Dirty Napa Pads

[Tobygot]

Hi, a month ago I changed my brake pads on my Silverado to Napa Ultra Premium brake pads. I didn't know that I needed to clean the pads with brake cleaner even though I didn't touch the rotors.

1,000 miles later and my wheels are still really dirty after 3 days of driving. I put the same pads on my Expedition 6 years ago and I can drive it thousands of miles and still have clean wheels.

Are my wheels getting dirty because I didn't clean the pads, or is this how Napa pads are now?

I'm thinking about buying Akebono pads from Rock Auto.

Any suggestions?

 

[The Critic]

The pad formula depends on the vehicle platform and the brake system requirements.

The formula for your Silverado may be more aggressive in order to meet certain requirements.

The brake dust is normal; brake pads do not need to be cleaned with brake cleaner prior to installation.

Akebono pads may deliver less dust, but it's a gamble and is probably not worth the money since you may not be able to return the NAPA pads.

 

[Warstud]

Sure there the same material. Metallic Pads give off alot of brake dust.

 

[Tobygot]

Are the Ultra Premium pads still made by Akebono?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Tobygot
Are the Ultra Premium pads still made by Akebono?


I think Rayloc makes them.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: Tobygot
1,000 miles later and my wheels are still really dirty after 3 days of driving. I put the same pads on my Expedition 6 years ago and I can drive it thousands of miles and still have clean wheels.
Any suggestions?

Much has changed in auto parts biz the last 6 years and not for the better, cost cutting and offshoring has been relentless.

Doubtful they are exactly the same pads as 6 years ago, albeit the same name and brand.

However, the dusting may improve as time goes by

 

[Tobygot]

I was hoping the dusting would improve. They seem like they're getting better, but maybe I'm just getting used to them.

The Napa pads I put on my Expedition produced almost no dust from day 1. Too bad they had to change them. I won't buy Napa pads again.

 

[Turk]

NAPA Premium on our Camry = LOTS of dust.

NAPA Ultra Premium on my Saturn = almost no dust.

 

[NHGUY]

Napas higher grade of pads were always made by Brake Parts Inc (Raybestos),their lower Tru Stop line sourced from China.

 

[toneydoc]

I put some wet shine on my Jeep tires a while back. Before the wet shine I could hardly notice any brake dust buildup. But now, it seems the sticky wet shine attracts and holds the dust on the wheels. Looks really dirty. Doubt I will use wet shine on my Jeep again after I get this stuff off the wheels.

 

[CharBaby]

I have recently, over the last 2 years, changed out all 3 vehicles brake pads to Centric Premium Ceramic Pads. I have used Centric Semi-Mets & Ceramic Pads and Rotors on/off over the years and I really like'em.

Recently since using the ***Centric Premium Ceramics***, I have noticed lots of BLACK DUST on the wheels. This BLACK DUSTING only lasted several months. The BLACK DUST cleaned up well and didn't harm the aluminum wheels. Now, the dust is gone from the wheels. Yeah, there is still some LIGHT DUSTING(normal for Ceramic) on the wheels but, it's not BLACK.

This may have been a pad break-in friction material for the new pads that Centric uses, IDK! I have never had this happen with other brands of Ceramic Pads. All is OK now for all 3 vehicles

 

[bigblumer]

I agree. I have Napa Premiums on the KIA, and they are pretty dusty, especially if you don't machine the rotors, or swap them out. This is because the pad is wearing to the hills and valleys on the rotor. You'll have less than full pad contact until the high-spots on the rotor wear a groove into the pad.

Overall it has not been a bad pad though. Good stopping and they stay quiet. However your results in a Silverado vs my Kia may vary.