Cleaning disc brakes/bike
06-18-21, 01:10 PM
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Cleaning disc brakes/bike
Ok, so I've watched the videos on cleaning, adjusting disc brakes.
Here is the issue: when I clean/degrease my bikes I use kinda the top/down method with degreaser (simple green), water and brush/rag. Gently hose from top to bottom. Repeat if necessary. This includes the rotors and breaks.
Question: Am I messing up my disc breaks? I did just replace pads for the first time in 10 years, so I can't imagine I was screwing up too much.
But now that I watched the videos and replaced the pads careful to not contaminate the pads I am wondering if there is a better way to provide a bike bath.
Thanks
Here is the issue: when I clean/degrease my bikes I use kinda the top/down method with degreaser (simple green), water and brush/rag. Gently hose from top to bottom. Repeat if necessary. This includes the rotors and breaks.
Question: Am I messing up my disc breaks? I did just replace pads for the first time in 10 years, so I can't imagine I was screwing up too much.
But now that I watched the videos and replaced the pads careful to not contaminate the pads I am wondering if there is a better way to provide a bike bath.
Thanks
06-19-21, 02:38 AM
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Naw, I've read you aren't supposed to get soap, de-greaser ect on the rotors or pads but I wash mine normally like a rim brake bike and they're fine.
06-19-21, 03:30 AM
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I do not do it all the time, but if I am doing a deep clean/lube, I like to take the wheels and the chain off of the bike to clean/lube separately. It really cuts down the chances of contaminating the pads, rotors and rims of the bike. I think it also makes it easier to get to the more difficult areas to clean. IME, the soapy water and rinsing does not affect the pads.
06-19-21, 07:42 PM
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Thanks for the replies.
As I mentioned, used to just use degreaser on entire bike, rinse off well, and good to go.
I watched several more videos...I'll check the rotors as well, as far as being warped.
Is there a way to adjust the amount of space between pads? Kinda like on a rim brake?
Thanks
As I mentioned, used to just use degreaser on entire bike, rinse off well, and good to go.
I watched several more videos...I'll check the rotors as well, as far as being warped.
Is there a way to adjust the amount of space between pads? Kinda like on a rim brake?
Thanks
06-19-21, 08:10 PM
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I have used degreaser and soap on my discs no problem as long as you rinse well. it my take a little bit of bedding in after they are dry but not a lot.
06-19-21, 08:30 PM
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Thanks for the replies.
As I mentioned, used to just use degreaser on entire bike, rinse off well, and good to go.
I watched several more videos...I'll check the rotors as well, as far as being warped.
Is there a way to adjust the amount of space between pads? Kinda like on a rim brake?
Thanks
As I mentioned, used to just use degreaser on entire bike, rinse off well, and good to go.
I watched several more videos...I'll check the rotors as well, as far as being warped.
Is there a way to adjust the amount of space between pads? Kinda like on a rim brake?
Thanks
As far as cleaning, I do nothing special as far as avoiding soap getting on the pads and have never had a problem.
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Last edited by Chuck M; 06-20-21 at 08:18 PM.
06-19-21, 09:49 PM
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Mild soap is fine. Contamination risks are mostly from oils. What you're doing is fine.
06-19-21, 10:53 PM
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The only thing that touches my rotors is rubbing alcohol, but if degreasers work for you, carry on.
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