Could anyone recommend something for removing the brake dust from the wheels. Something that protects the wheel and which doesn't require regular cleaning.
I have a 04 6spd TL and the front wheels look ugly as hell.

Thanks.

jumbo

 

Good luck with that Jumbo, Ive learned you have to just clean them more often than normal.

 

I take it you've never owned a German car? This is nothing compared to Audi, Bmw, or MB.

You can change your pads for a low dusting version. I've done that on the Audi's and Mercedes that I've owned and it's cut the dusting by 80%.

The dusting on the TL does not bother me. When they are dusty it's time for a wash. :-)

 

From what I understand, the Brembos create a lot more brake dust than my 5AT. However, I have found that a solution of equal parts Simple Green, car wash soap and water gets the wheels clean with little effort. As far as preventing the brake dust build-up, I am using Mother's Reflections Car Wax, but I think a regular application of any polymer would help.

 

People have warned me from using Simple Green, but I've never had a problem with it. It does a great job of breaking up the dirt, and is not acid based like some wheel cleaners. I use mine raw, but may consider a dilution like you're doing.

 

Nothing works as well as washing and applying a good wheel protectant like this http://www.properautocare.com/wheelwax.html

REMEMBER not to use a soap or cleaner that will remove that wax the next time you wash!

 

I personally think that a steamer is the best to remove brake dust.

 

The Simple Green mixture was recommended to me by a detailer on Saabnet. As you noted earlier, brake dust is much more of a problem on European cars and this worked great.

Were you given specific reasons for avoiding Simple Green? This isn't the first time someone told me they heard to avoid Simple Green.

 

The only way to reduce (forget about preventing) brake dust is to change to a different set of brake pads. Most high(er) performance brake pads will tend to disperse larger amounts of brake dust.

If you're having trouble removing brake dust that's been caked on your wheels over time, try a good quality wheel cleaner like Meguiar's Hot Rims or a similar product.

 

EBC greenstuff or Hawk ceramic brake pads will almost ellimante completely your brake dust problem. I hear ceramics are prone to squeeking though, so you might be trading one problem for the other. If thats to much for you, go online and order Wheelwax. It helps a bit because it repells dust but it will still get dusty after a few days, real easy to hose off your rim though once you have a nice layer of the wheel wax on. BEN

 

EBC greenstuff or Hawk ceramic brake pads will almost elliminate completely your brake dust problem. I hear ceramics are prone to squeeking though, so you might be trading one problem for the other. If thats to much for you, go online and order Wheelwax. It helps a bit because it repells dust but it will still get dusty after a few days, real easy to hose off your rim though once you have a nice layer of the wheel wax on. BEN

 

Zaino

 

This quote is from fdl taken from this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/303-aerospace-protectant-tires-330161/

 

I changed the pads on the Brembo's to ceramic. I have little or no brake just now. However, they are squealy as hell. In the drive through at Taco Bell I sound like ... well something squealy. Can't think any good metaphors. Sorry.

 

This person thought that simple green was too harse and would eventually remove the wheel finish. I always thought SG with pretty mild myself. I've been spraying the raw concentrate on my wheels, and haven't had a problem with it on my past 3 or 4 cars. I'm going to continue to use it, but I may cut it with some water and soap like you're doing.

 

In the drive through at Taco Bell I sound like wild pigs.

 

i agree, i put a coat of wax on after many waxes to try and halp brake dust

 

I have a 2006 6MT and the brake dust drove me nuts. I bought a set of Rotex Gold Kevlar and swapped the pads at 1K miles. The results so far are fantastic. I have gone up to 550 miles between washings and the amount of dust on the front wheels is about equal to what is on the back. I now have 4K miles on the car and the brake make no sounds.

 

I might have to give those pads a shot, where did you get them and how much do they run?

 

When you think about using a cleaner on your wheels .. think of it this way .. would you do the exact same thing to your hood?

Both in most cases are clear coated .. eventually the clear on your wheels will dull ... most of this isn't noticed because like a silver car dull paint isn't noticed. The wheels are silver too..

Best solution is frequent care and washing ... a few good layers of a sealant like Klasse / Zaino / NuFinish in the spring and the washing will keep them nice.

I just sold a VW and they have the same brakes as the aforementioned Audi and all I did was wash with the tail end of the car wash soap and an old sheep skin mitt.

This is an Aug pix of my wheel that was Sealed in March .. never saw a cleaner .. just soap and water.

 

I purchased them from Brakewarehouse.com. I did have to call them because they do not list a TL newer than 2003 on their website. The cost was $75 delivered (which is a pretty good price based upon what I have seen). I spoke to the tech that answered my call and voiced my concerns. He indicated that the Rotex would be my best bet.

 

I just wash the car once a week, generally the wheels first, and then change the soap and water and do the rest of the car. I use a small sponge with netting on it designed for removing bugs.

The simple five spoke pattern is a godsend! I pity the guys with the multi-spoke (though admittedly gorgeous) wheels.

gurney

 

I'm jealous of your simple five spoke wheels. 1G stock 11 spoke wheels are a bitch to clean with the way they are shaped.

 

I wax my rims with "Wheel Wax". I've had great luck previously in a Passat and now with the TL. Both cars generated alot of dust. The wax is easy to apply and lasts. It's a quick wash to remove and no staining/pitting.