Just got off the phone with John from Kleen Wheels. They have not done a new shield for the 2011 XJs but said if there is enough interest they would.

If you don't know, this is a permanent answer to brake dust and helps ventilate the brakes as well. They aren't expensive and would pay for themselves if you have to use several cans of brake dust repellent.

He needs a wheel to work with to get it done and I don't know if anyone had a spare of if our tire vendor could help out here.

Here is his contact info.

 

Explain to me what Kleen Wheels does and how it works.

 

Ok nevermind I went to the website. Not sure if I like the look.

 

I've always been relunctant to use dust shields because I've heard that they cause heat build up and can cause damage to the brakes. Kleen Wheels refutes this idea on their website, so I don't know what to believe. Would need to check with Jaguar to see if this affects their warranty.

 

You know Jaguar. Everything voids your warranty. lol

They actually go inside the wheel and should do nothing to the brakes as far as cooling. A lot of cars have them as standard. I spoke to my dealer today and he is very interested in them as an optional add on they can upmarket.

But they don't exist yet for our car so its a mute point for now.

 

I'm with Expat on this I'm afraid, don't like the look!
Personally, I'd rather clean my wheels, clean my hubs n calipers and enjoy the look when they're clean, even though it can be a PITA.

I'm sure there are others that may do though and hope you get enough interested to make it happen.....good luck

 

I don't like the look either makes the car look cheap. IMO.

Damn brake dust!!

 

I just read on 2007 XK Forums , one member recommended using Armor All .It's a better idea of checking out Detailing Forums

 

Why somebody would want to give the impression of steelies on a high end luxury car is beyond me!

 

You do understand that dust shields are installed on the back side of the wheel and are not really seen?

 

Yes, I do. Don't you know what a steelie with a plastic wheel cover looks like? Almost as ridiculous as Kleen Wheels dust shield!

Please tell me this Kleen Wheels Dust Shield doesn't just look absolutely silly. Now imagine it on a Jag.




Looks just as cheap as the steelie/plastic wheel cover treatment:

 

Just trying to help you know.

Geez. Just don't get them when they are available.

There is an enormous amount of complaining on this site and the sense of entitlement is absolutely ridiculous. I was just trying to offer a solution that works and is actually installed on a number of automobiles as standard equipment.

 

Hey Dochands, sorry about the flack you have been catching. Thanks for the info. Like you side its just and option if you so desire to use it. Don't stop putting out good info.

 

When I purchased a used 88 BMW M6, it had these kleen things on it. After going through 2 sets of brake pads at a rapid rate, I removed them. The life of my pads were extended greatly. Wheels on cars are not just designed to look good. Most have a function to cool brakes, route air so as to cool brakes or to route the dust away so it doesn't collect on the pads to make them wear. By plugging up these "vents" in wheels, the cooling has been removed.

 

Thanks for your support.

As far as ventilating the brakes I wondered about that as well. I have read both sides and do not know what to think. There are so called turbo shields with more air flow but you wonder if they throw more dust.

But there is no product for the 11s and considering the criticism and apparent lack of interest I doubt there will be.

 

Didn't mean to poo poo on your parade--thanks for sharing this product. It is good to learn about new potential products to solve brake dust problems.

But I think people should know what they actually look like installed on a vehicle.

Now I just need to find a way to get this stick out of my butt...

 

It depends on your wheels. I had Kleen Wheels on my '97 VDP and you couldn't see them because of the wheel design. I never had an issue with overheating.

The wheels on my '07 XK would show the Kleen Wheels, so unfortunately I won't be putting them on this time.

 

Another option would be to install ceramic pads. Asbestos pads caused health issues and organic compounds can’t always meet a wide range of braking requirements. Unfortunately the steel strands used in semi-metallic pads to provide strength and conduct heat away from rotors also generate noise and are abrasive enough to increase rotor wear. Wear also cause ferrous oxide dust that looks unsightly and is also corrosive. First used as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in ’85, friction materials that contain ceramic formulations

There are also no brake /rotor cooling issues with these pads unlike wheels sheilds

 

The XJS I bought was already equipped with them. I didn't bother to remove them for a while, but I was going to get around to it.

The brakes were properly installed and in good condition, but I encountered noise and fade from high speed stops.

I removed those shields and the brakes immediately performed as they should.

These things really do help keep wheels clean, but they also encourage the overheating of pads. It's not worth it, in my opinion.

There are great pads out there that reduce the amount of dust that settles on your wheels, and present dust that is less likely to stain and pit the alloys. EBC cranks out some good pads, but there are many others.

I would never buy a set of shields.