Ok, I know i'm asking a lot of questions that are probably obvious to anyone that has driven a Ford for any period of time, so bear with me. I've noticed on my friends and relatives Ford trucks that the front wheels collect a lot of brake dust. I just got mine truck last Tuesday night, and I;m already seeing the dust collect. Why does this occur? I would assume its the type of brake pads used or the way the brakes vent. But what do I know, I've been driving Chevrolet forever. Is there a solution or does it just need to be washed once a week?

 

This is just a result of a lower quality semi-metallic pad. It happens on any vehicle using lower grade pads.
Switching to a ceramic pad will eliminate the dark, almost black, dust. Ceramic pads still emit dust, it's just normally a lot lighter in color and thus less noticeable.
As for cleaning. Yes, weekly seems like the best interval. I have heard/seen some people use a light coating of wax on their wheels after a thorough wash to help prevent some of the dust from sticking and also making future cleaning a little easier. If you go this route, make sure that the wheel is cool (temperature wise) before applying any wax.
Be careful with cleaning solutions, if you happen to use them. Some of them contain acids that are not safe for a lot of wheels. Choose carefully, and never spray on to a warm/hot surface.
Shotgunz recommends a great product, in a gel formula:
Most people will use a good auto soap, a nylon brush, and some good elbow grease to get their wheels clean.

I hope this helps a little. I know for me, cleaning once a week is my only option until I switch to a ceramic pad.

And BTW, ask as many questions as you wish. It's one of the only ways you'll learn!!
Welcome to FTE.

 

Thanks. That helps a lot. I am planing on getting some black rims once I can afford it, But until then, I'll just wash it once a week and apply some wax. thanks for the help.

 

I use Armor All wheel protector spray. It keeps the dust from sticking to the wheels. I do a lot of short runs, like to the grocer and and clothing stores for the XYL. Not much dust collection.

 

Brake dust, if left unattended, will eat away at your wheels. Staying on top of it with routine cleaning and using wax or other wheel protectants will keep that stuff from ruining your wheels. On another vehicle I had, I neglected washing it very much through the winter. By the time spring had rolled around, the brake dust had already done its damage to my nice aftermarket polished aluminum rims and I never could get them back to original condition (even with using Mother's polish ***** on a power drill).

Switching to a higher quality brake pad does wonders for reducing brake dust. I think ceramic pads are supposed to have 90% less brake dust than a lesser quality pad.

 

I just put ceramic pads on my Ranger and the stopping power compared to stock is just amazing! They are more expensive but well worth the Money.

 

The ceramic pads are well worth it. I had NAPA's Ceramix on my '99 Explorer and they did appear to grasp the rotor a little better.
They do emit a slight squeal when they are cold though, and only at low speeds, which I really hated, but otherwise they are worth every penny.

 

one word Acebono! Best brake pad I have ever used, period!