How do I clean brake calipers?

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mmchutchon · #1 Post by **mmchutchon** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:16 pm

Want to do a proper job on them, well overdue. 'Brake cleaner' aerosols do very little as far as I can tell, brakes still look caked in dust after use.

Any ideas?

BikerGran · #2 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:43 pm

There are several articles and videos if you google 'clean motorcycle brake caliper' you may find one for your specific bike if you add the make.

Falco9 · #3 Post by **Falco9** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:53 pm

I used Wonder Wheels alloy wheel cleaner and a toothbrush. They came up like new. Its a mild acid so be careful where you use it and remember to rinse it off once you've used it but combined with an old electric toothbrush the results were fantastic. The calipers came up like new

F9

#4 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:56 pm

Same idea as Falco9, but a different product. I use P21S wheel cleaner and a (manual!) toothbrush to clean calipers, washed off with soapy water, then clean water.

According to the blurb P21S is not acid-based so is kinder to the lacquer on wheels and probably also to brake calipers. Shifts the brake dust a treat, though.

Nooj · #5 Post by **Nooj** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:16 pm

Leave them to soak in a bucket of caustic soda over the weekend.