Brake Dust.

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 00:39

ThreadID: 44554 Views:2019 Replies:3 FollowUps:2

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Member - Stephen M (NSW)

Hi all, just wondering if anybody knows what to use to get rid of the brake dust off alloy wheels. I'm talking about years worth of brake dust ground in on the back of the alloys. Front of wheels are fine but have washed and used a few degreasers and things but cant seem to shift it. Once clean I can keep them that way. Yeah I know who sees the back of them but once again I'm a fussy prick and when I clean it I like to do it spot on all round. Use to take my alloys off my commodore about 3 or 4 times a year and polish behind them as well. They are alloy on the prado so have to be carefull of the clear coat they put on them as not to peel it off or do any damage although not a major issue behind. Regards Steve M

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Reply By: DIO - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 09:03

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 09:03

Removing Brake Dust

What's the best way to remove brake dust from dirty wheels? Hot soapy water or a cleaner that is specifically formulated for wheels, plus a soft bristle or foam brush and plenty of scrubbing will usually do a good job of removing the dust. Harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive compounds, such as scouring powder, should never be used on alloy wheels. Nor should you ever use a brush with wire bristles or extremely hard plastic bristles. Scratching through the clear coat finish will open a direct route for corrosion to attack the aluminum.

There are aerosol wheel cleaning products that are safe for aluminum wheels, and many claim to require little or no scrubbing. Just spray it on and rinse or wipe it off. It's as easy as that.

To keep clean wheels clean, the buildup of brake dust can be reduced by applying a coating of wax or polymer-based protectant, or a spray-on wheel treatment. The coating will reduce the tendency of brake dust to stick to the wheels while enhancing the wheel's appearance.

The final solution - prevention of dust build - up may be to consider replacing the standard fibre based pads with low-dusting ceramic-based pads.

AnswerID: 234890

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 10:19

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 10:19

Hi there Dio, as far as I know it has Toyota pads in it only because that is where the vehicle has always been serviced. It is due for new brake pads now, so will look into a pad that will produce less brake dust.The amount of brake dust in a week is amazing. Alloys have a coating of brake pad dust after a week and is quit thick and Im not heavy on brakes. But I have noticed all the prados 90 models and 120 models seem to have very dirty wheels, most driving around the road are nearly black. I will have a look at the wheel cleaners, was a bit wary due to the alloy but will check them all out. Have tryed the good old kero but has lifted virtually nothing. Thaks for that Regards Steve M

FollowupID: 495876

Reply By: David N. - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 12:44

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 12:44

If you get Bendix "Advance" pads you'll have very little dust and rotors will probably last longer too.
Did that on our Astra- about 1/10th as much dust and much much less rotor wear.
I also have the Bendix 4WD pads on my Patrol- very similar to the Advance formula and very happy.
Cheers

AnswerID: 234926

Reply By: goingplatinumcomau - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 18:59

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 18:59

Hi Stephen

Go to bunnings and get some Balao Cleaning Pads

You will be amazed at what they clean alloy everything i seen them at a detailers they had about 40 packets chux also make one it is half the size same money.

regards john

AnswerID: 234968