imageWIS

My 06' A4 2.0T seems to have an insane amount of break dust. I only have a chance to wash the car once a week. How long does break dust have to stay on to start to permanently damage my wheels?

Also, what is the best way to clean the break dust off of the inner part of the wheels, i.e. not just the visible part of the rimes, but also the inner track?

Thanks,

Jon.

A4 (B7)

CRATOS

I end up having to wipe to get all of it off, but it's surprising how much comes off with just a water hose, no nozzle, no pressure.

I used to leave the brake dust on my mercedes for long periods of time. It was a huge dust generator. I ended up with all sorts of pitting and black spots on the wheels that wouldn't wash away.

found this definition for brake dust on the internet:
Brake dust is highly corrosive. The pads contain carbon fibers, metal filings, and an adhesive. The adhesive is the real problem. Brake adhesive is acidic, and adheres to the metal filings. The metal filings are red hot, and will burn right through the wheel coating!

Tgr_Clw

freaks out and runs off to wash the wheels ---->

psuaudiguy

I use a product that DuPont makes..i forget the name of it right now, but it has Teflon in it. I usually apply it every time i was the car. Then in between washes, I can just take a paper towel to my wheels, wipe everything off and they look good as new. it was only a few bucks at the local auto store.

psuaudiguy

haha, my thoughts exactly!

jsamans

Are we talking about just the face, or do you get all the way inside to where the inside tire touches it?

I've just been using car wash soap/water and a wheel brush to get all the way inside...but it's literally been months since I have washed my car or wheels because it is constantly raining here in the Seattle area.

I always thought that if I wanted to do a really good job with wheel cleaning I should take the wheel completely off, as even with a brush it is a serious pain to get around the brakes.

Dano_SL

I wax them once a month or so also.

MB The Body

<b>Michelin Brake Dust Repellent</b>:
you spray it on... count to about 15 or so and wipe it off

<img src="http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~mi167268/michelin_brake.jpg">

psuaudiguy

im not taking the car into shows or competitions or anything, so i see no reason to put that added effort into it

RoyM

I can get to about 99% of the inside. I think it is noticable. It take a little longer but with 17" wheels or larger it is not too bad. What is a real pain are the 16" winter wheels. I use the wheel brush every other time. On my 17" wheels I use the sponge on a stick method (mug or glass cleaner) and it does a great job.