the steel rims. Wash well afterwards. I do not use rim bands and lately have been using two wraps of self fusing silicone wiring loom tape instead. I just do not trust cheap rubber to protect the tube from spokes. I have saved some pretty corroded rims this way.

 

[YING]

I rarely use anything other than a rotoloc disc and a mild acid solution on aluminum rims. I use naval jelly on the steel rims. Wash well afterwards. I do not use rim bands and lately have been using two wraps of self fusing silicone wiring loom tape instead. I just do not trust cheap rubber to protect the tube from spokes. I have saved some pretty corroded rims this way.

Thanks for your input.When you say “mild acid solution “, what acid are you referring to and what kind of ratio?
Mike

 

[ilikevelos]

Thanks for your input.When you say “mild acid solution “, what acid are you referring to and what kind of ratio?
Mike

i have several preprepared solutions. S100 total motorcycle cleaner has acid in it but is pretty weak. I have an aluminum cleaner that is used to clean the unpainted surface of aircraft. But usually I use Eagle brand Uncoated Mag Wheel cleaner that I have had for a while. They change these products frequently and I don't see this anymore but any acid based mag wheel cleaner for uncoated wheels works well. Just spray it on and I rub with a scotchbrite pad and then rinse off.

 

[YING]

i have several preprepared solutions. S100 total motorcycle cleaner has acid in it but is pretty weak. I have an aluminum cleaner that is used to clean the unpainted surface of aircraft. But usually I use Eagle brand Uncoated Mag Wheel cleaner that I have had for a while. They change these products frequently and I don't see this anymore but any acid based mag wheel cleaner for uncoated wheels works well. Just spray it on and I rub with a scotchbrite pad and then rinse off.

Thanks. I understand now what you were talking about.
Mike

 

[norton bob]

The rim will probably corrode again as its often the conditions of use and storage that cause this. Consider coating the inner parts with a protectorant , ACF50 ? allowed to dry thoroughly perhaps. I had three punctures caused by chrome flakes ( that were almost too small to see ) that came from a 20 year old chrome rim . Duct tape now instead of rim tapes .