Guest 683 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I am trying to clean the front brake brake caliper mounts, they are aluminum or magnesium.. I cant tell if they have a coating on them, it doesnt seem so. They have black on them that I have tried degreaser, never dull, white viniger, steel wool .. nothing seems to touch this stuff. I am sure a bead blaster will but that is a few months down the road if at all this year. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer whiteboyslo Posted February 21, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 21, 2011 On the SSSA, I use the same spray that I use when I clean the chain. This stuff: http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=TUC_98-0075_G No other cleaner came close to getting some of that crud off, but this stuff blasted it away with no elbow grease required. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEBSPEED Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 That piece is aluminum, and the black stuff is brake dust. A glass bead blaster would clean it in a jiff - but if that's not an option, then you might try gasoline and a stainless wire brush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 brake cleaner seems to work on most goo on metal for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btl68 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 A aerosol can of brake cleaner will clean brake dust. That's what it was invented for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEBSPEED Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 A aerosol can of brake cleaner will clean brake dust. That's what it was invented for. I invite you to try both. I guarantee you, that with old caked on dust, you'll have better luck removing the dust with a petroleum based product vs mineral spirits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer mello dude Posted February 21, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 21, 2011 I know its frustrating to find just the right stuff for a paticular job, I have several type of clean it stuff on the shelf myself. For your job I would try this - S100 tarnish remover + the polishing soap http://www.s100.com/s100_fr.htm I have found it to be a great crud remover on aluminum -- most times. >>> Of course the "F - it" fall back is to grab some 1100 grit finish paper and go to town, even through its a lot more work. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted February 21, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 21, 2011 Be sure to use a brush that is softer than the work piece so it doesn't scratch. I have a brass brush and some stiff nylon brushes for this type of thing. On some nylon brushes I have cut the bristles to about 1/2 length to make them more aggressive on difficult situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btl68 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 A aerosol can of brake cleaner will clean brake dust. That's what it was invented for. I invite you to try both. I guarantee you, that with old caked on dust, you'll have better luck removing the dust with a petroleum based product vs mineral spirits. I already have, and I find brake cleaner has worked pretty well combined with an old tooth brush for over 3 decades. But, not all brake cleaners are equal.Personally, I only buy the Auto Zone brand stuff, as Chemtool and others never work as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 i'll try some gas and a brush first.. Cheaper. Thanks for all the ideas... There are more friggingh cleaners out there claining to work and a lot of them dont... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gll429 Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 I invite you to try both. I guarantee you, that with old caked on dust, you'll have better luck removing the dust with a petroleum based product vs mineral spirits. mineral spirits are petroleum based :fing02: saw it on the discovery channel . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dutchinterceptor Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 On the SSSA, I use the same spray that I use when I clean the chain. This stuff: http://www.cyclegear...m=TUC_98-0075_G No other cleaner came close to getting some of that crud off, but this stuff blasted it away with no elbow grease required. Mike I just tried a can of that last night and it really works. It cleans better than brake cleaner or carb/choke cleaner and doesn't have a harsh odor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 Like your part the gold calipers on my RC30 was caked with black brake dust... I got it clean again with a 3M gray mirco fine pad and a trimmed acid brush with the help of mineral spirits... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Like your part the gold calipers on my RC30 was caked with black brake dust... I got it clean again with a 3M gray mirco fine pad and a trimmed acid brush with the help of mineral spirits... Nice...that is the clean I am looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEBSPEED Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 A aerosol can of brake cleaner will clean brake dust. That's what it was invented for. I invite you to try both. I guarantee you, that with old caked on dust, you'll have better luck removing the dust with a petroleum based product vs mineral spirits. I already have, and I find brake cleaner has worked pretty well combined with an old tooth brush for over 3 decades. But, not all brake cleaners are equal.Personally, I only buy the Auto Zone brand stuff, as Chemtool and others never work as well. Doesn't matter what brand it is, it all flashes off too quickly. They're all fine for general cleaning and maintenance, but since we're talking about crud that hasn't been cleaned in 20 years, you need to get a little tougher. On the dozens of brake related parts I've restored, brake cleaner (even with a brush) has never brought a part completely clean on its own. Maybe our individual definitions of "clean" don't equate?? My standard is "looks like new"... :comp13: Some brands work better than others, because some are chlorinated & some aren't. The chlorinated stuff is more aggressive(good luck finding it, btw). Read the can before you buy... Most of these brake cleaners are a mix of half a dozen or more solvents - including pet based and alcohol. Gasoline is more aggressive than kerosene, and doens dry off in seconds after you shoot it so you actually have time to scrub the damn thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer y2kvfr Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 Maybe our individual definitions of "clean" don't equate?? My standard is "looks like new"... :comp13: I can attest to Seb's 'clean' ideal. He had me polish my nuts (sprocket nuts) last year when we did my sprocket and chain swap. I just cleaned my rear caliper (11 years of crud) with a stiff nylon brush and various stages of WD40, kerosene and brake cleaner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FinVFR Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 How about the alloy wheel cleaners? I don't know if they work on old dust but with alloy wheels even very black from brake dust, it works without rubbing. Just spray, wait for 15 mins and spray with water. You can help the affect with a brush while it does not dry too fast to affect the dust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btl68 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 A aerosol can of brake cleaner will clean brake dust. That's what it was invented for. I invite you to try both. I guarantee you, that with old caked on dust, you'll have better luck removing the dust with a petroleum based product vs mineral spirits. I already have, and I find brake cleaner has worked pretty well combined with an old tooth brush for over 3 decades. But, not all brake cleaners are equal.Personally, I only buy the Auto Zone brand stuff, as Chemtool and others never work as well. Doesn't matter what brand it is, it all flashes off too quickly. They're all fine for general cleaning and maintenance, but since we're talking about crud that hasn't been cleaned in 20 years, you need to get a little tougher. On the dozens of brake related parts I've restored, brake cleaner (even with a brush) has never brought a part completely clean on its own. Maybe our individual definitions of "clean" don't equate?? My standard is "looks like new"... :comp13: Some brands work better than others, because some are chlorinated & some aren't. The chlorinated stuff is more aggressive(good luck finding it, btw). Read the can before you buy... Most of these brake cleaners are a mix of half a dozen or more solvents - including pet based and alcohol. Gasoline is more aggressive than kerosene, and doens dry off in seconds after you shoot it so you actually have time to scrub the damn thing! WTF?You just like to argue and think that you are the only one that is right all the time? I don't know what your problem is with my suggestion about using a product that is designed for the application. You jump all over me and my suggestion like I am wrong and you have the ONLY answer. THEN, you go and INSULT me by suggesting I don't keep my motorcycles and cars as clean as you do, like YOU are THE authority on clean! There are a few members here that can attest to just how clean my bikes and cars are. You are not the only talented one here on this board, I can assure you. I made a suggestion of using a product DESIGNED for cleaning what the OP wanted to clean. You could have made a similar suggestion and not quoted me or put me down, and all would have been cool. But no, you seem to want to hound me and my suggestion, trying to cut me down. Whatever your problem is, enough already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 For really stubborn crud, I have found that oven cleaner works very well. Downside, it will discolor the metal if you leave it on too long. I use a stiff toothbrush, spray the oven cleaner on the brush and scrub briefly, rinse with water. It takes some time, but works when nothing else will. Finish up by scrubbing thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEBSPEED Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 WTF? You just like to argue and think that you are the only one that is right all the time? I don't know what your problem is with my suggestion about using a product that is designed for the application. You jump all over me and my suggestion like I am wrong and you have the ONLY answer. THEN, you go and INSULT me by suggesting I don't keep my motorcycles and cars as clean as you do, like YOU are THE authority on clean! There are a few members here that can attest to just how clean my bikes and cars are. You are not the only talented one here on this board, I can assure you. I made a suggestion of using a product DESIGNED for cleaning what the OP wanted to clean. You could have made a similar suggestion and not quoted me or put me down, and all would have been cool. But no, you seem to want to hound me and my suggestion, trying to cut me down. Whatever your problem is, enough already. Care to take this offline via PM? I think you've got quite the overreaction going on. Was not looking to insult you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MadScientist Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 I usually have good luck with S100 on just about anything. If that doesn't do the trick, I reach for some sea-foam. I've not tried this, but it isn't terribly expensive or risky. Might be worth a shot on brake/road crud too: Pine Sol degreaser thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dutchinterceptor Posted February 22, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22, 2011 What about a poor man's bead blaster.... DIY Soda Blaster. Although I've never tried it, a friend of mine claims that it works great for carbs. Might not be strong enough for caked on brake dust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 What about a poor man's bead blaster.... DIY Soda Blaster. Although I've never tried it, a friend of mine claims that it works great for carbs. Might not be strong enough for caked on brake dust. Man that is the shit dude.. great, I want to try that. http://www.garagenight.tv/diy-soda-blasting-build-your-own-rig-cheap/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Maybe our individual definitions of "clean" don't equate?? My standard is "looks like new"... :comp13: I can attest to Seb's 'clean' ideal. He had me polish my nuts (sprocket nuts) last year when we did my sprocket and chain swap. I just cleaned my rear caliper (11 years of crud) with a stiff nylon brush and various stages of WD40, kerosene and brake cleaner. I actually spent a lot of time when I was younger polishing my nuts...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Maybe our individual definitions of "clean" don't equate?? My standard is "looks like new"... :comp13: I can attest to Seb's 'clean' ideal. He had me polish my nuts (sprocket nuts) last year when we did my sprocket and chain swap. I just cleaned my rear caliper (11 years of crud) with a stiff nylon brush and various stages of WD40, kerosene and brake cleaner. I actually spent a lot of time when I was younger polishing my nuts...... :laughing6-hehe: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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