Cleaning disc brakes

Frank the tank
Frank the tank Posts: 6,553
edited December 2013 in Workshop
I'm inclined to use methelated spirit as a cheap alternative to the proprietory stuff. Good idea or not so. Any recommendations anyone?
Tail end Charlie

The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.

Comments

  • Barrie_g63
    Barrie_g63 Posts: 46
    get a can of brake and clutch cleaner from a motor factors, just spray it on, about £3 a can
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    or a bottle of Isopropyl alcohol (IPA). See ebay.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,312
    You mean cleaning the rotors?

    How do you clean a chunk of stainless steel? Anything will do.. .window cleaner, spit, water and soap, you name it

    Don't put grease or oil on the pads and that's pretty much all you need to know on the subject
    left the forum March 2023
  • Frank the tank
    Frank the tank Posts: 6,553
    Thanks for the feedback fellas.
    Tail end Charlie

    The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.
  • pippi_langsamer-2
    pippi_langsamer-2 Posts: 1,470
    Second the IPA suggestion. Get some ordered off eBay. It's what most bike workshops will recommend and/ or use. It's the most effective, it's the purest and it's the cheapest.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    You mean cleaning the rotors?

    How do you clean a chunk of stainless steel? Anything will do.. .window cleaner, spit, water and soap, you name it

    Don't put grease or oil on the pads and that's pretty much all you need to know on the subject

    That's the main thing don't contaminate the pads. The actual rotors are almost self cleaning in most riding conditions.
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    IPA as well, cheap and won't harm anything. If you have any type of gunk on the rotor you can use most degreasers to get it off and then wipe with IPA to remove any residue. Some degreasers leave a film which contaminates the pad and reduces braking. The contamination is not fatal but usually takes a while to rub off during braking or may need sanding the pad surface.

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