Ford brake pad dust

I’m very happy with my 08 F150. One thing that is really annoying me though is the brake pad dust on the front rims. I have to work my arse off to get them “sort of clean”. I’m looking for recommendation on what to use to remove this? I’m actually thinking of replacing the pads even though they don’t need it. Unless I can get a suggestion on how to remove this stuff “easily”. Thanks!!

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I’m actually thinking of replacing the pads even though they don’t need it.

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Could be one of 2 things causing the problem

1. Cheap brake pads

2. Your calipers are sticking

I’ve the same problem on 1 of my front tires. See the problem on many trucks and SUVs.

Very good post Kooty.

I am on my third F-150 and my two previous trucks this was a non issue, but noticed a lot of other ones with the brake dust and was thankful mine did not have it. With my 2008 F-150 like yours this is an issue. I thought perhaps because I had always gotten a Off-Road Package and perhaps heavier duty brakes, but I seen a Off Road package 2008 with brake dust on his rims also. So why does this happen on my new truck and not the others? Secondly like Kooty asked, “How can you easily clean it or prevent it?”

Sorry Koots, don’t mean to Hi Jack your thread!

I’ve nearly scrubbed the skin off my fingers trying to get them clean. I’m gonna possibly try some carb cleaner in a small spot to see if it will do any damage to my perty rims.

Am hoping someone would have a better long term solution. I see it on almost all new Fords now days. Even the wife’s expedition is doing it. Not to the extent mine are, but still noticeable.

Had it on al 3 of my Fords, Lincoln and Mercury. When you figure it out, you can do mine!

In Kooty and Tuck’s case its probably the result of excess weight in the front end.

And YOURS in the back end!!!

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And YOURS in the back end!!!

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Don’t you have some Bloomingtom youth to corrupt???

The FW’s escape also has a problem, she bought some rim cleaner (I don’t remember the brand) Red bottle. she sprays it on and let’s it sit for awhile (let it work) then through the car wash, it cleans them up pretty well, if it doesent get it all she reapplies at home and takes a brush to it and hose off.

seems to work

Happy my truck doesn’t have that problem

Every ford I have owned or my folks have owned had the same thing, asked a mechanic about it and he said it’s a Ford thing… …I have since purchased a Jeep and do not have that issue..but when I buy Ford again I am sure it will happen. This even happens with new pads/rotors

It only happens when you use the brakes, so I try to avoid it.

upgrade to ceramic pads

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Don’t you have some Bloomingtom youth to corrupt???

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Guest speaker in class today

He must be a commedian…because your act isn’t working here either!

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upgrade to ceramic pads

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Are ceramics white or black? I think I had ceramic in my 350 diesel and it still did it…I could be wrong. I was once I thought…but I was mistaken.

A wheel cleaner should take it off, spray it on, let it work for a few minutes and take a bristle brush after it. Always works for me. Once you do get them clean, wax the rims. I use a spray on “wax as you dry” type product. Still get brake dust but the wax is probably the reason it comes off easier, acting as a protective layer.

You could try dust shields, I havn’t tried them but did read about them on a chevy forum. They’re supposed to help.

Here they are

BIRDDOG

Same way with every Jeep I have owned including my wife’s current Grand Cherokee. All I know to do is wash them. I always spot the cars that dont wash there front wheels. Really cracks me up on expensive vehicles.

Since you can see this on all vehicle brands I wonder if the open wheel design has a lot to do with it? I think so.

Back in the day, we used Mother’s wheel polish. Once I get them clean, I’m definitely going to wax, can’t hurt.

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It only happens when you use the brakes, so I try to avoid it.

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time to avoid Hastings!

Kooty, My 2 fords have been the same way. Only thing I have found is a clear bottle of spray wheel cleaner. I think it is Armour All. Spray it on let it sit for a while and then hose it off. It is not perfect but it is alot better. It does really make a guy mad when you care how your stuff looks.

Elbow grease and beer!! DO NOT pour the beer on the rims!!

Kooty I can get you some magic potion from here at the dealership to get them clean. once they are clean wax the snot out of them so they will clean easier next time. as for a cure all at this time there is none. its the ford pads they have been that way forever. you can takes care of MOST of the problem by going to ceramic pads but that wont cure all of it.
let me know if you need some of the good stuff and I will get it to you some how
waller out

Can you buy a after Market pad where this will not happen?

i was thinking black rims on my o6 its bad

Have a 2004 Expedition, bought it new, had the same problem. Brought it back to dealer in 05 and complained. After several attempts they finally got sick of me and replaced the brakes and rotors and no problem since.

3M brakleen works on my ford pickup and has not hurt the chrome wheels yet.Spray it on and it evaporates immediatly.

Had the same thing happen with my Ford. I didn’t have it 5 days and the 2nd time I had to clean them I went and bought Full Ceramic brake pads. I had to special order them and the only place I found them was Checker Auto Parts. It has been a none issue for me since and 45,000 miles. You will always get a little dust on them but you can barely notice it unless you rub your fingue on it. Just a couple of squirts of liquid wheel cleaner takes it right off. I think I bought it at Fleet Farm? Purple Bottle.

Corey,

That would be awesome. I’m meeting Tuck for lunch on Tuesday. I’ll see if he can swing by and pick it up before then.

WILL DO!