Is anyone using brake dust shields (Kleen Wheels or other)? I just got my 20"s and want to protect my investment. Some say they don't allow for proper brake cooling. That worries me. Or if you have other suggestions (like cleaners that won't strip the finish/coating), they would be appreciated.

 

I use them on my 68 mustang, and they work great, but I have not used them on my truck. As for as the brake cooling I have not had a problem with the car, but I don't drive it much.

 

I've read many examples of those things disrupting brake cooling. On a recent brake job, the shop used ceramic pads, pointing out little/no dust. They're right, the only residue I've found since has been regular road crap.

 

Don’t run them if you value your lining life. They will make the pads run hotter and this will increase the wear rate exponentially.

 

Seems to me that unless you are doing major braking (see racing or trailering in mountains) this wouldn't be much of an issue. This is a non-brake educated opinion only.

 

Why don't you just clean your wheels when they get dirty?

 

well my mom had them on here expedition. And she did a decent amount of driving. The heat started cracking her break pads. It would have done a lot worse if i wouldn't have taken them off.

 

Cool, I honestly never thought it would make a difference. Good to know though, was thinking of it before I decided on my wheel style and realized all I would see was the brake covers. Thanks for the info.

 

yea i would just get a quality ceramic pad and clean them... the shields hold the heat and would cause more problems down the road including rotors... and with the heavier rims.. you don't want any extra stress on those brakes...

 

I belive it's made my Turtle Wax.... Platnum Wheel Cleaner... comes in a dark green squirt bottle... spray it on... give a few minutes to soak.... and wth a good amount of water pressure rinse it off and then just wipe off what did come clean... I've used it on chrome and aluminum and it'w worked great.... just be sure to do it in the grass.... leave dirty water stains on pavement......