Brake discs and pads - non rust and smart looking

[Mchatelier]

Hi all,
I have the original pads and discs on my Z4 3.0si E86.
I’m after some recommendations on a good pad/disc combo.

After discs that look great and don’t rust (or ways to ensure they don’t build up unecessary rust), and pads that don’t create too must brake dust.

Where to look also a bonus.

I’m more tor aesthetics and normal road use performance than track days etc.

As always, your help most appreciated.

Thanks
M

 

[Tcochrane92]

Hi there,

It's worth remembering that brake discs are made from iron. They rust, it's what ferrous materials do.
If you park your car away from humidity, you can reduce the build up. If you do find it has surface rust, take it for a short drive - the pads will clean it off

Pads also create brake dust when they're used. You can get pads that have less dust than others, but they may have other trade offs like noise or inability to clean off the surface rust on the discs

In a nutshell, there's no way (without drastic set up changes) to completely stop rust and brake dust

Sorry I can't recommend any products, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to offer some help in this area

 

[Ducklakeview]

Mtec offer an optional coating on their discs when you order, in either gold, silver or black. I think it's some sort of electroplating, and whilst it DOES prevent the hub area and disc edges from corroding, it won't protect the swept part, ie the brake pad contact area. This area just can't be protected, but isn't really a problem as long as the car isn't left undriven for long periods if it's stood outside.

Those areas covered by the coating still look like new on my dimpled and grooved Mtec discs after nearly 2 years and 21,000 miles.

Mike

 

[Mchatelier]

Thanks so far both. Mike, what colour coating did you go for, my car is sorn at the moment so occasionally take it down the end of the private road and back a few times - so will likely gather more rust quicker.

This said, it does clear but makes a fair amount of noise until it does. Think the discs are still the originals and I would like a smarter upgrade really.

Are there any leave on and spray off cleaners that also help?

After responses to the above. In any order, happy for the advice really. Thanks v much

 

[Umfaan]

A full set of the above Coated Discs , dimpled and drilled with a decent set of Pads will set you back approx £200 ......plus fitting for a Z4 .As above i have had a set on one of my other cars for at least over 3 years and many thousands of road miles and still looking good .

 

[NickDE]

I have drilled MTec black coated discs on my Z4C with Yellowstuff pads. Same set up on the E46 track car, just silver costing instead.

 

[ph001]

You can paint your own discs just fine with high temperature spray paint. Performance friction z rated pads (.11 compound) are extremely low dust pads.

 

[Steve84N]

I had Pagid discs and pads and they were fine for road use. The discs were coated and it lasted nearly 40k miles until I sold the car when they still looked unrusty. Easy to get from Eurocarparts or similar.

 

[Ed Doe]

I just sprayed mine with 8quid silver stove paint from homebase.... The hub is still fine many thousand miles and 2 trackdays later - no flaked paint or anything.

As for the swept area, I think there's very little you can do about that personally except drive it more often; hardly a chore

 

[Newbers]

Mtec offer an optional coating on their discs when you order, in either gold, silver or black. I think it's some sort of electroplating, and whilst it DOES prevent the hub area and disc edges from corroding, it won't protect the swept part, ie the brake pad contact area. This area just can't be protected, but isn't really a problem as long as the car isn't left undriven for long periods if it's stood outside.

Those areas covered by the coating still look like new on my dimpled and grooved Mtec discs after nearly 2 years and 21,000 miles.

Mike

Mike, I have MTEC's too. A couple of them started to show early signs of rust and they sent me out a tin of black paint so I don't think the finish is too fancy. Incidentally i'm of the impression that the braking surfaces are prone to rusting quicker (after its rained etc.) than the ATE's I had before. Not really an issue but I'm sure I'm not imagining it.

 

[ph001]

Incidentally i'm of the impression that the braking surfaces are prone to rusting quicker (after its rained etc.) than the ATE's I had before. Not really an issue but I'm sure I'm not imagining it.

Probably just due to more salt on the road in winter.