[G-REX]

Does anyone with the non BBS wheels (5 spoke) have dark spots and stains? When I picked up the car it had spots but I didn't think it was a big deal. The dealer said they cleaned it but the spots didn't come out so I figured I'd try when I got home. Doesn't look like it's coming off - it almost appears to be under the paint. Just wondering if anyone has the same thing before I take it back.

I'll take a pic tomorrow and post it.

[onlytakes4]

I had black spots on my wheels when I picked my car up, but mine were the BBS. Cleaning with soap and water did nothing, so I used WD-40 and a microfiber towel and the spots came off with one wipe.

[jimmyz80]

Mine has them also, and it feel like it might be some sort of adhesive. I was going to try to use some goo-gone or lighter fluid to clean them off, hadn't thought about wd-40. I'll try it out tomorrow.

[supermarkus]

It is most likely the cosmoline used to prevent rust during overseas shipment. They spray the everloving crap out of your undercarriage with the stuff. That's why your exhaust components smoke for a while after you take delivery. It's very waxy so soap may not do jack. As mentioned above, WD-40 or bug and tar remover should work. Just make sure said tar remover is ok for clear coat and aluminum.

[CFar]

Are you talking about the brake dust "crusting" on? I've got a problem with it too. The pads Subaru chose for the brakes dust a lot and seem to stick. I tried some orange degreaser but it didn't work so well. I might try and get some dedicated wheel cleaner to make life easier because I agree, it does look pretty awful.

On the flip side, these are really pretty good brakes for street use aside from the dust.

[GeorgeWrx]

I finally wound up pulling the BBS wheels off and after scrubbing, putting a coat of car wax on. They seem to be easier to clean now. The lugnuts are still gummed up - will try WD40 next time.

[Wales Garage]

brake dust FTW

[G-REX]

Yeah it's not brake dust crust. It's weird, it's almost like its UNDER the clearcoat on the wheels. Like any chemical or material can't even reach it.

I'll try some WD-40 on it and see if that works. I tried a claybar on it and Castrol All Wheel Cleaner, which if the Castrol doesn't work I don't know what will - that stuff is brutal.

Doesn't seem like cosmoline by the color but the paint could have reacted to it and made it appear like dark spots and lines.

I'll still post a pic of it for posterity when I get home this evening.

[CKSTI]

WD40 eh, thanks for the tip guys.

[Shag-e]

All Subaru cars have this problem.

It is like a grease that they use on the lug nuts (yeah makes no sense to me) when they put the wheels on. after driving for awhile the grease makes it out and onto the rim and the brake dust loves sticking to it.

the best way i found to remove it was pulling the rim and using some googone or wd40.

[G-REX]

I know what you're talking about Shag-e but this is my 3rd WRX - from an 02 WRX, to 05 STI to an 08 STI and I've never seen this. I know the sticky grease you mean but this is something different. It actually seems more like a wheel paint problem than just extra grease. Like it's porous and absorbing stains.

[Shag-e]

Originally Posted by G-REX

I know what you're talking about Shag-e but this is my 3rd WRX - from an 02 WRX, to 05 STI to an 08 STI and I've never seen this. I know the sticky grease you mean but this is something different. It actually seems more like a wheel paint problem than just extra grease. Like it's porous and absorbing stains.

Huh.. that is weird.... I have the stock rims and I don't seem to have this problem at all.
Best of luck with this!

[mofoSTI]

The paint is thin on the rims

[Gray08]

Yes, it's lugnut grease. It comes right off if you use degreaser - the kind you spray before painting.

[GilMikalian]

So you're saying I need to wash my nuts to get rid of the staining? [this post NOT to be taken out of context]