Disc brake cleaner?

DanDax1990
DanDax1990 Posts: 1,201
edited October 2012 in MTB buying advice
Can someone recommend some disc brake cleaning spray etc? Cheers.
My upgraded Voodoo Bokor

Ribble Sportive 7005

Comments

  • woodywmb
    woodywmb Posts: 669
    Meths. £2 a bottle. Don't let anyone kid you otherwise. 8 pence for a toothbrush in ASDA. Scrub the disc, inside the calipers then wipe dry. Job done. Bottle will last for years. Disc brakes will last forever.
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1296598/
  • smack148
    smack148 Posts: 37
    yeah, agree with this. don't need any fancy sh!t. Meths will do it
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Absolute rubbish. Just a bit of fresh water to remove any mud and grit. Meths contains additives which could contaminate pads and I wouldn't want it on the seals
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    I have some Muc-off disc brake cleaner but only use it when working on the bike and there's a chance I've got oil on the brakes or rotors. Will last for years.

    Other than that as CD says just wash down with a hose when I do the rest of the bike. Disc brakes are pretty much self-cleaning anyway
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Meths doesn'y wholly evaporate but leaves behind an oily residue, so unless you clean that off with something like kitchen towel, you'll contaminate the pads with your "cleaner".....they probably won't squeak afterwards though......
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    I use muc-off cleaner too for quick blast if Im not washing bike down.
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    What's wrong with IPA?
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Greer_ wrote:
    What's wrong with IPA?
    Nothing. Nothing is wrong with IPA. It's the best stuff to use.

    Meths, is NOT the same as IPA, by the way.
    My photos
  • lighty89
    lighty89 Posts: 183
    I use the Muc-Off Cleaner, this actually works - unlike their Bike Cleaner.
    MTB - VooDoo Bantu
    Commuter - Raleigh Grande
  • BigJimmyB
    BigJimmyB Posts: 1,302
    Soap and water, then rinse.

    IPA if contaminated with oil/lube
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    YeehaaMcgee wrote:
    Greer_ wrote:
    What's wrong with IPA?
    Nothing. Nothing is wrong with IPA. It's the best stuff to use.

    Meths, is NOT the same as IPA, by the way.

    Was wondering why no one had mentioned it! IPA - isopropyl alcohol - has a low boiling point so it evaporates off very quickly.
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Greer_ wrote:
    YeehaaMcgee wrote:
    Greer_ wrote:
    What's wrong with IPA?
    Nothing. Nothing is wrong with IPA. It's the best stuff to use.

    Meths, is NOT the same as IPA, by the way.

    Was wondering why no one had mentioned it! IPA - isopropyl alcohol - has a low boiling point so it evaporates off very quickly.
    But you still wouldn't use it as a regular cleaner. You don't need one for brakes.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    BigJimmyB wrote:
    Soap and water, then rinse.

    IPA if contaminated with oil/lube
    What type of soap do you mean?
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    You know, soap, stuff that makes bubbles and cleans. Just rinse off with water to remove any salts
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    You know, soap, stuff that makes bubbles and cleans. Just rinse off with water to remove any salts
    Why in hell's name would you soap up your bike?
    My photos
  • Plyphon
    Plyphon Posts: 433
    IPA if contaminated.

    Otherwise a few fast stops normally does it....
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    YeehaaMcgee wrote:
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    You know, soap, stuff that makes bubbles and cleans. Just rinse off with water to remove any salts
    Why in hell's name would you soap up your bike?

    To make it smell nice, of course.
  • BigJimmyB
    BigJimmyB Posts: 1,302
    YeehaaMcgee wrote:
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    You know, soap, stuff that makes bubbles and cleans. Just rinse off with water to remove any salts
    Why in hell's name would you soap up your bike?

    To be specific, washing up liquid.

    The foam carries away dirt and grease. I always go OTT with rinsing due to salts as mentioned.
  • Sheppy
    Sheppy Posts: 140
    I use fairy. Just pull their wings off and scrub the disc clean with them, just watch out for their dust :lol:

    Sorry couldn't resist... :oops:

    I clean them by putting the brakes on when I go down a hill... Hmm, maybe that's why I keep getting through lots of pads...
  • Bishbosh10
    Bishbosh10 Posts: 268
    I use brake cleaner to clean my brakes........ works on my car, worked on my 4x4's, works on my bike. Simples.

    No need to buy some expensive "bike specific" brake cleaner when bog standard automotive stuff will do the job.
    2011 Giant Trance Ltd, 2016 Revs, XT bits etc.
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Bishbosh10 wrote:
    I use brake cleaner to clean my brakes........ works on my car, worked on my 4x4's, works on my bike. Simples.

    No need to buy some expensive "bike specific" brake cleaner when bog standard automotive stuff will do the job.
    Pretty sure IPA is cheaper.
    I've used some motorcycle disc brake cleaner in the past, which turned my mountain bike brake pads to mush.
    My photos
  • allthegearnoidea
    allthegearnoidea Posts: 4,077
    yup, IPA and thats all, if contaminated, rub down with wet and dry, ipa wipe down and spot on.
    Timmo.
    After all, I am Cornish!
    http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
    Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends!:wink: Yes, I Am a bike tart!
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#16297481
  • smack148
    smack148 Posts: 37
    IPA - I thought you meant Indian Pale Ale?! Why would you waste good beer. Glad it's something out the science lab. Where do I get it then as seemingly I shouldn't use meths - which admittedly does make the shed smell a bit.
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Indian pale ale, hahahahaha...


    Hi-laireouese.
    My photos
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    smack148 wrote:
    IPA - I thought you meant Indian Pale Ale?! Why would you waste good beer. Glad it's something out the science lab. Where do I get it then as seemingly I shouldn't use meths - which admittedly does make the shed smell a bit.

    Ebay.
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • allthegearnoidea
    allthegearnoidea Posts: 4,077
    Or a quick google for it locally, I get mine for under a fiver a litre from a local fibreglass supplies place,
    Timmo.
    After all, I am Cornish!
    http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
    Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends!:wink: Yes, I Am a bike tart!
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#16297481

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