My Fellow MINI Drivers (lol.. that's funny every time I type it....)
Is there any way to combat the excessive brake dust that accumulates on my wheels? I just had them cleaned thoroughly 3 weeks ago. Any info is greatly appreciated...

 

I solved most of my brake dust problems by waxing my wheels. It really helps.

 

Waxing the wheels helps, but the best solution is to change your front pads. BMW stock pads are horrible for dust. Go for EBC Green Stuff or Hawk HPS. I have the Hawks and they are very low dust. Changing the front pads is very easy, it takes me 15 minutes start to finish. You will find some good how-tos on NAM with photos. If you need help let me know!

Aaron

 

I've been very happy with changing out my pads and keeping my wheels waxed.

I like NuFinish on the wheels because it's pretty tough stuff and it lasts a good while.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=42988

My $0.02.

 

NuFinish is chock full of solvents and abrasives which is great for cleaning sticky brake dust off of your wheels. A more professional finish can be achieved by using clay-bar to remove the paint surface contaminants and then using a sealant like Zaino or Klasse.

A switch to the Greenstuff pads is regularly recommended for the white wheels.

 

What is the difference in the Hawk performance ceramic pads and the Hawk Performance HPS, The Hawk performance ceramic say they are ultra-low dust. and the Hawk performance HPS say they are extremely low levels of dust. The price is only $3.00 more for the performance ceramic, and the main thing I'm looking for is to get rid of the dreak dust. which would be the best for that.

 

Ceramic pads are BAD for your rotors. These are similar to the lifetime pads Midas sells you, that end up eating rotors quickly. Stick with the HPS pads, they are great for the street and autocross. I will probably even run them at the track in November if it's cool, since my race pads will be too hard.
I got mine from www.raceshopper.com, really great guys!

Aaron

 

I don't see what the fuss is all about. I squirt on Sonax, wait 1 min or two and it all hoses right off. 'Had them cleaned'? Come on, it's not hard. You guys do wash the rest of the car regularly right? Well add a bottle of Sonax to your routine and they become spotless without any more effort than sqeezing the squirt bottle.

 

I clean mine each time I wash with a wheel brush and water. The problem is with stock pads, your wheels are dirty again 5 minutes after you drive away once you are finished washing. Low dust pads really do help a lot!

 

Well, you could consider not braking.

With the price of gas so high, maybe just driving and letting it coast to a stop may help a bit

Seriously now .... how about those discs that block the dust .... shields? do they work KLEEN wheels or something like that?

 

NO, don't us them, they trap in too much heat, restrict much needed air flow, good chance to warp your rotors. Sonax works great.