Removing rust from disc hubs

[Hard-Drive]

I've got motorsport wheels on my E91, so they are very "see through", and the part of the disc/hub that sits between the wheel and the swept area of the disc has some surface rust on which is really annoying me.

I was going to have the wheels off tomorrow and clean it up...any tips? Wire brush? Emery paper? And is there anything I can do to stop them from rusting again?

Whilst we're at it, anyone know the correct torque for the wheel nuts?

Thanks

[roofer]

Wire brush and Hammerite heatproof spray. Wheelnuts are FT.

[Stu R]

black engine block paint.

[GingerWizard]

wire brush drill attachment. Hammerite/high temp caliper paint.

[ghibbett]

Double check the manual for the wheel nut torque, however from experience it's always been 120Nm (88lbs/ft) for mine.

[Hard-Drive]

OK cheers all. Not sure I fancy the idea of painting them...on the basis that it's 3 years corrosion and it does not look THAT bad (it's actually the patchiness, not the colour!) I'll just clean them up and leave "as is".

Thanks

[Hard-Drive]

Well there's a couple of hours of my life which I won't get back...bit of a faff as one of the jack pads was missing so out with the circular saw to knock something up to fit in the hole.

But looks much better for it...let's hope the finish lasts for a while.

[4rephill]

Hard-Drive said:

Well there's a couple of hours of my life which I won't get back...bit of a faff as one of the jack pads was missing so out with the circular saw to knock something up to fit in the hole.

But looks much better for it...let's hope the finish lasts for a while.

The problem is, unless you protect the metal finish that you've just polished up, it's just going to corrode again, that's why it's suggested you paint the hubs with some high temp paint (which not only protects against corrosion but resists paint burn from the braking temps). BMW brakes are renowned for their lack of protection against corrosion.

Missing jack pads is another common complaint that's usually fixed with a bit of custom made wood for a replacement.

[Vladimir]

Getting mine done on Tuesday. I'd cock it up if I tried! Only part of the car that looks pretty shoddy.

[Hard-Drive]

Grrr, you're absolutely right guys. I took the car to the carwashski and I already have a slight orange tinge to the hubs!

That said, they still look an awful lot better, so I'll investigate what paint to use and have another go at some point.

I guess it needs to be silver and be as close to the colour of the wheels as poss. To be honest if I end up with a really bright in your face silver and visible brush strokes, or the rust bubbling through anywhere, I'd rather just stick with as is...

[roofer]

Probably why BMW have resorted to aluminium 'bell' cover ?

[WeirdNeville]

Use a wire wheel on an electric drill to clean the bell up. Takes 5 mins. Clear it off with meths to get rid of dust and make sure the paint takes hold.
Then mask off the disc (and the bell face as its the mounting face for the wheel) if you're feeling through) and use 'high temperature' caliper paint in a can, you can get it for about £10 from halfords. Slap several coats on there and give it a few hours to dry ,and Roberts your fathers brother. Use spray paint, it honestly looks like you have aluminium bells on the discs. It's impossible to distinguish from real metal, no brush strokes or anything. Do Several thin coats though, not one thick one.

I've done this twice, once with the discs still on the car, and the second time I prepped and painted brand new discs before putting them on the car. I got good results both times but it was loads less hassle to do it all off of the car.

Edited by WeirdNeville on Sunday 15th May 12:00

[Drek]

I have exactly the same problem and it's truly arse. Anyone know of someone in the Surrey/Middx area that does them?