Brake Dust on fron Wheels

[PetedaHeat]

Can anyone tell me how they deal with the constant brake dust on the front wheels..

The dealer bragged to me that the brake pads on the Expdy were the largers than anyother SUV. Well, I believe that but this wheel cleaning every third day is for the birds....

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS. I just bought an '03 EB Expedition for my wife for our Anniversary. It is Black and Gold.

thanks

pa

 

[daveplot]

I clean them every 3-5 days with simple green and a cloth.

Ford will be offering replacement pads closer to the end of the year. I got the following Special Service Message from my dealer...

Special Service Message # 16808

2003 Expedition/Navigator - Accumulation of brake dust on the wheels

"Under regular operating conditions, customers may notice accumulation of brake dust on the wheels of their 2003 Expedition/Navigator vehicles. Some amount of brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear. Dust can be cleaned by weekly washing with motorcraft detail wash (zc-3-a) and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can be removed with motorcraft wheel and tire cleaner (zc-37-a). A low-dust service brake lining (pad) is being developed via the quicker service fix (QSF) process for customers who may find this accumulation objectionable. The new lining is expected to be available durring the late fourth quarter of 2003. Do not replace any components in an attempt to address this condition in the interm untill the new lining is available."

 

[PetedaHeat]

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your help. I have only had the Expdy about 4 days now and we love it...

 

[rwinch]

PetedaHeat:

Although mine is a '98 EB, I had (everyone does, just look at the front wheels of Exb's & Nav's, usually black with dust!! ) the same issue with brake dust. Another option while waiting for Ford to make thiers are the Raybestos Cermic Pads , which I have installed (others make them as well). Now, all brake pads will leave dust from wear, but the Ceramic ones I installed do not seem to dust as much, as well as having a more neutral color to the dust. I do not have to clean them nearly as often anymore.

Also, I have seen "dust covers" that are placed between the wheels and the hubs that block the dust. I have no experience with these, but my worry with these is cooling, or the lack of cooling because these covers will prevent or restrict air flow in/out throught the wheels. Anyone have any experience with these covers...???

 

[daveplot]

Raybestos doesn't have any ceramic pads for the 03 Expy yet.

There's nothing like washing your truck, riding around the block and comming back to black wheels.

 

[Kistler]

I, in the mode of "misery loves company", am glad to hear that I am not the only one with this problem.

Our Expedition is basically our tow vehicle and we don't drive it around town. All I have to do is drive about 4 miles and I have to clean rims--especially the front ones--I am however a "neatnik"

 

[Guest]

Why can't you people spend the 40 bucks and get the Kleenwheels break dust sheilds. I just installed them and wheels get no dust even after 2 weeks of City driving. Get out you wallet and buy tehm. If you ahve $40,000 to spend on a truck you should be able to afford these and quite you complaining.

 

[Guest]

Not just $ for the shields but what about air flow? I am afraid I will warp the whatevers

Kistler

 

[Karl in MN]

I have heard conflicting opinions on products such as KleenWheels. Everyone says they perform well but caution about rotor warpage.

 

[Guest]

Older (98-99) Expeditions dont have this problem, do they? Every time i see a newer Expedition the front wheels are disgustingly dirty. Oh yeah..what are ceramic pads? how much are they?

Tom

 

[Keydo]

KleenWheels is basically a trade off.

By preventing dust on the wheel, you trade the likelihood of rotor warpage due to decrease airflow/cooling of the brakes.

With that said, the rate of warpage also depends on how hard you are working your brakes.

For example, going downhill and riding your brakes. You're not going very fast, so not a lot of airflow to begin with, addition of kleenwheels further restricts airflow, better likelihood of rotor warpage with repeated activity.

If you're one who brakes early, you may decrease the likelihood of rotor warpage.

But in my experience, dust shields like KleenWheels will eventually lead to some degree of rotor warpage.


An easier trick would be to clean the wheels thoroughly and then give them a good wax coating.

Yes, dust will build up on these wheels, but the cleaning is now easier. Just hose them down and the dust comes off.

Changing brake pads is also a good suggestion. It doesn't completely eliminate brake dust, but it does reduce the amount.

 

[monsta]

Since rotors are radially cooled, I cannot see how these could adversely affect performance or create warpage issues.

I say, don't get them because they're ugly... hehehe