Petroleum based products = not a good idea.

Slime, detergent, seam-sealer = band-aid fix that might be appropriate for your individual situation.

If the problem is on the rubber side [although it sounds like it isn't], they're not appropriate to be in service.

It really boils down to a metal-working issue. If the wire wheel applied for the amount of time you used it did not fix things (and you are determined to save the wheels), then

a. use the wire wheel longer and/or
b. use something more aggressive (grinder, DA with coarse grit), and then work back to finer grit.

I have the highest regard for your knowledge, and I think you know in your heart the right way to do this, even if it isn't the easiest approach