I notice that only after 130 miles, that the wheels are covered with brake dust. While the wheels aren't exactly the most difficult to clean I've come across, they aren't exactly easy either. Anyone have any solutions for cleaning/slowing down brake dust?

 

The best way to clean brake dust is to do it early and often. Brake dust with time will bond with the wheels coating. This is true of all types of pads from semi-metallic to ceramics. Though pads with iron in them are the worse.

After washing, wax the wheels. I'm telling waxing the wheels with a good protective wax works just as well on the wheels as on the car itself.


To minimize pad dust you can either, brake lightly all the time (not a practical option) or change pads.

Note of caution, a pad that dusts less will tend to either not produce as much friction or accelerate rotor wear. It's a matter of pick your poison.

There are pads, like the Axxis Ultimates, however that strike a very good compromise between dust, life, feel and performance.

Ask around about peoples experience with pads, there are so many out there and so many new coming out, that no one person (even a brake engineer) can have experience with them all.

 

Change the pads. :D

 

I'm not going to be changing the brakes already, but the wax ideas seems like something I can do. At least it seems like it'll make it easier to wipe off, I'll give it a try and see what happens. Thanks!

 

what about dust shields? Any performance issues? Will they fit?
Would also be a nice alternative to painting my calipers.

norats

 

Dust shields will increase the temperature of the rotor, pads, caliper and fluid.

If you use your brakes lightly it should be OK, but I don't like them.

 

What kind of brush or utensil would you recommend to getting to those more harder to reach places on my alloy wheels to removing grit and brake dust deposits? The exterior can easily be reached and using a damp cloth/towel usually does the trick. I'll also use q-tips for those hard to reach places around the lug nuts to remove dust deposits.

Thanks!:D

 

The best is a long, thin sponge. I usually make my own by finding a high density sponge. Cutting a piece so it looks like a thick round file (rat tail file) and then sticking it on a piece of pencil shaped wood.

I like soft wood so in case the sponge tears it won't scratch the wheel finish. Long Q-Tips work too, but they fall apart quickly so you use half a box on the wheel.

I have a freind that uses a Dremel tool with the soft polishing tip, but that's a bit extreme I think.

If you need to get into corners I put the sponge on a coat bent clothes hanger, but there you need to be slow and check the tip often to make sure the sponge isn't cut.


There is another product I've heard of called RejeX that some OEM's are actually thinking about making part of the new-car prep at the dealer. Supposedly it lasts for up to 6 months and brake dust just washes right off with water. It's also supposed to make it harder for the dust to stick to the wheel in the first palce. Don't know where to buy it though.

Believe it or not...the single biggest customer compliant about brakes is DUST! Followed far behind by noise. So, there is quite a bit of research on how to reduce brake dust or it's effects without reducing performance or pad life.

By the way, save you money of "wheel cleaners," the Ford marketing people have tried them all and old car wash soap and warm water still works the best.

 

A quick search in google will turn up some info on rejex. A thread was started on the G35 forums but nobody had any info on it. I think this is the main site for it http://www.corrosionx.com and you can order online. I think ill try it.

 

Please go to this thread and post your RejeX experiences there.

thx

 

Left out the URL. Here you go ->http://www.rx-8forum.com/showthread....ighlight=rejex

 

clean the wheels good, then put on mulitple coats of Zaino, and every night (or day) I use a small california duster and dust the wheels. It works to keep them looking good. Make sure the wheels are cool when you do it.

 

The best thing to use is some Meguiars Quick Detailer spray. Keep some in your trunk with a microfiber towel. Just spray it on the wheels and rub it off.