PDA

View Full Version : Disc Rotor Cleaning Question

bike>>rider
08-12-2006, 11:49 AM
Anybody use motorcycle disc brake cleaner or auto brake part cleaner to clean mtb discs? If so, which kind? Is it necessary? Thanks!
nigel
08-12-2006, 11:50 AM
Brakeclean from my local suto store is what ive been using for years.
TrailSquirell
08-12-2006, 06:01 PM
just use a cleaner that doesn't leave anything behind, that wipes away clean with no residue, and you'll be good to go! i use regular auto brake cleaner myself, and when my bads get bad i whip out the old propane torch and heat em up! works good... just don't over burn your bads
mtnbykr
08-12-2006, 06:13 PM
Anybody use motorcycle disc brake cleaner or auto brake part cleaner to clean mtb discs? If so, which kind? Is it necessary? Thanks!

what did you get on your pads??
bike>>rider
08-12-2006, 07:16 PM
what did you get on your pads??

Just normal dirt & trail residue causing squealing.

Thanks for all the tips!
jjrsds
08-13-2006, 03:11 AM
Clean the rotors with rubbing alcohol. Works great, recommended by most disc brake companies, cheap, and doesn't leave any residue. Automotive type cleaners and solvents are usually to strong for bicycle applications.
mtnbykr
08-13-2006, 07:12 AM
Just normal dirt & trail residue causing squealing.!

use plain ole soap and water when you wash your bike.
soupboy
08-13-2006, 01:13 PM
Throw some silty mud on callipers and rotors and ride. The fine grit will scour pads and rotors clean. Dead serious. Both Speedgoat tech and Hope USA told me to do this several years ago. Works like a charm and costs nothing (not even accelerated pad wear).

Dirt doesn't cause squeeling, it's usually the pads or rotors getting fouled by something greasy. Chain lube, brake fluid, grimy paws, gnome entrails, etc.
SpecHR55
08-13-2006, 01:53 PM
Throw some silty mud on callipers and rotors and ride. The fine grit will scour pads and rotors clean. Dead serious. Both Speedgoat tech and Hope USA told me to do this several years ago. Works like a charm and costs nothing (not even accelerated pad wear).

Dirt doesn't cause squeeling, it's usually the pads or rotors getting fouled by something greasy. Chain lube, brake fluid, grimy paws, gnome entrails, etc.

Silty mud? hmm i should try that my discs have been PMSy lately.
mtnbykr
08-13-2006, 04:15 PM
Dirt doesn't cause squeeling....

mine sure make bad noize when it's hot, dry and dusty but not when it's damp and tacky. maybe it's a better grade of dirt up here...
MTB4LIFE99
08-13-2006, 04:46 PM
Rubbing alchohol works the best for cleaning rims and for disc brake rotors...but also spending that extra bit for actual disc rotor cleaners works the best, u can get that at any auto store.
i like the idea of the silty mud, i would also try that.
soupboy
08-13-2006, 09:58 PM
True, Duloot has superior dirt...no pun intended.

I can see that it might be endemic to dry weather that dampness is not getting enough dirt thrown onto the brakes. Maybe damp conditions sort of act like nature's built in brake cleaner.

mine sure make bad noize when it's hot, dry and dusty but not when it's damp and tacky. maybe it's a better grade of dirt up here...