You’re driving down a steep incline on the interstate. Everything seems to be going well, and everyone is having fun.
There is a curve coming up. “Not a problem,” you think to yourself. “I’ll just press the brakes a little to slow down.”
You start feeling pedal pulsation, which means the brake pedal moves up and down under your foot. That sensation feels strange, but it doesn’t worry you as much as the steering wheel clattering left and right rapidly.
Now you’re holding on tight, knuckles white, while hoping the vehicle slows enough to navigate the curve safely.
Although several issues can contribute to this problem, the most common development is rust on the wheel hub.
How to Get Rid of Rust on Wheel Hubs
Corrosion and rust must be physically removed to restore the wheel hub to an optimal condition. The easiest way is to use fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to scrub it away. Before putting the wheels on, use anti-seize grease to prevent future issues. A wire brush for a drill can work on an extensive problem.
When servicing a wheel hub, it’s crucial to clean out the corrosion and rust from the area, including the mating surface.
It is impossible to produce a suitable rotor runout when the mounting is to a dirty hub.
Although you can soak rusted components in a product like CLR or use a baking soda paste that stays on the affected area, that technique requires extra steps that aren’t always feasible for a DIY effort.
That’s why brushing or sanding it away is usually the best technique to use. You’ll remove the impacted surface, restore the metal connection, and improve the drivability of the vehicle.
When removing rust or corrosion with brushes or steel wool, you’ll need to be careful about the depth required to restore the surface.
You can create an uneven result when brushing or scrubbing hard, potentially worsening pedal pulsation.
Four Ways to Remove Rust and Corrosion Without Brushing
If the corrosion issue on the wheel hubs is minimal, you might not need to take a brush to it at all. When the rust isn’t established or thick, you might be able to wipe it away.
You’ll need a little water and some degreasing soap to try this method. Apply hot water to the hub first, followed by the soap, and then start wiping the oxidation away.
Should the rust become challenging, you can use a kitchen scouring pad to work out the problem.
Once the corrosion is gone, you can give the wheel hubs a shine by wiping them down with a microfiber cloth.
Here are the other three ways that you can remove rust and corrosion from wheel hubs without brushing or scrubbing.
1. White Vinegar Method
When the rust or corrosion is thick, an acidic product might need to cut into the area to loosen it enough for removal.
Industrial-strength white vinegar does an excellent job of penetrating through the different layers to restore the hubs.
Spray the vinegar on the hubs directly. You’ll need a labeled bottle to ensure other cleaning agents don’t get confused with this product.
The entire wheel hub area with corrosion or rust must be sprayed. If it is thick, consider scrubbing it into the surface and applying a second coating of vinegar for extra cleaning power.
Rub the second coating into the corroded area. Next, spray more vinegar onto the spots. You’ll need to wait about 30 minutes for the vinegar to do its work.
After enough time passes, you can use clean water to spray or rinse the vinegar away.
You should see the oxidation leaving as the hubs get washed, but the vinegar isn’t always effective by itself.
You might need to try this technique a second time with baking soda to remove stubborn patches.
Once you’ve completed the rinse, just use a microfiber cloth to clean the area so that it has an appropriate shine to it.
2. Melamine Foam
One of the best advantages that you get with melamine foam is that the materials are not flammable.
When you start using a wire brush or steel wool on corroded metal, there is always a small risk that heat from scrubbing friction could ignite a flammable material in the area.
Melamine foam has a Class 1 and Class A fire rating in the United States. In Canada, it receives a ULCS-102 safety rating.
When you start cleaning with a product made from this material, you don’t need to use any chemicals or cleaners.
The foam has natural fibers that clean surfaces effectively. It does a great job of removing hard water buildup issues in plumbing, carbon spots on pots, and corrosion on wheel hubs.
If you have particularly thick areas to remove from the hubs, it helps to soften the rusted spots with vinegar, baking soda, or hot water.
The metal can be sharp enough that it destroys the melamine foam when starting to scrub.
The foam comes from melamine resin. A cross-linking reaction occurs during the manufacturing process, offering arc resistance and other mechanical properties to the user.
It’s highly resistant to chemicals, allowing it to work like fine-grit sandpaper in many applications.
You can usually clean rusted spots with melamine foam and a little water. It might take a few sponges to get all the way around the vehicle, but this method is a cost-effective way to eliminate corrosion issues.
3. Magica Rust Remover
Magica Rust Remover comes in a spray or a gel product, but I prefer the spray. It transforms the rust into salts that you can rinse away after a few minutes.
You can use this product in numerous situations. It’s even safe to use on clothing when you get those brown stains on your shirt or pants while cleaning the wheel hubs.
Depending on the thickness of the corrosion, you can eliminate the problem areas in seconds.
You might need to scrub the affected areas if pitting exists on the hubs to create a more even surface for the assembly.
Be careful when spraying the affected areas. The metal can discolor with the application of this product when it’s applied to non-corroded areas.
Since Magica Rust Remover doesn’t contain corrosive substances, it won’t damage the vehicle’s components.
The hubs are typically hidden from view, but there could be issues with the rotor if some of the spray gets on it.
Once you’ve applied the remover to the affected areas, you can rinse it off to get a cleaner look right away.
Why Do Wheel Hubs Start Rusting?
Wheel hubs start developing corrosion or rusted areas because of the harsh road chemicals and salts that are found on streets and highways. This issue usually happens during the winter months in northern states and provinces, but it can be a problem whenever crews apply products to concrete or asphalt.
The chemicals and salts are often found in puddles. When drivers splash through them, the vehicle’s underside receives direct exposure to the materials that trigger corrosive processes.
Although you can remove the corrosion and rust after it develops, the best steps you can take for your vehicle involve proactive prevention.
That starts with a complete examination of how you store your auto when it isn’t being used.
If you typically work in a hot environment, don’t park in an enclosed lot because poor ventilation can generate humid air. The extra moisture could trigger corrosion to start.
When operating in a colder environment, try to inspect the vehicle weekly to ensure the wheel hubs are clean and dry whenever possible.
Power washing helps to inhibit rust development, especially when magnesium chloride is responsible for the condition. It can reach the wheel hubs without taking the time to remove the tires and wheels to get to the area.
If you don’t have any rust on your wheel hubs right now, you might consider adding a zinc coating to inhibit the process.
Although this solution isn’t foolproof or permanent, it can help a vehicle resist several years of inclement weather.
Why Is It Important to Deal with Corrosion Immediately?
Rust and corrosion can cause your wheel hubs to discolor and deform. This issue occurs at the impact spot or across the entire assembly. The problem is more than a question of aesthetics because it is evidence that the metal is failing to maintain its composition. The only fix is to remove the affected material.
When corrosion and rust linger on your wheel hubs, it can create three unwanted conditions for many drivers and owners.
| Wheel Hub Condition | Why a Rusted Wheel Hub Is Problematic |
| Friction Increases | When rust and corrosion are on a hub, the only thing that stands between extra heat and friction is extra lubrication between the surfaces. The ends are particularly vulnerable to this development because the protection can get washed or heated away. Too much heat can also cause metals to change shape or function incorrectly. |
| Metal Part Damage | Corrosion and rust damages metal. When it occurs on the hubs, you could eventually experience a complete breakdown of the wheels if the problem is left undiscovered. The surface degrades quickly, especially when exposure to magnesium chloride or salt applications exists. You could see cracks develop in the part. |
| Mechanical Loss | As the effects of corrosion increase, the chances of a mechanical failure also climb. When this issue occurs, the wheels become harder to steer. That’s when you experience shaking or stiffness in the wheel and pulsating pedals. The problem eventually turns into an event where the vehicle might suddenly falter. |
I highly recommend visual inspections of the inner and outer hubs at least twice per year. If you live in a northern climate with hot summers and cold winters that generate plenty of snow, it might be necessary to look at them every other month.
If you see corrosion present on the hubs, take a moment to assess the damage. The wheels could be in sound condition. That’s when you could remove the spots and restore the finish.
The damage could be extensive if you haven’t inspected the hubs in some time. If you brush or sand the rust away and see extensive pitting or malformed spots, the dealership might need to resurface or replace them.
When you’re proactive about this issue, most rust and corrosion issues never develop. If they do, invest in products that help you clean them immediately to avoid an expensive repair later.