Modular wheel cleaning system

A system for cleaning wheels, the system comprising:

• a first module comprising:
• a first bottom comprising:
• a first channel extending in a downstream direction and configured to receive a wheel;
• an entry ramp disposed at an upstream end of the first channel;
• and
• a first exit ramp disposed at a downstream end of the first channel;
• a pair of first sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the first bottom, each sidewall extending up from the first bottom;
• and
• a plurality of gates disposed in an alternating fashion on opposite sidewalls of the pair of first sidewalls along the first channel with a separation sufficient to avoid interference between gates and configured to rotate over the first channel, each gate comprising:
• a cleaning pad holder;
• a cleaning pad configured to be fastened to the cleaning pad holder;
• an attachment plate fastened to a respective sidewall;
• a hinge pin that rotatably connects the cleaning pad holder to the attachment plate;
• and
• a return spring configured to apply a restoring force on the gate to restore the gate to a rest position when the gate is displaced from the rest position.