Brake Dust: Different Pads or Dust Shields?

[scottb]

So Al Reed does his magic to my 7s and 8s. They look great. Now, after about 300 miles or so, the wheels (especially the rears) are covered in brake dust. What to do, what to do?

I don't autocross or race the car. It's a weekend toy that I use to drive the local "twisties." Should I just buy a set of dust shields, or should I replace the pads? If I should replace the pads, which brand will give me the least amount of dust and not squeal, chatter, etc.?

Thanks for the advice, guys.

[jmohn]

IMHO the dust shields would reduce cooling, I would try different pads. I'm satisfied with Axxis "MetalMasters" (reasonable cost, low noise, low dust, no fade), I think they're a good "street" pad. However, brake pad discussions are like oil discussions, everyone has a favorite.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Mike Feinstein]

Why not just grab a damp towel and wipe 'em down every few days?

[Glasgow 911SC]

Scott,
I use EBC Greenstuff (kevlar based) pads on the front and standard ones at the rear. My front, unlaquered wheels, just need wiping and light poilishing with solvol autosol to get them back to a good shine. The rears however take about 45mins per wheel of scrubbing & polishing to get a good shine.

[89911]

I've heard that "Al Reed" is so nice, He'll come out and clean' em whenever there dirty The biggest issue is what kind of pad are you using? I've found MetalMasters to be less dust producing then others. I assume your not using high performance pads. If there OE, try switching.

[Bill Verburg]

Shields are a big NO! There are plenty of good(for street use) non dusting pads available the Axxis are one example that is also very reasonably priced.

[tshih]

Washing the wheels with P21S and lot's of water and wiping on a thin film of silicone oil (applied with a paper towel (try not to spray the brake disc accidentally with the slippery oil or you will not be able to stop!!!!) will keep the finish of the Fuchs protected from brake dust.

[Bill Verburg]

I would strongly caution you not to use silicon anywhere near a car for 2 reasons

• Even in tiny amounts it destroys O₂ sensors
• You may wish to do paint work some day, silicon will complicate such a project

The factory has always recommended vaseline, I have found that a nice coat of wax helps as well.

[Superman]

Some brake shoes/pads probably make less dust than others but ALL brake systems are based on ablative friction material that burns and thereby carries heat away, like the old space capsules. I have had good luck with a garden hose. If you're ever going to rebuild drum brakes, I STRONGLY advise the garden hose method as a start. Usually gets them CLEAN. If the stuff is sticking to your wheels, perhaps a wheel brush will knock it off.

[scottb]

What do people think of the Axxis Deluxe? They seem to be the lowest dusting pads made by Axxis, and look like they'll do just fine for my needs.

Also, am I correct that Axxis used to be Repco?

[masraum]

uh, yeah, what they said "Just say no to dust shields", change your pads (all will make some dust) and clean your wheels more often.

[Early_S_Man]

Scott,

Yes, Repco used to be the brand now called Axxis. I'm not sure if there is any difference in their 'Deluxe' pads and the 'MetalMasters' ... because the first set of Repco Deluxe pads I installed in '78 looked identical to later MetalMasters ... both were a graphite/metal composite. I believe the 'MetalMaster' line of pads was strictly a USA marketing tag and label.