Excessive Brake Dust

[Ken]

I have noticed extreme dust build up on front wheels since replacement of
front rotors and pads about 12000 miles ago. The wheel will go from
completely clean to black with dust in 300 miles (500 km). I expect that the
new pads may be a 'soft' friction material.

Other than soft pads - what might cause the dusting?

Can anyone recommend a brand of aftermarket pads?

Thanks,
Ken.

 

[k. ote]

Can anyone recommend a brand of aftermarket pads?

What type of car do you have?

 

[Ken]

2003 Subaru Legacy SW

What type of car do you have?

 

[Rick Courtright]

front rotors and pads about 12000 miles ago. The wheel will go from
completely clean to black with dust in 300 miles (500 km). I expect
that the new pads may be a 'soft' friction material.

Hi,

I've experienced what you describe when buying the cheapo non-asbestos
replacement pads. But then again, Mercedes is noted for this problem w/
OEMs, so go figure. You could try semi-metallics (at the possible
expense of shorter rotor life) or simply go back to OEM. Yeah, they're a
bit more pricey, but IME they seem to work as well as or better than
most common aftermarket pads.

I don't know if they're available for your model (Google is your
friend), but if so, ceramic pads are an option that gives great life,
good braking, and they're very clean. You'll want to install them on new
or freshly turned rotors from what I've read. A friend is a Chevy
dealership brake mechanic, and he tells me the models Chevy puts 'em on
just never seem to come into the shop! I can't speak to other makes (or
brands of pads.)

Rick

 

[k. ote]

2003 Subaru Legacy SW

Oh. In that case, I'm afraid I don't have anything for you.

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