Help on reducing brake dust on wheels.

deebest1 · 06-17-2009, 01:37 PM

Does anyone know where I can find a sheild or cover for the brakes. Just getting to the point where im tried of cleaning wheels every two days.

BimmerLearner · 06-17-2009, 02:17 PM

read the thread? read the forum

My135 · 06-17-2009, 02:55 PM

Replace them with drum brake, problem solved:-):-):-)

cgiibanez · 06-18-2009, 06:53 AM

If you can, replace your brake pads to ceramic pads. I changed my wife's X3 brake pads and what improvement. No more brake dust. My wife's uncle works in a brake shop and he recommended them. At first I didn't believe him, but let tell you I'm very happy with the outcome. I have not notice any difference in the cars braking performance. As soon as I get a chance I'm going to replace them on my 1. Goodluck!

My135 · 06-18-2009, 09:41 AM

Ceramic pads may be harsh to the rotors and watch out, BMW may void the warranty on your rotors later on.

zamm3k · 06-18-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Ceramic pads may be harsh to the rotors and watch out, BMW may void the warranty on your rotors later on.

same thing came to mind

odgaard · 06-18-2009, 03:47 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...53&postcount=3

MadMan77 · 06-18-2009, 03:49 PM

Just check out the Hawk HP line. I had them on my STi to replace the stock Brembo "dust makers" and loved them. I plan on replacing them on the 1er soon.

Add1ct · 06-18-2009, 11:35 PM

weekly car washes

MadMan77 · 06-19-2009, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Add1ct

weekly car washes

Not sure how much your drive your 1er but a weekly car wash will not work. My wheels are filthy after one day of easy driving let alone a week of getting no attention.

The Cthulhu · 06-19-2009, 08:41 AM

From a performance standpoint, brake dust isn't a bad thing, it means you're losing pad instead of rotor. I can't attest to the 135i since I haven't picked it up yet in Munich, but when I was daily driving my Lotus Exige, keeping the wheels clean was a bitch! Luckily, there was a 50-50 balance jack point and I could take off 2 wheels at a time. But I'd have all 4 wheels off every 2 days for complete detailing.

They were powder coated and waxing them with a carnuba wax (like Turtle Wax Platinum series) helped make dust removal easier. I would use a detergent based wheel cleaner to remove dust if it wouldnt easily come off.

Rubbing a stripe of sillicon lubricant across the rotor will remove brake squeal after cleaning and prevent a lot of dust from building up for a few miles. It will also make the rotors shine like hell. Just be very careful not to "oil your brakes". I wouldn't want to be responsible for any accidents

.

I don't think covering the calliper would be a good idea. It would make everything get hotter with no convection cooling, and it probably wouldn't prevent brake dust very well. Just detail your wheels and car obsessively when you have the time.

If you don't care about destroying your rotors, stick a really powerful neodimium magnet to your calliper and use ceramic pads. That would be cool if it worked...

Lester · 06-19-2009, 11:08 AM

$6.97 solves your problem. The first time, you will need to use a simple contoured kitchen scrubbing sponge to get them clean. Wear rubber gloves, or your hands will look like a magnet dipped in a bucket of metal filings. If you have the energy left after that, then apply a paste or liquid car wax or wheel wax to the wheels. This will prevent the brake dust from sticking. After that, it is simply spray on, hose off a couple of times per week and you are done with this.

Simoniz Vista Wheel Cleaner - $3.99
Kitchen Countoured scrubbing sponge $1.99
Pair of rubber gloves - $.99
1/2 hour of bending and streching excercise that you need anyway.... $0.00
Looking at your clean wheels....priceless

Clean your wheels and get them up to par with Simoniz Vista Wheel Cleaner. Formulated to remove brake dust and other tough to remove road dirt and grime with ease. Simply spray on and hose of with water. Safe for all kinds of wheels and hub cap finishes including ABS plastic, clear coat, chrome, aluminum, polished, wire, OEM painted, anodized and mag. Contains 22 fl.oz.

My135 · 06-19-2009, 11:21 AM

Are you sure it is hose off? I've tried several wheel clearners, they all claimed hose off but ain't. Wheel wax probrably is the best alternative (which I used Poor Boy wheel wax from Detailed Image). It makes your wheel cleaning easier but still require some easy scrubbing and it is not hose off.

Lester · 06-19-2009, 11:29 AM

It isn't hose off if the wheels have a baked on accumulation of brake dust over several months of use. But for a regular user with wheels that have been protected with wax, to rinse off a couple of days of recent accumulation, yes - it is hose off. I also find it works well on the wheel hubs. I get in there and spray the stuff on the hubs, and swipe with a brush.

My135 · 06-19-2009, 11:37 AM

I found this from "Autoban.net". May be this is what you are looking for but I won't use it on my BMW.

Welcome GuestSign In|Create an Account
Call Us Toll Free With Questions or Orders:
1-888-484-9560
Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM - 6 PM ET Home|Customer Service|Policies|Contact Us|Links

ENTER COUPON CODE FDAY09 ON THIS PAGE AND SAVE $10 ON ANY $150 ORDER
Note that custom products may say "In-Stock" below but require additional time for production. See product page for details.

Add $61.05 more to your shopping cart to qualify for Free Shipping!

Shopping Cart
Item Options Unit Price Qty. In Stock Cost
Kleen Wheels Brake Dust Covers
[remove] Year/Make : 2008 BMW
Model : 3 Series (5 Spk. Dsgn.) Whl. #6768858 (Style 189)
Size : 18 inch Alloy
Part Number : 2061
$37.95 Yes $37.95

Subtotal: $37.95
Total: $37.95

anthony @ eas · 06-19-2009, 12:25 PM

Try Wheel Wax - it makes it harder for brake dust to cling to your wheels.

Wheel Wax
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=883

KathyFG · 06-19-2009, 05:59 PM

Wow- I am with the OP- these wheels are a real pain with the brake dust- I clean the entire car including wheels every week, but the brake dust builds up- in two days they are dirty-looking. I think I'll give the wheel wax a try, so long as it doesn't damage the wheels or anything. It doesn't, right? (Sorry, but I'm a newbie when it comes to REAL car cleaning/detailing).

1013mm · 06-19-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Are you sure it is hose off? I've tried several wheel clearners, they all claimed hose off but ain't. Wheel wax probrably is the best alternative (which I used Poor Boy wheel wax from Detailed Image). It makes your wheel cleaning easier but still require some easy scrubbing and it is not hose off.

not hose off after 2 weeks. still leaves a little that needs wiping but wipes easy.

anthony @ eas · 06-19-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathyFG

Wow- I am with the OP- these wheels are a real pain with the brake dust- I clean the entire car including wheels every week, but the brake dust builds up- in two days they are dirty-looking. I think I'll give the wheel wax a try, so long as it doesn't damage the wheels or anything. It doesn't, right? (Sorry, but I'm a newbie when it comes to REAL car cleaning/detailing).

From our site:

Is WheelWax safe for my clear coated wheels and how is WheelWax different from other wheel polish?
Yes, WheelWax is clear coat safe and has a clear coat sealer to protect from cracking. WheelWax is not a polish, it is a cleaner and wax that is formulated with space age polymers and resins, heat resistant sealant and carnuba wax, which provides the ultimate protection for wheels.

wa128 · 06-20-2009, 10:43 PM

I took these steps to combat brake dust.

1. Changed the OE front pads to Cool Carbon Performance Brake Pads. These have some kind of special ceramic structure that produces low dust and is quiet and vibration free while no less than equaling the performance of the OE pads. The dust that is produced is light-colored which hides very well unlike the black OE dust.
2. Wash once a week.
3. Apply WheelWax every third or fourth washings.
4. Buff with a mini MF duster like the mini California car duster whenever you feel like putting a little gloss to the wheels. Don't re-use the duster on your paint.

Here is a picture of a wheel the fourth day from its last washing. I did not use a duster or touched it in any way as I wanted to see how long it would last before looking dirty.

supraking · 06-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Some good tips in here, I'm gonna go grab some wheel wax. My wheels are getting dirty after daily driving as well, I don't have the time to wash them every day or two so I'll go for the wax + wheel cleaner for spray on/rinse off treatments between washes every week or two.

Anyone know if these wheel products will discolor the tires? Should we be careful not to get it on the rubber? I assume it's fine, but you never know with waxes...

rawbert54 · 06-23-2009, 07:57 AM

I personally find wheel wax to be a waste of time. Its kind of a pain to apply, and in the amount of time it takes me to put it on, i could have just cleaned the rim. Even after its application, i still have to spend time wipping the rim down when its dirty, and its not really any easier than when it wasnt on the rim. save your money.

Regular carnuba wax supposedly melts off at relatively low temperatures so is completely useless on a rim. (this is not my fact, but i have read it several times elsewhere)

Im not sure how well changing the brake pads works, but if most of the black stuff on the rim is from the pad, then that is the most logical solution.

06-17-2009, 01:37 PM	#1
deebest1 hmmm... 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: charlotte, nc iTrader: (0)	Help on reducing brake dust on wheels. Does anyone know where I can find a sheild or cover for the brakes. Just getting to the point where im tried of cleaning wheels every two days. __________________ Have you showed your 135 some luv today? :wub:
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06-17-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
BimmerLearner My car is less than a week old and on its 3rd tank 12 Rep 379 Posts Drives: Tiag 135 Vert Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NE iTrader: (0)	read the thread? read the forum
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06-17-2009, 02:55 PM	#3
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Replace them with drum brake, problem solved:-):-):-) __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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06-18-2009, 06:53 AM	#4
cgiibanez New Member 10 Rep 24 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 X5 [0.00]	Brake Dust If you can, replace your brake pads to ceramic pads. I changed my wife's X3 brake pads and what improvement. No more brake dust. My wife's uncle works in a brake shop and he recommended them. At first I didn't believe him, but let tell you I'm very happy with the outcome. I have not notice any difference in the cars braking performance. As soon as I get a chance I'm going to replace them on my 1. Goodluck!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-18-2009, 09:41 AM	#5
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Ceramic pads may be harsh to the rotors and watch out, BMW may void the warranty on your rotors later on. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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06-18-2009, 03:47 PM	#7
odgaard keeping cars clean 5 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2002 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...53&postcount=3 __________________
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06-18-2009, 03:49 PM	#8
MadMan77 ↓↓↓ Ex-Con ↓↓↓ 34 Rep 1,874 Posts Drives: Jet Black '08 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Yigo iTrader: (1)	Just check out the Hawk HP line. I had them on my STi to replace the stock Brembo "dust makers" and loved them. I plan on replacing them on the 1er soon. __________________
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06-18-2009, 11:35 PM	#9
Add1ct Lieutenant Colonel 59 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: 135i, 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Palos Verdes Estates (SoCal) iTrader: (3)	weekly car washes __________________ E82 N54 6MT 6FL 668 KASW turned in E92 Crimson/Cream N54 6MT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Nav, Sat radio, HD Radio, Logic7, PDC, Active Steering, Active Cruise, 6FL, CA
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06-19-2009, 08:41 AM	#11
The Cthulhu Banned 7 Rep 197 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	From a performance standpoint, brake dust isn't a bad thing, it means you're losing pad instead of rotor. I can't attest to the 135i since I haven't picked it up yet in Munich, but when I was daily driving my Lotus Exige, keeping the wheels clean was a bitch! Luckily, there was a 50-50 balance jack point and I could take off 2 wheels at a time. But I'd have all 4 wheels off every 2 days for complete detailing. They were powder coated and waxing them with a carnuba wax (like Turtle Wax Platinum series) helped make dust removal easier. I would use a detergent based wheel cleaner to remove dust if it wouldnt easily come off. Rubbing a stripe of sillicon lubricant across the rotor will remove brake squeal after cleaning and prevent a lot of dust from building up for a few miles. It will also make the rotors shine like hell. Just be very careful not to "oil your brakes". I wouldn't want to be responsible for any accidents . I don't think covering the calliper would be a good idea. It would make everything get hotter with no convection cooling, and it probably wouldn't prevent brake dust very well. Just detail your wheels and car obsessively when you have the time. If you don't care about destroying your rotors, stick a really powerful neodimium magnet to your calliper and use ceramic pads. That would be cool if it worked...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-19-2009, 11:08 AM	#12
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	$6.97 solves your problem. The first time, you will need to use a simple contoured kitchen scrubbing sponge to get them clean. Wear rubber gloves, or your hands will look like a magnet dipped in a bucket of metal filings. If you have the energy left after that, then apply a paste or liquid car wax or wheel wax to the wheels. This will prevent the brake dust from sticking. After that, it is simply spray on, hose off a couple of times per week and you are done with this. Simoniz Vista Wheel Cleaner - $3.99 Kitchen Countoured scrubbing sponge $1.99 Pair of rubber gloves - $.99 1/2 hour of bending and streching excercise that you need anyway.... $0.00 Looking at your clean wheels....priceless Clean your wheels and get them up to par with Simoniz Vista Wheel Cleaner. Formulated to remove brake dust and other tough to remove road dirt and grime with ease. Simply spray on and hose of with water. Safe for all kinds of wheels and hub cap finishes including ABS plastic, clear coat, chrome, aluminum, polished, wire, OEM painted, anodized and mag. Contains 22 fl.oz. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-19-2009, 11:21 AM	#13
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Are you sure it is hose off? I've tried several wheel clearners, they all claimed hose off but ain't. Wheel wax probrably is the best alternative (which I used Poor Boy wheel wax from Detailed Image). It makes your wheel cleaning easier but still require some easy scrubbing and it is not hose off. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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06-19-2009, 11:29 AM	#14
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	It isn't hose off if the wheels have a baked on accumulation of brake dust over several months of use. But for a regular user with wheels that have been protected with wax, to rinse off a couple of days of recent accumulation, yes - it is hose off. I also find it works well on the wheel hubs. I get in there and spray the stuff on the hubs, and swipe with a brush.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-19-2009, 11:37 AM	#15
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	I found this from "Autoban.net". May be this is what you are looking for but I won't use it on my BMW. Welcome GuestSign In\|Create an Account Call Us Toll Free With Questions or Orders: 1-888-484-9560 Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM - 6 PM ET Home\|Customer Service\|Policies\|Contact Us\|Links ENTER COUPON CODE FDAY09 ON THIS PAGE AND SAVE $10 ON ANY $150 ORDER Note that custom products may say "In-Stock" below but require additional time for production. See product page for details. Add $61.05 more to your shopping cart to qualify for Free Shipping! Shopping Cart Item Options Unit Price Qty. In Stock Cost Kleen Wheels Brake Dust Covers [remove] Year/Make : 2008 BMW Model : 3 Series (5 Spk. Dsgn.) Whl. #6768858 (Style 189) Size : 18 inch Alloy Part Number : 2061 $37.95 Yes $37.95 Subtotal: $37.95 Total: $37.95 __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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06-19-2009, 12:25 PM	#16
anthony @ eas 309 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: R56 Cooper S Join Date: May 2009 Location: 4015 E Leaverton Court, Anahiem, CA 92807 iTrader: (0)	Try Wheel Wax - it makes it harder for brake dust to cling to your wheels. Wheel Wax http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=883
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06-19-2009, 05:59 PM	#17
KathyFG Private First Class 5 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 2009 AW 128i coupe 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Aurora, CO iTrader: (0)	Wow- I am with the OP- these wheels are a real pain with the brake dust- I clean the entire car including wheels every week, but the brake dust builds up- in two days they are dirty-looking. I think I'll give the wheel wax a try, so long as it doesn't damage the wheels or anything. It doesn't, right? (Sorry, but I'm a newbie when it comes to REAL car cleaning/detailing).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-20-2009, 10:43 PM	#20
wa128 Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2012 AW 135i DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: wa state iTrader: (0)	I took these steps to combat brake dust. 1. Changed the OE front pads to Cool Carbon Performance Brake Pads. These have some kind of special ceramic structure that produces low dust and is quiet and vibration free while no less than equaling the performance of the OE pads. The dust that is produced is light-colored which hides very well unlike the black OE dust. 2. Wash once a week. 3. Apply WheelWax every third or fourth washings. 4. Buff with a mini MF duster like the mini California car duster whenever you feel like putting a little gloss to the wheels. Don't re-use the duster on your paint. Here is a picture of a wheel the fourth day from its last washing. I did not use a duster or touched it in any way as I wanted to see how long it would last before looking dirty. Attached Images __________________ 2012 135i \| AW on Blk \| 7DCT \| M-Sport + Premium \| Nav \| Harmon Kardon \| BMW Performance Exhaust & Kidney Grilles
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06-22-2009, 11:03 PM	#21
supraking Captain 49 Rep 759 Posts Drives: 128i Coupe 6MT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i Coupe [0.00]	Some good tips in here, I'm gonna go grab some wheel wax. My wheels are getting dirty after daily driving as well, I don't have the time to wash them every day or two so I'll go for the wax + wheel cleaner for spray on/rinse off treatments between washes every week or two. Anyone know if these wheel products will discolor the tires? Should we be careful not to get it on the rubber? I assume it's fine, but you never know with waxes...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2009, 07:57 AM	#22
rawbert54 Private First Class 6 Rep 129 Posts Drives: sedona Reda 128i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: fort lauderdale iTrader: (0)	I personally find wheel wax to be a waste of time. Its kind of a pain to apply, and in the amount of time it takes me to put it on, i could have just cleaned the rim. Even after its application, i still have to spend time wipping the rim down when its dirty, and its not really any easier than when it wasnt on the rim. save your money. Regular carnuba wax supposedly melts off at relatively low temperatures so is completely useless on a rim. (this is not my fact, but i have read it several times elsewhere) Im not sure how well changing the brake pads works, but if most of the black stuff on the rim is from the pad, then that is the most logical solution.
	Appreciate 0 Quote