Imprint left behind on wheel after alignment? (Need some advice)
 

Hey guys, it's been awhile since I've posted a new thread. I just recently got some TE37s put on my car and did an alignment at Firestone which they used this device to adhere to my wheels. Long-story-short, right after the alignment was done and my car was off the rack. I confronted the guy who did the alignment and asked if that was just residue left behind from the dirty device and he said yeah. Well I took his word for it and went home and tried washing it off with water first, then I used Sonax wheel cleaner, then car soap. Nothing took it off, it looked a bit better but there's still an imprint. There are no scratches or anything and all four wheels have it, I just can't seem to get the imprint off. When I was wiping it off with water, it seemed as if it was some sort of grease or oil. Do you guys have any idea what product to use to get this off? I've literally only had my wheels on for like a week so it's very disappointing to see this.

Before alignment:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...9d0347b4e3.jpg



During alignment:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...255150e57a.jpg


After alignment:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...8174143429.jpg


After wheel cleaner + soap:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...3b27f4a5e0.jpg

Can't see any pics

Try now, should be fixed.

That is disappointing. I would be extremely frustrated as well.
Not sure what the residue is and I'm not familiar with the finish on your TE37's but you might want to try Dawn dish soap. Sonax is pretty strong but it might not have the grease removal of dish soap?
I am by no means an automotive detailing expert but that's just my 2 cents. Best of luck and keep us updated!

Wow. That sucks. You can try using simple green. Test it in a small area. Have them ceramic quoted after you get that stain off. It will deter stains like this from getting on there. This is why I stayed away from satin finish wheels. I love the finish but Its very easy for them to get marks and stains.

Goo Gone is pretty good with grease. Test in a inconspicuous area first.

I completely blanked on that. I'll try this when I get home. Thanks!

I would also test magic eraser..it is abrasive, but may do the trick.

When I worked at the transmission shop years ago there would be the occasional accident whereby ATF would get on someone's unprotected paint (think dull finish, w no clear coat). Any effort at cleaning the fluid off typically made the spot bigger. Then before you know it we were applying spray wax to the dull paint the oil spot made it shinny and buffing 1/2 the car to cover up a spot.

What I'm hinting at is wax or sealant may be needed. As stated test in safe spot. If not good old mother nature's UV will likely have it fading away.

You might go back and have them acknowledge this for the record. Maybe find out what it is too.

3M Synthetic Wax Protectant - Part Number 39030

Thank me later and BTW, do NOT use a magic eraser on the rims unless you like scuff marks.

Yea do not use magic eraser on that finish at least. Personally I use Polish Angel Supersport Wheel Coating. Seems to last about 6 months. If you don't have them ceramic coated.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. Turns out if you look closely my wheels were stained from the previous wash. I guess these anodized bronze finish are a little bit more tedious to take care of. But logically looking at my wheels, their grease/oil didn't stain my wheels but actually ate through a coat of the dirty white stains. I stopped by my friend's place and he has all sorts of cleaners and let me used Megiuars Non-Abrasive Paint Cleaner.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...6eef089e4.jpeg
Bottom two spokes are cleaned after using Megiuars Paint Cleaner.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...76ea5f487.jpeg
Before cleaning
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...63df29f8e.jpeg
Before cleaning

Came out like new. Now get them coated so you don't have to worry about this stuff later on.