In order to minimize brake pad dust on rims, I heard someone say that they put Vaseline on their rims before a race so that the icky black brake dust was easier to clean off later. Does this work? Doesn't it melt and fly off?

Brian

 

Sounds messy to me. I would think it would be easier to clean the dust off than the vaseline.

 

Some people also spray the rims with non-stick PAM.

I tried that once and it was gooey, and messy. But, I could have baked some cookies on those wheels that weekend! :-)

Instead, I wax the rims up real good a few times a year, then spray the rims with Eagle One Wipe and Shine, don't wipe it off, and head out on the track. It leaves a thin film between the rim and brake dust, and it'll hose right off.

-bp-

 

I use Carbotech Panther+ ceramic compound pads and the brake dust rinses off very very easily.
Wheel clean up is the least time consuming of my chores after a track day.

 

just wax your wheels and that should be good enough

 

It's brake dust. Wear it with pride.

Okay okay, if you MUST clean it off, I've found the easiest way to remove it is regular ol' water and a toilet brush. Really. Soaps don't make it any easier to remove since the dust isn't oily, water really is the best thing. And toilet brushes get into little nooks and crannies really easily, are stiff enough to get the dust off instead of pushing it around, yet soft enough to no scratch.

 

Just do it very soon after the event, some brake dust can be corrosive and eat paint away. I agree with PJ however, I've always used soap and water.

PaulC

 

The toilet brushes that come to mind for me are the ones with the long handle and rounded end. To the best of my knowledge, those bristles are pretty damn stiff. Are you sure they dont scratch?

 

HOT water and some form of dish detergent degreaser, usually does the trick.

 

Milkman, there are some that are the hard bristles, but I've seen others that are very soft too, but never having bought one, I can't tell you where

I just use a rag, soap, and water, very very shortly after the event.

PaulC

 

You should always use a water based lubricant. Those petrolium based ones are no good

 

I've heard of Vaseline on the lower rear quarters for drag racing. Keeps the rubber from the burnout from sticking to the car.

 

Geddex makes a product for this, a spray called "Burnout Guard". It'd work on wheels too, I'm sure, as long as you don't get it on your brakes.

 

- Use wax/vaseline on the leading edge of the quarters
- Use lemon oil/wax on rims