I have pbr brake pads and noticed the dust alot. I've had them on for about 20K miles or so and have noticed the clear coat is coming off my wheels. Does brake dust cause this?

Hi Dave!

It probably could, really depends on the pad material. There are instructions on some pads that recommend regular cleaning as some can be a bit corrosive. I had Axxis Metal Masters before (a.k.a PBR MM's) and didn't notice anything like that, then again the car was washed almost every week.

Would you happen to take your car to drive through carwashes or similar?

- Mike

What causes this is negligence on your part [or previous owner(s)] of not cleaning the wheels regularly. The brake dust just "bonds" to the wheels after it's just been sitting there for quite some time. Even if you try to use any polish out there, it still may not take everything off, or it will take too much off, like in your case.

good luck with your issue though
dan

Hey Mike...

Long time no hear!!! How ya been?

I have a detailer (good friend of mine) come out to my office and detail the Max once a week to sometimes every other week.

The Max has never seen a drive thru car wash...

Doing well, how come we haven't seen you over at the X anymore?

Could it be possible that your friend is using a harsh wheel cleaner? For something done as often as that, it must have an effect eventually. Does he happen to detail your car out in the sun?

Those wheel cleaners are fine as long as it's used properly. My guess is it might not have been washed away quick or thorough enough at one time or another.

Is the clearcoat on all four wheels coming off at the same rate?

I'll have to come by the X again soon...

What my friend uses is basically soap and water. He doesn't use any harsh chemicals on the wheels. I have Antera wheels which aren't cheap and surprised that the finish is coming off and only when I purchased the pbr brake pads. the oem pads I had previously never dusted on these wheels. The clearcoat is coming off the same rate on all the wheels.

Hi Dave Unfortunately yes, brake dust can cause damage to the finish on some wheels. Sorry to here your having problems. How long have you had the wheels? You might try contacting the manufacture about a free refinish, its worth a shot.

whats up bro? I'll give the mfg a call and see what they can do. I've had the wheels about 4 years and about 80K miles on them. They still look brand new from a distance.