The brake dust is a lot heavier on the front tire/rim than in the rear. My rims are covered after one day of operation. Hope this lets up..the white lettering on the tires up front are now darker than the rear. What's a good product to clean up the white lettering ?

 

I use Clorox bathroom cleaner w/ bleach on my Explorer.

 

diluted household cleaners will work fine like Guister said. anything water based is good. avoid solvent based cleaners because it may take the white off of the tire.

 

Better yet, is there any way to prevent the dust in the first place? My wife's '03 Expedition does the same thing. Seems that in some catalogue years ago I saw an aftermarkt device that went between the wheel and brake disc. Ever heard of anything like this?

 

I'm no expert, but wouldn't such a device cut down on cooling for the brakes? Not a good idea.

 

Thanks, I'll try clorox, just hope i don't get any on my clothing..

 

I started using a product 25 years ago in my dad's clean-up shop called Bleche-white. I think I got the spelling right, it is not bleach like normal. I get it at Wal-mart these days. Originally we used it for most heavy duty cleaning including engines. You need to be careful however. It is very strong and if left on a painted surface too long will discolor it. I found that out through the old trial and error method. Since then I am very careful with the stuff. Of course that was before clearcoat but I still don't take any chances. Spray it directly on the tire and let it stand for a few seconds. I then use a wire brush (sometimes depending on how dirty) and then an old wash mitt with soapy water and hose well, including any areas that may have gotten overspray.

 

Great... Sounds like these are the same pads used on the Expedition. They all have this same problem on the front. Look at any new body style Expedition. Unless it was just washed the front rims are always dirty. I think there is a solution with better brake pads. I seem to recall this being a hot topic in the Expedition section of this website. You would think Ford would have fixed this with the new F150.

Scott

 

I am using Wesley white-side wall cleaner and a brass brush. This 04 F-150 is throwing dust on the front wheels worse than any vehicle I ever saw. The lining maybe short in 20k miles?

 

A mild detergent, car wash shampoo, or acid free whele cleaner will clean them safely. To prevent, find better brake pads. I don't know what is availible yet for the 04 F-150, but maybe direct fit Expidition ones.

 

Remember, it's not straight bleach. It's Clorox Bathroom Cleaner w/ Bleach. It's not 100% bleach. It comes in a white spray bottle w/ an orange trigger.

If you don't want brake dust to build up, drive your other vehicle. It'll stay clean for days if you do that.

 

Bleache White on tires and wheel cleaner.

 

Th '04 stops WAY better than last year's model. More stopping power = more dust. Your front brakes do more work than the rears so you see more dust there.


When ceramix pads come out for the '04 you could try those. Less dust with ceramix, but you might not be happy with the stopping power.

 

i am thinking of putting on wheels that are a bit more "solid," meaning less open space in the center of the wheel. i like the looks of these a lot, so it is a bonus if it cuts down on the brake dust. i understand that some people might not like these wheels though.

here's a link to the style I am considering (though I may not go with this exact model/brand, just depends on price and availability):

http://www.americanracing.com/wheels...ated&section=S