Brake parts cleaner
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
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From: Nova Scotia
Simple green can be diluted. I have used it on just about everything under the sun. I have used brake cleaner on my motor but hosed it off immediately. Be very very careful with any engine degreaser on any alloy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,145
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From: Ontario East
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
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From: 3rd Rock
I didn't say I don't use it.
I was just mentioning that I've heard somewhere that there's an organization (I want to say US Army, but I have no idea if that's really correct ) that doesn't use it on aluminum. Maybe it was a helicopter application- I really can't remember.
If I ever get a helicopter, I'll check into it in more detail.
I was just mentioning that I've heard somewhere that there's an organization (I want to say US Army, but I have no idea if that's really correct ) that doesn't use it on aluminum. Maybe it was a helicopter application- I really can't remember.
If I ever get a helicopter, I'll check into it in more detail.
During "Gulf I" we discoverd severe corrosion issues with aircraft that had Simple Green used on them.
The outcome was, Simple Green or any other cleaner with s Citrus base was forbidden to be used. PERIOD!
It is especially harmful to alum. alloy materials, and electrical.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I haven't asked a dumb question for a while so here goes:
Will spray-on brake parts cleaner be OK to clean the cast wheels on by Low Rider or will it cause damage to the finish? (The rear rim is grimy and dirty)
I have non-detachable saddlebags so I'm looking for the easiest way.
Thanks,
Sammi
Will spray-on brake parts cleaner be OK to clean the cast wheels on by Low Rider or will it cause damage to the finish? (The rear rim is grimy and dirty)
I have non-detachable saddlebags so I'm looking for the easiest way.
Thanks,
Sammi
Plain old soap and water works best. A spoke brush or a brush that will reach the tight spots will help immensely.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I wouldn't use brake cleaner unless everything else didn't work. There are gentler cleaners that work just as well that might not react with anything else. I worry about overspray more than hurting the wheel finish. Anything I clean my wheels with will get rinsed off with water anyway then polished. Stay away from the bearing with pressure and anything that might degrade them. Lots of people don't realize that seals keep out grit and liquids till enough force is applied. OP, to answer your question. I use brake clean but only to clean brake parts. Even on my motorcycles but I remove the caliper to keep overspray to other parts at a minimum.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,820
Likes: 6,614
From: Northern California
Thanks.
I'm kinda surprised. I don't usually remember stuff right.
I'm kinda surprised. I don't usually remember stuff right.
This is a "True Statment"....I've worked as a "Contractor" Army helicopter mechanic for about 20 years now, and before that, Army Aviation for the same.
During "Gulf I" we discoverd severe corrosion issues with aircraft that had Simple Green used on them.
The outcome was, Simple Green or any other cleaner with s Citrus base was forbidden to be used. PERIOD!
It is especially harmful to alum. alloy materials, and electrical.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
During "Gulf I" we discoverd severe corrosion issues with aircraft that had Simple Green used on them.
The outcome was, Simple Green or any other cleaner with s Citrus base was forbidden to be used. PERIOD!
It is especially harmful to alum. alloy materials, and electrical.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
Wouldn't bother me to use brake cleaner, but I regularly clean parts with carb cleaner or lacquer thinner, so that's probably not the way everybody would choose to go.
I did find out last week that if you peel the old year sticker off your license plate, then pur some lacquer thinner on a rag to take off the sticky stuff, the paint on numbers will just wipe right off.
I did find out last week that if you peel the old year sticker off your license plate, then pur some lacquer thinner on a rag to take off the sticky stuff, the paint on numbers will just wipe right off.
Last edited by brenn; Oct 8, 2012 at 04:33 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
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Wouldn't both me to use brake cleaner, but I regularly clean parts with carb cleaner or lacquer thinner, so that's probably not the way everybody would choose to go.
I did find out last week that if you peel the old year sticker off your license plate, then pur some lacquer thinner on a rag to take off the sticky stuff, the paint on numbers will just wipe right off.
I did find out last week that if you peel the old year sticker off your license plate, then pur some lacquer thinner on a rag to take off the sticky stuff, the paint on numbers will just wipe right off.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
You can always go with the "Raw Look".....
While I had my tire/wheel Assys. off, I stripped off the coating with some aviation grade stripper (safe for use on Alum. alloys), and went after the wheels with a stainless steel wire brush.
It rendered a nice brushed look to rhe smooth surfaces, and cleaned the rough surfaces very well. After-words, I use a SS brush with a little Soft scrub, then touch-up the smooth surfaces with some Never-dull.
Works for me.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
While I had my tire/wheel Assys. off, I stripped off the coating with some aviation grade stripper (safe for use on Alum. alloys), and went after the wheels with a stainless steel wire brush.
It rendered a nice brushed look to rhe smooth surfaces, and cleaned the rough surfaces very well. After-words, I use a SS brush with a little Soft scrub, then touch-up the smooth surfaces with some Never-dull.
Works for me.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)