Si whitby Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Hi guys I've been running my disc for about 2 months now so it's time for a deep clean. What is the best way to go about this without my brake losing it's bite? Pads still have life in them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam T Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If there's nothing wrong with it, leave it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Dunstan Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If it aint' broke, don't fix it. If it's still running fine, then just leave it. Unless you know you contaminated them, they should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.M Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I would say don't use brake cleaner! It made mine worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Dunstan Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I would say don't use brake cleaner! It made mine worse. Try metholated spirit. Worked wonders when mine went cack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si whitby Posted July 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Cheers lads I will just leave it until it's time for some new pads! Thanks for the replys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dann2707 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If it's not broken. Fix it till it is! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetec S Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If pads are contaminated you can boil the kettle, then put the pads into a mug for 10 mins etc, then you can see if any soultions etc floating on the surface. but if they're working fine just leavce em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwizera Simon Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If you have to clean them then. clean the pads with alcohol wipes and then you could heat them up with a blowtorch. that will get out any oil etc. clean the rotors with soapy water and then when dry and back on the bike give them a wipe down with alcohol wipes. you should wipe them with alcohol wipes each time you touch the rotor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si whitby Posted July 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 If you have to clean them then. clean the pads with alcohol wipes and then you could heat them up with a blowtorch. that will get out any oil etc. clean the rotors with soapy water and then when dry and back on the bike give them a wipe down with alcohol wipes. you should wipe them with alcohol wipes each time you touch the rotor Cheers mate sounds like a plan!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwizera Simon Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I used the gas hob on the cooker and a set of pliers last time. Let them heat up until the smoke cleared. Didn't take long. don't hold them to close to the flame or the glue will melt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weebryan Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 (edited) I normally take pads out and lay the sand paper flat and a few rub the pads a few times next sand the rotor and get rid of the shinny glaze so it dull gray, bulid it all up, cycle and drag brake and then wash with water do this sevral times and it will rebed pads and disks cheap and easy works really well i do this with all my bikes, hard tail , xc full sus same idea with hs33 fresh rim grind, pads a light sand, wash after ride its all about keeping everything clean, pads and rotor get glazed with brake dust and dirt and loose bite PS no chemicals can do more harm than good Edited July 3, 2011 by weebryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwizera Simon Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I normally take pads out and lay the sand paper flat and a few rub the pads a few times next sand the rotor and get rid of the shinny glaze so it dull gray, bulid it all up, cycle and drag brake and then wash with water do this sevral times and it will rebed pads and disks cheap and easy works really well i do this with all my bikes, hard tail , xc full sus same idea with hs33 fresh rim grind, pads a light sand, wash after ride its all about keeping everything clean, pads and rotor get glazed with brake dust and dirt and loose bite PS no chemicals can do more harm than good There is disc brake cleaner that is fine. I would never sand the pads or the rotors. That is crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tioz Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 I usually just use meths (pink alcohol) to clean everything You can also put fire to the disk pads in half a can of coke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.KYDD Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 The absolute best way to clean a rotor properly is to spray disc cleaner on it and immediatly set fire to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksnell95 Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 The absolute best way to clean a rotor properly is to spray disc cleaner on it and immediatly set fire to it. that sounds fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali C Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 there is no way I would put disk brake cleaner anywhere near my brake! Clean water every time!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trialin Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 Acetone mate, acetone! Just beware of your paintings on fork and frame that the solvent could melt them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24martin Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 there is no way I would put disk brake cleaner anywhere near my brake! Clean water every time!. whats wrong with brake cleaner?? i use it every day on motorcycle brakes to great effect.. pushbike brakes use relatviely similar materials for the same components that brake cleaner is designed for? im not having a go or anything im just very curious as all the top riders like you say never use brake cleaner, use water! and im having a lot of trouble getting a consistant feeling brake, so im wandering if brake cleaner is contributing towards that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali C Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 I think disc cleaner is ok for motor use because they get up to speeds and heats hot enough to burn though any film left by the cleaner. I am pretty sure most cleaners either have some sort of rust inhibitor or simply move all the gunk from around the brake onto the pads making them shit. Clean water gets rid of almost everything, it impossible to get a brake back working to 100% once it's contaminated no matter what tricks you use, but water works as well as anything else if not better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Nichols Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 Disc brake cleaner is awesome on rims though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.KYDD Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 I think disc cleaner is ok for motor use because they get up to speeds and heats hot enough to burn though any film left by the cleaner Thats why i flame it I dont allow the cleaner to dry off at all, while its all still wet set a light to it. Because its a liquid/aerosol burn, its burns hot and fast (only flames for maybe 3 seconds) It burns off any contaminants instantly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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