Does anyone have a line on some good brake pads that dont leave as much brake dust? I have the white 17" rims and holy crap!!! They show dust about 10 miles after I spotlessly clean them. Any ideas on how to keep this from happening would be hugely helpful for me. I'm kind of ridiculous when it comes to stuff like this and it drives me nuts they are alwasy dirty.

Mike

 

Carbotech CT1521 Bobcats. Also has much better brake modulation and control than OEMs.

 

If you don't race/track your MINI, the Hawk Ceramic pads are great too. Once-a-week wipe down of brake dust instead of once after every drive.

 

I am now running Hawk HPS pads. Very low dust and the color is off white. Rims still look silver after 2-3 weeks without a wash unless you get really close and look for the dust.

 

Hey guys, Thanks alot for the help. Ill have to see what Im going to get. They're a little pricey from what Ive been able to find. It'll be worth it though if it stops all the damn dust from building up. It really is ridiculous. You'd think they'd get that worked out. Anyways, Thanks again.

 

Green if you want very close to stock, reds if you want a bit more aggressive street pad. I use reds on other cars with much larger brakes than the MINI, and the MINI with factory pads exudes dust almost just parked. Reds still have a close to stock but good feel. Mine will be getting the EBC red treatment very soon, "free" brake service during the new car service interval be darned.

 

just wax ur wheels and u can brush brake dust off easily with just soap and water

 

The issue is not getting the dust off, it's the amount of dust and how quickly it gets there.
I also have the white wheels and am ecstatic with my Hawk Ceramics as far as dust goes.

 

I have waxed the wheels with industrial aircraft wax. They are super easy to clean its just that I have to everytime I park somewhere. I just need some pads that produce less dust. Thanks though for the hint on the wax.

 

+1 for wheel waxing! I waxed my rims last time I washed it (~2 weeks ago). I used turtle wax ICE, which I'd recommend because it's a clear, non viscous liquid which is safe to use on the entire car, including the plastic parts (no white residue!) and it's super easy to apply, as the kit comes with an application pad. I've seen a considerable difference in break dust build up on the front passenger side rim which is the one that shows it the most.

 

lol putting wax on ur wheels also lessens the amount on brake dust that gets onto ur wheels because ur wheels would be slicker with wax

 

Waxing certainly helps, but anyone concerned about the look of their wheels (especially white wheels) isn't going to be happy with waxing alone. Waxing does help repel some dust, but there is still a lot that accumulates with the stock pads. Pads that produce less dust, like ceramic pads, are going to make the biggest difference.

 

Possible, but that was not my real life experience. With OEM pads, newly waxed wheels still turned black in a couple of days.

 

Actually, just about anything will shed less dust, especially if not German. For my first brake job, I did what I usually do - found and tried regular plain ol' parts - Monroe, maybe? and they worked as well as, if not better than, OEM. Less $$, less dust . . . ka - CHING!!

 

On Tire Rack's recommendation I bought Hawk HP Ceramics for street driving. They don't make much dust but are the worst pads that I've ever used. They are like bars of soap. When I complained to Tire Rack they told me it would take a while to break in but after a year they are still bad. I was reminded how bad when yesterday I drove my wife's MX-5 Miataspeed with stock pads and re-learned what it's like to have brakes that work.

I'll never trust Tire Rack again.

 

I installed Carbo Tech Bobcats 1521s on my Clubby S at 4000 miles...am real happy I did! Plus, I use Rain Ex on the back side of the wheels to make it easier to wash/clean them.

 

Changed out my OEM rotors and pads about a month ago for Brembo rotors and Akebono Euro ceramic pads from TireRack...the dusting issue is just about gone.

Excellent pedal feel, and no noise at all, I could not be happier with their performance on the street.They were on sale when I got them, the whole shebang was under $300...amazing.

Mad Gepetto

'05 MCS Pure Silver and just starting the mod madness.

 

This doesn't sound like a transaction I was involved with. Ceramics are not always the best solution, they do give up some stopping power in favor of lower dust. Sometimes expectations aren't met without proper qualification. I would have been able to help, If I was made aware at the time, or soon afterwards.

 

but I'll keep it in mind the next (many) times I buy relevant products. Obviously I understand why you prefer timeliness, but more than a few times it has also taken me a while either to install something, or really to put my finger on the given problem.

I have no connection to this poster, but maybe a different goodwill approach might get more points from the rest of us who make purchasing choices for many reasons.

 

I have dealt with alex many times in the last few years and I will say that he is a person that would help if he was aware of the situation. And there have been a few times I have asked him for help and he has been incredible.

I have no relationship with tirerack other than being a satisfied customer just in case you ask.

 

If I was contacted after the problem was noticed initially/installed, I'd have made every effort to correct it. A year later is beyond the window that I can get a manufacture (in nearly all cases) to work with us.

 

Big picture, read the board about frustrations people have with Mini's in warranty. Underneath, the dealer wants to be paid by the manufacturer, the manufacturer wants to be paid by the supplier, etc. If not paid, they don't want to deal with it if there is any choice. The customer loses, but then importantly the brand loses too. That's where the penny wise... issue comes in for brand loyalty and reputation. Again your choice as a business, but certainly around Mini's and repairs the big picture issue seems apparent when one comprehends bill/charge backs.

I hear you on the time length obviously. But, the several threads on Hawk (dis) satisfaction aren't doing business any good either.

 

Agree on the Akebono almost 2 weeks and wheels look great! Car not so much but thats another story........

 

You were. By telephone, both before and after. You offered to sell me something else when I complained (immediately after having the pads and new rotors installed). You said to give them a chance to break in. I did. They didn't.

I've been a TireRack customer for about thirty years. Never dissatisfied until now.

 

Email me with your billing phone number