Jayhawk

I have seen Kleen Wheels Dust Shields advertised to stop brake dust from trashing wheels. I was wondering if anyone has any experience w/ or knowledge of the effectiveness of these things. It seems like they might cause brakes to overheat or something. I am really fed up w/ the constant brake dust on my wheels am anxious to stop it if I can. Would I need a set for my 18" AMG wheels and another set for my 16" stock, winter, wheels?

MB Fanatic

Brake dust shields fit behind the rotors so you dont need a different size for different wheels. They are quite effective and dont interfere with your braking power at all. They can be retrofitted onto some cars and can not be on some cars.

Tishers

Don't they interfere with the brakes ability to remove heat? Everything up there happens because of the air flow.

JohnCL

I'm confused MB, how can they go behind the rotor? I thought that they were placed between the wheel and the rotor thus hiding the rotor from view. I would think that there would be heat issues unless they are nicely vented somehow.

Bigdot

dont get them!! they heat up your breaks and might cause your lines to swell.(due to over heating). not worth it!!

Mark

mike690003

you might need to switch to ceramic brake pads. They put out very low amounts of dust.

MB Fanatic

Ooops Im thinking of something different. NM. Sorry

Jayhawk

Yes, I thought of that, but I was at my dealer's last week and they have a new SLR sitting in their shop because the ceramic brake pads are squealing, and McLaren can't figure out how to stop it. I may just have to live w/ the brake dust...

MBZFAN55

Ceramic brake pads by design, tend not to "dust" as readily as some (semi) metallic pads, but that's not to say you can't find metallic pads that are also low in dusting. Virtually all brake pads are a combination of various compounds (including ceramic) that based upon hardness or softness will or will not dust, will or will not squeal, etc. Numerous aftermarket pads are available that should reduce your dusting problem. You can search this forum for dozens of threads on this topic.

Regarding the noise problem on the SLR, I doubt very seriously whether the squeal is due to the ceramic composition of the pad. The squeal could be from the SLR owner who just found out that his brake job (pads/rotors/calipers) will cost him $20,000.00 per axle. (not a misprint!)

Jayhawk

Thanks.

Maybe the SLR owner was squealing, not the brakes...

rubensans

All SLR squeal. Don't know why; I supose because brake configuration.

I have drive one and when you break it was like a train squeal.

There are 5 SLR more in my town and 3 of them at least squeal making a high noise.

Best Regards.

Jayhawk

I think I have found a low-tech, but very effective solution to my break dust problems: I bought a $10 feather duster and can now keep my new wheels clean in just a few seconds/wheel, once a week! I don't know how long the feather duster will last, but at $10/ I'm not going to worry about it. It really works!

Air Marshall Eldritch

Guys, never never never install dust shields for the reason mentioned in a previous post. Even the dealer will counsel strongly against them (if they have a clue)