Alternatives/substitutes for brake cleaner?

thestaggy

thestaggy

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I will be replacing my brake discs/rotors this weekend and they advise to clean the new ones before installation.

I have been unable to source brake cleaner from any of my local shops, last bet will be Builder's Warehouse. If I am unable to find brake cleaner, are there any alternatives? Would carb cleaner work?
 
thestaggy said:
I will be replacing my brake discs/rotors this weekend and they advise to clean the new ones before installation.

I have been unable to source brake cleaner from any of my local shops, last bet will be Builder's Warehouse. If I am unable to find brake cleaner, are there any alternatives? Would carb cleaner work?
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Go to Checkers, PnP or Game. Brake cleaner or carburettor cleaner, it's the same thing. Or if you have cleaning alcohol it will also work fine.
 
thechamp said:
Go to Checkers, PnP or Game. Brake cleaner or carburettor cleaner, it's the same thing. Or if you have cleaning alcohol it will also work fine.
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Thanks.

I didn't even think to try the Checkers or PnP near me, only ever noticed car shampoo etc, but I'll give them a look this afternoon.
 
Or just install them as is and drive around the block and brake a few times. It is just to get the oils off that they put on the rotors to stop them rusting on the shelf.

Just like you would treat new tyres.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
Or just install them as is and drive around the block and brake a few times. It is just to get the oils off that they put on the rotors to stop them rusting on the shelf.

Just like you would treat new tyres.
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Why would anyone think this is a good idea? The cleaning stuff is cheap, basically any type of solvent can do the job, there is absolutely no reason why he should do that.
 
I have changed many brakes, never had to use "cleaner".

Edit: Carb cleaner falls into the same bracket as "Anti-smoke" and "fuel-saving" additives, like "upper cylinder" lubricants and funny magnets that people attach to their fuel hoses. Complete waste of money. If your carb needs cleaning, then strip and clean it like a man.
 
RonSwanson said:
I have changed many brakes, never had to use "cleaner".

Edit: Carb cleaner falls into the same bracket as "Anti-smoke" and "fuel-saving" additives, like "upper cylinder" lubricants and funny magnets that people attach to their fuel hoses. Complete waste of money. If your carb needs cleaning, then strip and clean it like a man.
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He is not just changing brakes, he is changing discs, and they are oiled for storage, I guess it's not a big deal if you don't mind a little bit of oil in your braking surfaces.
 
The few microns of oil on a brake disc will soon burn off, and that that isn't, will be absorbed by the disc. Part of the curing process.
 
RonSwanson said:
The few microns of oil on a brake disc will soon burn off, and that that isn't, will be absorbed by the disc. Part of the curing process.
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+1 --- I change rotors every time I change pads and have never used any cleaner .... once around the block while riding the brake a little and it's sorted ... mechanics have been doing it like that for donkey years :p
 
RonSwanson said:
I have changed many brakes, never had to use "cleaner".

Edit: Carb cleaner falls into the same bracket as "Anti-smoke" and "fuel-saving" additives, like "upper cylinder" lubricants and funny magnets that people attach to their fuel hoses. Complete waste of money. If your carb needs cleaning, then strip and clean it like a man.
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I think the cleaner is for Americans only
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RonSwanson said:
I have changed many brakes, never had to use "cleaner".

Edit: Carb cleaner falls into the same bracket as "Anti-smoke" and "fuel-saving" additives, like "upper cylinder" lubricants and funny magnets that people attach to their fuel hoses. Complete waste of money. If your carb needs cleaning, then strip and clean it like a man.
Click to expand...
Huh?
Carb cleaner is for cleaning carburettors, when you strip a carb you use it to get off deposits and gum build up, I don't know what you are confusing it with.
 
Op any degreaser will work, even hot water and dish washing liquid with a cloth will do the job. Any solvent is also good, acetone, paint thinners.
 
COMPUTEK said:
.... once around the block while riding the brake a little and it's sorted ...
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Like I said, treat new brakes just like new tyres. They need to be broken in over the first few kilometres to remove oils. A drive around the block with some hard braking not only removes the oils, but you get to test if the job was done correctly. That is why mechanics have been using this system for years
 
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