Cleaning brake discs

[WhiteBeard]

How is it done?

My brake discs are all greasy and gooky, what should I use to clean them? I have some brake cleaner spray, would that do the trick on the discs as well?

Thanks a bunch,
Nat

[tmkaos]

If the can says 'brake cleaner' then I think you are in luck.  Generally speaking, if it cleans grease and fluid off of one part of the component, it'l work on the others.
Just don't get it in your eyes. 

[hein]

       If you discs are "greasy and goopy" you might want to consider finding the source of the oil or grease before you do anything else. If its the front discs check for leaking fork seals, If its the rear check for oil leaks from the engine.
       Don't forget that your brake pads will also be contaminated. Brake Clean or contact cleaner will clean your discs but depending on the level of contamination you might want to spring for some new pads.
       Fix the cause before fixing the problem.   Hein.   

[JCainFJ]

 Fix the oil leak first. I always glass bead my discs when I change brake pads, or have an oil leak like yours.  The pads can be saved with glass beading too.  Remove the bad muck with a strong cleaner like simple green, then spray with brake, cleaner, then glass bead, then a final spray with brake cleaner to remove any bead dust. If the discs are still in spec and the pads are good, bolt things up and ride.

Good Luck,
Jon

[Pat Conlon]

...and for those who do not have access to glass beading....if you're changing pad compounds...a scotch bright pad on a random orbital sander will scrub off the old transfer layer.

[FJ1100mjk]

Have used one of these on a number of rotors, and it works great. Just make sure to mask off areas (painted) that you don't want scuffed up.



Leaves a nice swirl pattern perpendicular to the rotors' rotation.

[weymouth399]

Have used one of these on a number of rotors, and it works great. Just make sure to mask off areas (painted) that you don't want scuffed up.



Leaves a nice swirl pattern perpendicular to the rotors' rotation.

I use those on my race cars discs, between getting the discs turned. They work well on a solid disc, I would question how well they work on ventilated discs. I would use duct tape for the area you don't want scuffed up, a little stronger.

Bob W

[FJ1100mjk]

Bob:

I orginally bought the tool to resurface the rotors on my Kawasaki that has drilled (ventilated) rotors. It all went well if you don't bear down too hard on the rotor with the tool. Just work slowly at it.

Marty

[weymouth399]

Bob:

I originally bought the tool to resurface the rotors on my Kawasaki that has drilled (ventilated) rotors. It all went well if you don't bear down too hard on the rotor with the tool. Just work slowly at it.

Marty

Thanks Marty

I would think the size of the holes would determine how much force to use. But the tool does work very well, and very affordable to boot.

Bob W