I had a seized caliper throw a bunch of rust and brake dust on my rims. It's caked on there pretty good. Is there a safe way to remove it without damaging the clear coat? I've tried brake parts cleaner but to minimal effect.
Gojo Orange Pumice hand cleaner or Barkeepers friend. Either one works fine.
I like Gojo as it requires minimal effort. Just apply it with your hands, no brushes or hard rubbing required. http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/
I used some goo gone gel to get most of it off of mine, most of it came off with light scrubbing using a wheel brush. What was left I used the Eagle One chrome polish that comes in the metal can,that took off all the caked on hard to remove areas.
A good spray-on, hose-off wheel cleaner like Eagle1 AtoZ All Wheel and Tire Cleaner would be a good idea. Use as directed and agitate with a soft brush and rinse well.
Then you can use an old clay bar to pull anything that's stuck or embedded.