A refurb of my alloys is on the to-do list, but first I'd like to do something about the amount of brake dust that accumulates on the outside of the wheels, especially on the front wheels. Possibly due to more wear or different pads. I know there are pads available that are almost dust free, but I vaguely remember (or imagine) seeing dust shields, that went on over the hub/disc/caliper, behind the wheel. Are these available for the xj6 or was I dreaming? Thanks.

 

Never liked them, for any vehicle ... they can disrupt proper airflow to calipers

 

I just keep the brake dust at bay with using Eagle 1 WAUD spray wax on the alloy wheels after washing the car. The brake dust wipes off very easily and doesn't cake on etc.

 

Oops - I see you have heard of them, but I love 'em.
Have you heard of Akebono ceramic pads? Either no dust or very low dust. I have used them for years on the 1995 XJ6.

 

Dust shields not a fan. Ceramic brake pads are the way to go. Total brake job on my 04 XJ VDP with ceramic pads, work great and virtually no dust.Semi-metallic brake pads are more abrasive and wear rotors faster. I have found more rotor wear and brake dust using semi-metallic pads not less rotor wear. Ceramic pads cause less rotor wear and less visible dust.

Since they were first used on a few original equipment applications in 1985, friction materials that contain ceramic formulations have become recognized for their desirable blend of traits. These pads use ceramic compounds and copper fibers in place of the semi-metallic pad's steel fibers. This allows the ceramic pads to handle high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, and generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors. And from a comfort standpoint, ceramic compounds provide much quieter braking because the ceramic compound helps dampen noise by generating a frequency beyond the human hearing range.

Another characteristic that makes ceramic materials attractive is the absence of noticeable dust. All brake pads produce dust as they wear. The ingredients in ceramic compounds produce a light colored dust that is much less noticeable and less likely to stick to the wheels. Consequently, wheels and tires maintain a cleaner appearance longer.

Ceramic pads meet or exceed all original equipment standards for durability, stopping distance and noise. According to durability tests, ceramic compounds extend brake life compared to most other semi-metallic and organic materials and outlast other premium pad materials by a significant margin - with no sacrifice in noise control, pad life or braking performance.

Basically I think the evolution of ceramic pads is an engineering improvement over past materials and they don't eat rotors they save them.