Embeded Brake Dust Specs

[PassionforPassionCT]

I really wish I could get more time to wash my car, but with that and the New England weather, I don't get around to it enough.
Just like any other European car these disc brakes create alot of dust and I try to keep them clean. Over time though I have noticed more and more "baked on" spot of dust that I cant seem to get off, even with my wheel cleaner.
Does anyone else notice this? What is everyone's choice for a good wheel cleaner?

[John_H]

I've tried to attack dust from the source with EBC redstuff ceramic pads (extremely low duct) and higher performance EBC rotors similar to the GD series rotors.

[parts4smarts]

Originally Posted by PassionforPassionCT

I
Does anyone else notice this? What is everyone's choice for a good wheel cleaner?

depending on alloys,either EBC redstuff or greenstuff pads may provide the answer
these are high-end ceramic/kevlar pads made in England
redstuff are the best for dust reduction, but are harsher on rotors, greenstuff ones may be the better compromise
Canadian smarties have had several years of experience in this regard,for example see this thread ( or any one of several others, use the search function)
EBC brakes - Club smart Car=

[jimvw57]

for years I have used acid based wheel cleaner on my Expedition aluminum wheels (factory mags) and it does a good job of cleaning them but it does take some scrubbing with a nylon brush to get it all off. No noticable damage to the wheel finish, they still look just fine. The clearcoat on the rims protects the metal.

I did use a set of ceramic pads and they were much better at keeping the rims clean but did wear down the rotors a little faster.

[Smart Bob]

I use 2/3 pine oil disinfectant and 1/3 water in an empty 1 qt. spray bottle. I spray this mix on the wheels dry, let it sit for a few minutes and then hose it off with a spray nozzle. All of the brake dust on my wheels washes off and I don't need a brush to clean any of the debris off of the wheels. After rinsing with a hose, I dry the wheels with a soft towel. I do this at least once a week & don't let the wheels get too soiled.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by John_H

I've tried to attack dust from the source with EBC redstuff ceramic pads (extremely low duct) and higher performance EBC rotors similar to the GD series rotors.

Dang it John Those are some pricey pads. What do you think about using these pads without upgrading the rotors? My car has 9.2K miles.

[John_H]

What's it worth for dust?

I'm not an expert on brakes. My personal feel from what I've read is that the ceramics will help reduce rotor temperature helping to counter problems with softer rotors. But I'm a sparky, not a gear head.

You can get new pads without new rotors but you can't get new rotors without changing the pads. I had no problem tossing my greenstuff and going red with about 15k miles on my EBC rotors. You should probably check to see how much of your rotor has worn and compare that to how much is allowed to wear before the rotor has to be replaced. Compare that to your mileage and figure out if you're happy making the pads-only switch.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by John_H

What's it worth for dust?
<snip> ... replaced. Compare that to your mileage and figure out if you're happy making the pads-only switch.

The reason I said, "Dang it John", is that you've probably talked me into spending more money on my car ... without even trying to. I'll check out the wear on my rotors tomorrow.

Brake dust is a pain. And when I gave my car a good spiff up last Sunday I also noticed the dust was more stubborn than it had been in the past. Perhaps because I neglected it longer this time and it really had a chance to get firmly attached. Spread over the lifespan of the brakes, these pads & rotors cost pennies/day. I'm fighting an impulse buy. That's not usually a good idea so I'll think about it a bit.

[JimDantin]

Has anyone else had success with the pine cleaner method? That sounds like a much gentler approach than scrubbing or using chemical sprays. Thanks Smart Bob!

[MPrice2984]

I use a spray wheel cleaner from PEP Boys that comes in a spray (not aerosol) bottle. This same product is available at AutoZone, etc. under their own store brands. Spray it on, let sit 5 minutes and take water and a nylon wheel brush
and scrub the wheels. If you don't want to pay for ceramic pads ( also made by Bosch Brake Components and soon to be available through several major retailers ) clean your wheels, take them off and spray them with a CARNUBA base wax. This will keep the dust from adhering to your wheels. I've been in the manufacturing / marketing side of brake friction for 20 years and this has never failed me yet. Even over the rotten Chicago winter this has worked for me.