Cleaning OEM rims

[JamaicaJoe]

My new to me 2013 XLT is losing its luster. The front rims are turning brown from brake dust after just 2000 miles and 10 months of local driving. What product to clean these? I have used other product (foaming pink stuff to remove rust) that were terrible on my 2001 expy's rims.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I've tried a ton of so-called "wheel cleaners" "brake dust removers" and most of them will require a significant amount of "elbow grease", especially if the brake dust has been setting on the rims for any length of time...

Believe it or not, the ONLY thing I've found that completely removes all the dust is.....wait for it....wait for it.....

Easy-off heavy duty BBQ/Grill cleaner, applied very carefully and sparingly, followed by some windex and a hosing down with water, to remove all the residue and ensure that none of the cleaner can settle in around the bead of the tire or other areas... One useful tool I have found is a cone-shaped foam brush that attaches to my cordless drill... it makes really quick work of the whole ordeal...

However, the only REAL solution is to install top-quality ceramic brake pads and coated, drilled/slotted rotors... they are not 100% dust free, but are way, way better than OEM type pads/rotors. Yea it's gonna cost a little more up front, but the reduced cleaning requirements along with much improved braking performance & longevity is well worth it IMHO

 

[JamaicaJoe]

I have a 2001 and 2013 and both have same problem with brake dust. I don't put on a lot of miles so it could be rust shaving off. It is always the front discs, never the rear so much.

 

[texsn95]

Wagner OEX pads are very low dust, we have them on our Armada and Explorer , they have great pedal feel and stopping distance.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I have a 2001 and 2013 and both have same problem with brake dust. I don't put on a lot of miles so it could be rust shaving off. It is always the front discs, never the rear so much.

Well, with regular pads/rotors, rust would be dark red/orange-ish, but brake dust should dark gray/black, and yea, the fronts are almost ALWAYS worse, since that's where most of the weight (from the engine) & therefore the most wear & tear occurs

But again, ceramic pads & drilled/slotted rotors will reduce the dust to almost notta....