'Kleen Wheels' - Any experience?

Craig944[951] · Craig944[951]'s Garage

I have massive brake dust & am looking at buying some 'Kleen Wheels' to help eliminate the dust. Has anyone here tried them? What do you think about them?

JGriff · JGriff's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Craig944[951]
I have massive brake dust & am looking at buying some 'Kleen Wheels' to help eliminate the dust. Has anyone here tried them? What do you think about them?

I've never tried them, but I've heard that they are not a good idea, since they tend to keep the heat in, which is not good for braking performance and pad/rotor life (i.e. potential rotor warpage).

The best thing to do is resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to just wash the wheels every couple of days or so, or at least every week. It's a bummer, but I just look at it as a necessary evil.

Jim

RPM'S S2 · 03-18-2002, 09:04 AM

Generally a bad idea. Inhibits the flow of air (cooling) to your brakes. Wax your rims they will wash easier.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

If Kleen Wheels is a plastic shroud/plate that fits inside the wheel, then I suggest NOT using it. While it may keep the dust off your tires, it will also trap the heat in and around your disks, which can increase your changes of rotor wear and warping.

Best bet for brake dust: a good rag to the wheels every week or so...

-Zoltan.

Bob's944 · Bob's944's Garage

I agree with the no dust shields, and that waxing the wheels helps. The problem with most waxes is the heat build up on the rims makes it wear off too quickly. The brake dust and the wheels have different electrical charges so the metallic dust sticks well... and as you know most likely cause corrosion if left on, lil tiny examples of galvanic corrosion. There are a few different waxes out that claim to last weeks and neutralize the electrolisis effect. Sorry i can't think of a brand name off the top of my head, but look for some wheel wax next time you're at the part store.

Etnier · 03-18-2002, 02:59 PM

I drove 944
s from around 1986 to a few weeks ago; now drive a 968. My 944's always had brake dust problems until I switched to Mintex brake pads. Problem gone, and no squeal either.