How do you get a sparkling clean cassette?

graeme_s-2
graeme_s-2 Posts: 3,382
edited May 2008 in Workshop
The cassette on my road bike is absolutely filthy. I've had a good go at it today with some degreaser and a brush, and it looks a lot better. If I look at the back of it it's still absolutely filthy, with black crud welded onto the cogs. Is there a simple way to clean this stuff off while the cassette is still attached to the wheel, or is the only way to remove the cassette and clean it separately?

Comments

  • Zendog1
    Zendog1 Posts: 816
    If you take the wheel off and "floss" between the cogs with a bit of rag can usually get all the crud off. Takes a bit of elbow grease is all.
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    Difficult to get it in the dish washer when it's on the wheel!
    d.j.
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  • gavintc
    gavintc Posts: 3,009
    I do as others have stated and every couple of months I take it off the wheel for a really good clean.
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    Judicious use of a park gear cleaning brush and cirtus degreaser (get Virosol in 5 litre containers or you'll bankrupt yourself). You need to clean the brush regularly to prevent it merely spreading the gunk around.

    Either that or whip it off and scrub it in a parts washer (have to add that because i just bought one for my garage workshop!)
  • HarryB
    HarryB Posts: 197
    Where do I get virosol?
  • campagone
    campagone Posts: 270
    Get a can of 'Wurth' car brake cleaning spray.
  • Speck
    Speck Posts: 53
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  • Cheshley
    Cheshley Posts: 1,448
    http://www.capitalonline.biz/shop/produ ... bestseller

    http://www.oaklandcs.co.uk/index.php?ac ... oductId=98

    or search for it on ebay.

    What you can't find with a simple google search isn't worth having.
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  • SteveR_100Milers
    SteveR_100Milers Posts: 5,987
    I discovered recently how good these multi-purpose kitchen wipes are for running over the chain and rear cassette. They remove a surprising amount of the black oily crud that builds up, I get a better result than when I use a chain degreaser with the cleaning device, plus its easier to dispose of afterwards.
    http://www.pontypoolrcc.co.uk/
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  • Croxted Avenger
    Croxted Avenger Posts: 837
    Squirt parrafin on it - leave it for 20 minutes and wipe off all the muck. For ultra shiny fll a pot with paraffin and rest the wheel on top with the cassette immersed in it - good as new.

    Most fancydan expensive degresers are just 99% paraffin anyway.
    \'You Come At the King,You Best Not Miss\'
  • wastelander
    wastelander Posts: 557
    A bit like SteveR_100Milers but I use baby-wipes, not kitchen wipes...work a treat on cassettes, chains, mechs etc.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Baby wipes are wonderful things!
  • MegaCycle
    MegaCycle Posts: 236
    I just take the cassette off the hub and dump it in a bowl of petrol. It comes out gleaming.

    easy.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    So many different ways ! So no excuses eh !
  • cyclingfury
    cyclingfury Posts: 676
    Whichever method you use, and I'm sure all the above work well, to me the secret has always been never to let them get too dirty in the first place. An old washing up brush and a bit of fairy liquid and water keeps mine looking pristine. I only occasionally feel the need to use degreasers.
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