Brake dust damaging wheels

GM-ACE · 04-14-2021, 09:51 AM

Hey everybody, question:
Has anyone dealt with GM about the pitting and surface damage that the Brembo brake dust is creating? My car isn't even 2 years old yet and I noticed the last 2 times I washed it that the corners where the spokes meet the outer rim are getting pitted and rough to the touch, especially the fronts (which I attribute from them getting hotter than the rear)
On my previous gen 5's the same thing occurred, but I had purchased both of them used, so I wasn't 100% sure of the cause. Those wheels were worse than pitting, the paint actually started peeling off in those corners.
I'm using a wheel coating/polish now to try and protect them, but IMO this is a failure on GM to adequately protect the wheels from a problem that is obviously not new.
I'm not going to change brand of pads or wheels to correct it, just want to see what anyone else has experienced in trying to get GM to make them happy.
Thanks

Jaxcam02 · 04-14-2021, 10:05 AM

I would bet any response from GM would be to wash the wheels more often.

FarmerFran · 04-14-2021, 11:28 AM

I rinse my wheels every couple days and wash them at least 1x per week. SO I hope that is enough.

Let us know if you find out anything.

WhiteMale · 04-14-2021, 12:05 PM

You need to have a dealer evaluate the wheel for corrosion, not mention brake dust. I've have Mazda many years ago replaced 4 wheels due to the Aluminum corrosion and paint/finish flaking away under the 3/36 warranty. I don't think you want to take the angle with them of the brake dust, focus on defect of the wheel.

ctrlz · 04-14-2021, 12:27 PM

Check out Sonax wheel cleaner on amazon.
I would consider switching to ceramic pads. The stock pads are semi-metallic, create more dust, and more opportunity for corrosion.

Spaceme1117 · 04-14-2021, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrlz

Check out Sonax wheel cleaner on amazon.
I would consider switching to ceramic pads. The stock pads are semi-metallic, create more dust, and more opportunity for corrosion.

What are a good ceramic pad to switch to?

I switched to some AutoZone Ceramic pads for my C6 GS, and the dust is way lower and no decrease in stopping power.

enzia35 · 04-14-2021, 03:35 PM

Powerstop seem to be the go to.

Front: Z26-1474A
Rear: Z26-1718

If you have the base SS brakes.

2SS Capt · 04-14-2021, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enzia35

Powerstop seem to be the go to.

Front: Z26-1474A
Rear: Z26-1718

If you have the base SS brakes.

Have these on my 2020 2SS and the brake dust was virtually eliminated...

However, do NOT track with these pads, they are street only...

FarmerFran · 04-14-2021, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SS Capt

Have these on my 2020 2SS and the brake dust was virtually eliminated...

However, do NOT track with these pads, they are street only...

And I will take it a bit further, if you are used to the current pads - even on the street plan ahead better. Much better.

MatthewAMEL · 04-14-2021, 08:04 PM

My OEM wheels were pitted and stained from dust. Dealer had them powdercoated at no charge. The coating is FAR more resistant to pitting.

WhiteMale · 04-15-2021, 06:54 AM

I'll 2d that the Z26 pads seem dust free but are noticeable less than the Brembo pads which is fine but if you push it hard and jump on the brakes you'll know the difference in a hurry. And with the Brembo's the pads are super easy to change.

ctrlz · 04-15-2021, 09:58 AM

I have the z26 powerstop up front, but haven't gotten around to switching the rear.
Maybe because I live in flat south jersey I barely noticed the change from semi-metallics to ceramics.
If OP is still on the stock goodyears, his stopping distance is probably more compromised by running those tires in cooler weather than any potential loss in performance due to ceramic brake pads.

Zapote21 · 04-15-2021, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enzia35

Powerstop seem to be the go to.

Front: Z26-1474A
Rear: Z26-1718

If you have the base SS brakes.

I put these on and barely any dust ever again...

BluMaroSS · 04-25-2021, 08:15 AM

Use Iron-X on the wheels. That and a good wheel cleaner like Sonax or Griots Heavy duty wheel cleaner will help keep the buildup from happening.

04-14-2021, 09:51 AM	#1
GM-ACE Old school tech Drives: Ruby 1LE - 2024 2SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 288 View My Garage	Brake dust damaging wheels Hey everybody, question: Has anyone dealt with GM about the pitting and surface damage that the Brembo brake dust is creating? My car isn't even 2 years old yet and I noticed the last 2 times I washed it that the corners where the spokes meet the outer rim are getting pitted and rough to the touch, especially the fronts (which I attribute from them getting hotter than the rear) On my previous gen 5's the same thing occurred, but I had purchased both of them used, so I wasn't 100% sure of the cause. Those wheels were worse than pitting, the paint actually started peeling off in those corners. I'm using a wheel coating/polish now to try and protect them, but IMO this is a failure on GM to adequately protect the wheels from a problem that is obviously not new. I'm not going to change brand of pads or wheels to correct it, just want to see what anyone else has experienced in trying to get GM to make them happy. Thanks __________________ Previous Camaros: 2021 Riverside Blue 2SS/RS A10 \| 2019 Riverside Blue 2SS/RS M6 \| 2013 Crystal Red 1SS/RS A6 \| 2010 Imperial Blue 2SS/RS A6 One & only Corvette: 2015 Stingray Z51 Ordered 2024 Radiant Red 2SS 1LE Ordered: 6/15/23 Accepted: 7/5/23 3000 - 7/5 ---> 3100 - 7/19 3300 - 7/20 --> 3400 - 7/20 -->TPW - 8/7 4300 - 8/14 --->4B00 - 9/5 DELIVERED 9/20!!

04-14-2021, 10:05 AM	#2
Jaxcam02 Drives: 2017 Silverado/2017 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Jax/Palatka FL Posts: 1,090	I would bet any response from GM would be to wash the wheels more often. __________________

04-14-2021, 11:28 AM	#3
FarmerFran Drives: 2023 ZL1 Vert M6 "Sharky" Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Earth Posts: 4,031	I rinse my wheels every couple days and wash them at least 1x per week. SO I hope that is enough. Let us know if you find out anything. __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 Vert TR-6060 Sharkskin "Sharky" Firecracker Red Wrangler Willys, 3.6L eTorque, 850RE 8 speed automatic, 25W Willys package, Technology Group, Convenience Group (aka $600 garage door opener), Cold weather Group, Trailer Tow and HD electric group with AUX switches, 3 piece black freedom top.

04-14-2021, 03:35 PM	#7
enzia35 Drives: '16 Garnet Red 1SS Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 3,450	Powerstop seem to be the go to. Front: Z26-1474A Rear: Z26-1718 If you have the base SS brakes. __________________ '16 Camaro 1SS '18 Miata GT Gone: '01 Camaro, '14 Camaro, '90 Miata

04-14-2021, 08:04 PM	#10
MatthewAMEL Drives: 2023 CT5 Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,617	My OEM wheels were pitted and stained from dust. Dealer had them powdercoated at no charge. The coating is FAR more resistant to pitting. __________________ 2017 HBM SS 1LE Sold 2023 Wave Metallic CT5-V Blackwing M6

04-14-2021, 12:05 PM	#4
WhiteMale Drives: 23 ZL1 A10 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MO Posts: 1,982	You need to have a dealer evaluate the wheel for corrosion, not mention brake dust. I've have Mazda many years ago replaced 4 wheels due to the Aluminum corrosion and paint/finish flaking away under the 3/36 warranty. I don't think you want to take the angle with them of the brake dust, focus on defect of the wheel.

04-14-2021, 12:27 PM	#5
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,174	Check out Sonax wheel cleaner on amazon. I would consider switching to ceramic pads. The stock pads are semi-metallic, create more dust, and more opportunity for corrosion.

04-15-2021, 06:54 AM	#11
WhiteMale Drives: 23 ZL1 A10 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MO Posts: 1,982	I'll 2d that the Z26 pads seem dust free but are noticeable less than the Brembo pads which is fine but if you push it hard and jump on the brakes you'll know the difference in a hurry. And with the Brembo's the pads are super easy to change.

04-15-2021, 09:58 AM	#12
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,174	I have the z26 powerstop up front, but haven't gotten around to switching the rear. Maybe because I live in flat south jersey I barely noticed the change from semi-metallics to ceramics. If OP is still on the stock goodyears, his stopping distance is probably more compromised by running those tires in cooler weather than any potential loss in performance due to ceramic brake pads.

04-25-2021, 08:15 AM	#14
BluMaroSS Drives: 2020 Chevy Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: WA Posts: 12	Use Iron-X on the wheels. That and a good wheel cleaner like Sonax or Griots Heavy duty wheel cleaner will help keep the buildup from happening. __________________ 2020 Camaro 1SS / A10 / NPP / sunroof

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