Great advice - thanks!

 

Slightly OT, I have owned several cars where brake dust seemed to be excessive. The worst offender was an Infiniti G35 Coupe with Brembo brakes. I found that applying two good coats of a premium auto wax to the wheels kept the brake dust from sticking as bad. Most of it just hosed off and the rest wiped off easily with a sponge and car wash soap. The wax does need to be reapplied every few months but it is an easy job. I really dislike using any of the harsh wheel cleaning chemicals regardless of what the makers say about their safety. The insides of the wheels (barrels) still get a lot of brake dust build up but there are long brushes made to get at that area of the wheels. Not quite as thorough as removing the wheels once a year and really cleaning the barrels but you don't really see the dust unless you are on your hands and knees with your face up close to the wheels.

 

I put a ceramic coating on my wheels, including the barrels. Dust does not hose off. You still have to wipe wheels clean.

 

Same here, but I bought a small thin California Duster just for the wheels that gets into the spokes. Only takes a minute to clean the dust.


Here is an updated product that might work even better!

https://www.calcarduster.com/product...l-duster-96630

 

Question for the group. Assuming I don’t attempt to install the Porterfield pads myself, what would be a fair price to have this done at the dealer or another shop?

 

"fair price" and "dealer" don't sit well together ....

 

That, my brother across the pond, depends on the dealer. Having said (written) that, as generalizations go you are not wrong.

Cheers,
Jay

 

It sure if you bought them yet. I had RedStuff on my XF and wasn't that happy with them. Uneven pad deposit and vibrations. Changed to Porterfield and so far am pleased (although only a couple of thousand miles so far)
Both are much less dust that OEM. Not sure much difference btw RedStuff and Porterfield re dust. Overall prefer the feel of the Porterfield.

 

Really the only way to know is to call your local dealer. There is just a huge variation from place to place but hold onto your hat because if it's a Jaguar dealer it will be EXPENSIVE!
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From an AZ Jag dealer:

https://www.jaguarnorthscottsdale.co...ce-brake-pads/

 

OP here. I received the Porterfields and had them installed by a dealer last week. I’ve never worked on brakes before so I just didn’t want to try it myself. Wow what a huge difference! Very little brake dust, no more squealing noises while coming to a stop, and no more grabbing - therefore coming to a smoother stop. I’ve tried a couple of “emergency” stops and I feel the stopping power is equivalent. I would highly recommend this “upgrade”. My local dealer gave me the story of their policy being to not install aftermarket pads. Luckily there is another dealer about 90 minutes away whose policy is one of good customer service. They had no problem installing the pads without doing the rotors which only have 18,000 miles on them. They did say they could not warranty any issues with vibration, etc. I’ve had no such issues. Not a cheap undertaking but we’ll worth it for me. About $900 total (300 - pads and 600 - install).

 

Do note that the Porterfields require more drying in heavy rain - braking is delayed slightly while they dry. A bit of a surprise the first time.

 

I did not know that! I will check it out next time I get them wet.
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Yes. I noticed that too. On a long motorway run in the rain I pre brake a bit before coming off the exit then they work well when I need them. Otherwise a slight surprise for a fraction of a second!

 

Heavy rain? What’s that?

 

My only complaint with the Porterfields is that when they are cold and get very wet, they don't work so well. It takes a bit to get to that point, but it's a little unnerving the first time. Half an hour in heavy rain without touching the brakes then expecting them to work as normal? Be aware, touch the brakes occasionally to keep them dry and a little warm, and you'll be fine.