Easily remove thick dust from brake discs in just a few steps

If you've owned a truck for a while, you've probably noticed a layer of black or reddish-brown dust accumulating on the brake discs. This dust obscures the once-smooth, shiny surface of the metal rims. Besides affecting appearance, brake dust can also permanently corrode the rim surface, causing damage.

What are brake dust?

Generally speaking, the main component of brake dust is iron. Regardless of the material of the brake pads, brake discs are usually made of iron. Since brake discs expel more debris than brake pads, it can be inferred that approximately 90% of the dust is iron. The remaining dust likely comes from carbon in the brake pads.

How to remove brake dust?

In most cases, you can quickly and easily remove dust from your truck's brake pads.

Step 1: Before you begin cleaning, make sure the wheels are cool enough to touch and avoid direct sunlight. This will keep the wheels cool and prevent them from drying out during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Rinse the wheels with a hose to remove stubborn debris and dirt. This prevents dirt from scratching the wheel surface during the cleaning process.

Step 3: Pick up the brake dust cleaner and carefully read the instructions. Make sure the product is suitable for the type of wheels you are cleaning. Additionally, you should check how long the cleaner should remain on the wheels before you begin scrubbing.

Step 4: Spray the cleaner onto one wheel and let it soak for the recommended time. While waiting, you will see the brake dust begin to break down and run off the wheel.

Step 5: Gently scrub the wheel rim surface with a soft-bristled brush or car wash gloves. Remember to clean around the tire valves and between the spokes to ensure brake dust is removed. The brush should be stiff enough for effective cleaning, but not too stiff to avoid damaging the wheel rim surface.

Step 6: Rinse the wheels with a hose. After washing the wheels, check for any missed areas. If any are missed, repeat steps 1 through 6.

Step 7: Wipe the wheels dry with a clean cloth.

Step 8: After ensuring all brake dust is removed and the wheels are thoroughly dry, apply a layer of car wax to the surface. Always follow the instructions on the car wax label. This final step prevents dust from building up on the brake discs and will make future cleaning much easier.

Cleaning dust from brake discs might seem a bit tricky. However, once you know the right method, the whole process becomes much easier. In most cases, it can be done in less than an hour!