Log in

View Full Version : Brake Cleaner and part degreaser



flashman1207
2nd July 2016, 08:09 PM
I was going to buy some brake cleaner as I am doing a full swivel hub and bearing rebuild and may as well put new seals in the brakes etc. Now what exactly is 'brake cleaner'? Is it just a degreaser by another name? I'm asking as I have a 5l of CT18 Truckwash. Can this be used a brake cleaner and indeed for parts washing for bearings etc as I dont want to buy 'brake cleaner' and 'parts washer' unless I really have to.......

THoughts?

Thx
Tony

drz400y
2nd July 2016, 08:12 PM
Brake cleaner is a degreaser but it dries radiply leaving no residue. Normal degreasers will leave a film, obviously no good on brakes or a lot of other jobs. Not sure that ct18 will be strong enough to get it clean. I find the cheap aerosol degreaser from super cheap works very well, better than a lot of other more expensive products.

flashman1207
2nd July 2016, 08:15 PM
I've got several cans of that but am basically going to have a tub to put the parts in so need quite a lot. I saw they had 'parts washer' in Supershit but again is it just normal degreaser with a MUCH higher price tag.....

drz400y
2nd July 2016, 08:21 PM
If you need to bath the parts, diesel is the go. Cheap as compared to degreasers, needs a bit more elbow grease but its not $15 for 4 litres either.

MudRunnerTD
2nd July 2016, 08:24 PM
The great thing about aerosol cans of degreaser is you can spray into the mess like a parts washer. I use a combination of canned degreaser and a parts washer.

Brake cleaner is more aggressive I think, I don't use it a lot but when I do I glove up and ventilate. Carbi cleaner is worst again.

flashman1207
3rd July 2016, 01:05 AM
Thanks guys, is petrol effective as well?

nissannewby
3rd July 2016, 08:43 PM
Thanks guys, is petrol effective as well?

Yes. I use petrol a fair bit. Its cheap. Clean all the heavy stuff off in the petrol then final clean with break cleaner or a shellite.

flashman1207
4th July 2016, 01:38 AM
thanks guys