if you wax the rims will this keep the brake dust off.the brkes ar not that old but still get dust on rims.

 

Unfortunately no. All that will do is make it easier to clean the wheels from time to time.

The only thing to control brake dust is using a different pad that doesn't burn off dust as bad as others. I run EBC Green pads, but I do not always recommend them to people because they are a harder compound pad and used to handle heat better for harder braking, racing situations, etc. They do not burn dust off like normal pads, but they also do their best when they are heated up. So if you do a lot of inner town driving, they wil squeek, squeel, and sound like they are eating a rotor when you are not pushing them hard.

 

Try a ceramic pad. Very little dust residue.

 

auto parts stores and some catalogs sell what they call "brake dust shields" too. They mount between your rim and the caliper and block the dust from reaching your rims. I've never used them but seen them at PepBoys and other places. Maybe some others here have had them on their trucks.

Good Luck

 

The only bad thing I have heard about the shields is they do not allow the heat from the brakes to dissipate quickly and on heavy loads that can cause problems. Dont think that would be a problem with your explorer unless you tow alot. Just my $.02

 

Those shields are pieces of garbage. They prevent airflow to the brakes, increasing the possibility of overheating.. but more importantly, they tend to flex while you drive and tend to rattle and tap against the wheel which can cause more of a pain than they are worth.

If you DO go this route, make sure it's a thick quality design.. not a cheap flimsy aluminum thing.

 

Spend a little extra an get the premium pads instead of the less expensive house brand pads; personally I have used both and I now always buy the Wagner Thermo Quiet pads. The $16.95 pads work but at the expense that they create the worse dust storms since the dust bowl of the 1930's!!