I believe I'm to blame for your duct tape troubles, didn't I tape your wheel out at DW? You can use a wire brush on the rim with no problems, I actually did this to my wheel earlier tonight. I'd apply some penetrant to the spoke nipples, not necessarily to try and turn them but just so there'll be something on there to fight corrosion. As long as the wheel is true then all is well. On my KDX I always filled the space in the rear wheel with grease, it made it a tad messy when replacing wheel bearings but it seemed to help them last longer. Hope this helps.