Take a guess about the thick residue on this rim

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Bill Crowell

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So it was time to replace the rear tires on my '78 D300 Adventurer dually. It has its original 16.5" Kelsey-Hayes rims, which are in excellent condition and are powder-coated, so of course I wanted to wash them up a bit while I had them off.

(Incidentally, Firestone is the only tire manufacturer that still makes a 16.5"-diameter truck tire in a radial. There are several brands of bias-ply tires in 16.5", though.)

But one of the inside K-H rims had a build-up of about 1/8"-1/4" of a really hard, sticky residue, composed of either axle lube or brake fluid (and of course mixed with dirt) that was extremely difficult to remove. Neither mineral spirits nor strong detergent seemed to affect it very much.

Haven't tried using acetone or lacquer thinner yet. Should I? They won't attack powder coat, will they?

So far I am scraping this stuff off with plastic putty knives, and it's very time-consuming.

Anybody care to guess whether this residue was from leaking brake fluid or from leaking axle lube?

I'll tell you the answer later!
 
(Incidentally, Firestone is the only tire manufacturer that still makes a 16.5"-diameter truck tire in a radial. There are several brands of bias-ply tires in 16.5", though.)


Got a friend with the 16.5 rims - will pass along the tire info. Thanks
 
Not much hurts powder coat,just try a small section to be sure. I think it will be ok though
 
I was researching ways to remove powder coat and the online videos show paint stripper as the ticket. I don't think powder coat is as tough as they say it is.
Always test in a safe area any chemicals you intend to try.
 
Since you brought up the tire info, my guess is that its a combination of shredded tire mixed with roadkill and grease. Brake fluid tends to clean vs build up. IMO.
 
Keep in mind that powder coat is basically plastic. Maybe try something not so strong like regular paint thinner.
 
My dually has a buildup like your talking about. I had a leaking brake caliper that caused it.
 
Brake fluid is sticky like antifreeze. Its the glycol that makes it sticky.
 
Brake fluid is sticky like antifreeze. Its the glycol that makes it sticky.
Im learnin every day. Its gotta be a combo of brake dust and just all the graahhdoo. I still think its roadkill, and with not one picture.....he should know better.
 
If its brake fluid, hot water will remove it.
Gear oil needs varsol.
Exhaust caked on with dirt is going to be like cement,a powerful detergent will usually loosen it up.
 
Probly the gumbo they use to attach the pads to the steel backer; nothing touches that.
Second guess is the residue from old gasoline which also turns into a sticky mass. I think only acetone touches that, and it takes a really long time to soften it, during which the acetone flashes away.
I think I used MEK on that; Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone.
 
DO NOT use harsh chemicals on any powder coating. It's tough and comes in lots of amazing colors and textures but it is not totally indestructible. It may not remove the powder down to bare metal but it can definitely dull the finish.
 
you've got a leaky rear axle seal weeping rear end fluid into your brakes. This can't be good for brake performance!!!!
 
Diesel fuel. It's my new "go-to" for cleaning greasy gunk. Unless you soak a part in it, it won't hurt most powder coat or paint. But protect your hands, it is nasty.
 
Nitto Terra grappler 16.5" only tires I will run on the Jeep

Terra Grappler All-Terrain Light Truck Tire

Time to check the diff fluid level, probably low!

That's very interesting, 69FBCuda. I did check out Nitto's website, but it appeared that they offer only 8.0" and 9.5" - wide 16.5" radials, but not an 8.75"-sidewall tire, like my truck takes. I wouldn't want to use the narrower tire on the rear of a dually, and I wonder if the wider tire would fit properly. Thanks for the information.

Yes, the diff fluid was a little low, and it was fun replacing that axle seal. Those D300 rear brake drums are really heavy. Also, you gotta know the "firm rap" routine on the outer edge of the axle flange with a ball peen hammer in order to free the end locating cones.

Most parts stores will try to sell you Dana 60 seals and gaskets for a D300, even though you tell them you have the Dana 70 diff. The 60 and 70 take different axle seals and cover gaskets.
 
Both diesel fuel and gasoline are corrosive
Yeah, but isn't everything corrosive to something? Like I said, unless you soak the part in diesel oil, you won't hurt the powdercoat. Once the grease is cleaned off, wash with normal soap & water.
 
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