Brake Cleaning Fluid

[JimLor]

Now that I've taken the wheels off for the new tires, I'm going to go ahead and clean the brakes. Noticed that the manual says not to get the cleaning fluid inside the calipers. My question is, then what do you use the brake cleaning fluid on and what shouldn't you use it on?

I figured to take the calipers apart and clean everything with the fluid.

Appreciate any experience/advice.

Jim

 

[evil_henchman]

Brakleen will damage most rubber, some more than others.

 

[radman]

Brakleen will damage most rubber, some more than others.

I disagree. One of the great things about brake cleaner is that it doesn't affect rubber-hence the name. I have used brake cleaner to clean just about 99% of vehicle components without any effect other than ending up with a clean part. It will not affect any rubber brake components that I have ever experienced. Use clean brake fluid for re-assembly, and you're good to go. I also have used it as a paint prep on chassis and underhood components, when nothing else was available, for fork flushing, electrical cleaning in lieu of contact cleaner. It is truly damn near the mechanics best friend.

 

[evil_henchman]

I guess I stand corrected...Damn...trumped by a naked old guy. How embarassing..

 

[radman]

I guess I stand corrected...Damn...trumped by a naked old guy. How embarassing..

Well, I should amend my respose-not all brake cleaners are alike, and some reccomend protecting rubber components, while others don't. Some BC's seem to be laquer thinner in a spray can. I stick with known products, like 3M 8880 and the like-with these I have not had a problem. Usually, the best bet is when disassembling say, a caliper or master, the seals be replaced with new-the safest and most reliable method. Whenever rubber parts are pulled and reused-you're not only removing used parts, and possibly damaging them in the process, but also risk it on reassembly. So, consider this my caveat........