Brake dust?

[Davvyjay]

After I've driven my car even for a very short drive I've noticed a black residue covering portions of the wheels and fenders. It builds up on the chrome wheels, in particular. It's hard to see, but if I brush the car with my hand or wipe it with a rag, I get a residue that appears as fine as graphite dust. Anybody else ever notice this? I assume it's brake dust, but I've never seen it with such intensity as on my 'Bird as opposed to any other car. It's annoying and makes my Whisper White '03 look filthy. I've only got 20K miles on it (and just recently bought it), so I guess the brake pads are original. Are there replacement pads that will minimize this? Appreciate your help!

[ArgonV]

Re: Brake dust?

Yeah, this is normal with the stock pads. The newer ceramics don't do it nearly as bad.

[CVCashmere]

Re: Brake dust?

Owning a white (or almost white) Bird is tough. Until you replace your brake pads, buy some Eagle 1 Wheel Spray that helps prevent the build-up staining of the brake dust on your wheels.

If you give your wheels a quick squirt with the hose, it helps the brake dust was away faster than without it. You don't even have to scrub and most of it just washes away.

I use it on Cashmere.

Thanks

CV

After I've driven my car even for a very short drive I've noticed a black residue covering portions of the wheels and fenders. It builds up on the chrome wheels, in particular. It's hard to see, but if I brush the car with my hand or wipe it with a rag, I get a residue that appears as fine as graphite dust. Anybody else ever notice this? I assume it's brake dust, but I've never seen it with such intensity as on my 'Bird as opposed to any other car. It's annoying and makes my Whisper White '03 look filthy. I've only got 20K miles on it (and just recently bought it), so I guess the brake pads are original. Are there replacement pads that will minimize this? Appreciate your help!

[bronzebird]

Re: Brake dust?

Go ceramic.

It isn't that costly and your car looks much better.

Also, saves all that wiping and washing.

Bronzebird

[javohio]

Re: Brake dust?

Dave,
I just applied a product called WHEEL WAX. Saw it on one of those "Shade Tree Mechanic" shows on the Speed Channel. Thier website (www.wheelwax.com) has some strong testimonials and I thought Id give it a try. My 03 has the orginal brake pads, so this will be an ideal test for exsessive dusting. Will post my findings when I give my bird a cleaning this weekend.

[My Raven]

Re: Brake dust?

Ceramic totally eliminated the problem for me ...

In the meantime a California Dash Duster is my suggestion for the short term. Wash your rims and use this regularly afterward. It is a quick way to keep it under control and keep your rims clean.

[Icebluebird]

Re: Brake dust?

I used the Wheel Wax and it sure seems to work. With the original pads, I get plenty of dust and all I have to do is wash the wheels with water and brush lightly and it is clean!

The ceramic pads are in my future and I assume that I will have a lot less dust to remove!

[rcjohny]

Re: Brake dust?

On my mountain shadow gray you can't hardly see it ///////////////

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Brake dust?

KLEEN WHEELS CORPORATION

DEMO

[Sandman]

Re: Brake dust?

Dave, I had the same problem except worse. I also had to contend with the brake dust on the whitewalls also. I would have to clean wheels and tires after every time I took the car out for a drive of more than 20 or 30 miles.
Problem solved. Ceramic pads. Should have done that from the start and would have saved myself a lot of work and aggravation. Go for it,you won't be disappointed.

[Rosebud]

Re: Brake dust?

Try simple green to clean the wheels and whitewalls. Just spry on th ewheels and whitewalls, light whip on the tires and hose off. If the buildup is bad a light whipe on the wheels. A friend called Coker Tire for tips keeping whitewalls clean and that's what they said to try.

[darsinewman]

Re: Brake dust?

Every Bird I've ever had has thrown off more brake dust than any other car I've had. Ceramics are the way to go, although I haven't replaced the ones on my Cashmere yet (still cleaning, cleaning, cleaning).

[RustyFrye]

Re: Brake dust?

If you don't slow down you don't have to worry about brake dust.

[5bird7]

Re: Brake dust?

good point, RustyFrye. Body shops are in your corner.

[rodeknyt]

Re: Brake dust?

That dust works really well as Eye Black when you go out on the weekend for a pickup game of football at the local park