brake dust cleaner

[CruisingDog]

Not sure where this thread should be posted.

My ST1300 has some major caked on brake dust. I used some WD40 but it was pretty difficult to remove. After getting a wire brush (yikes) it shifted. I then used soapy water to clean off the residue.

Is there a better spray or brakedust buster agent that any of you guys can recommend. I’ve got the wheels mostly clean but would like to finish them off properly.
Thx.

 

[Kevcules]

I use kerosene as a cleaner for oil, dirt and grease. WD40 is pretty good also. I changed my rear brakes recently and used brake cleaner on the arm that I removed. All good cleaners.

 

[Al st1100]

Any automotive wheel cleaner. I've used Meguiar's, spray and rinse off. You can't let it get all caked up and expect it to clean up easily. A wire brush will scratch up the paint.

 

[SMSW]

My car's wheels had major brake dust on the aluminum wheel. I attacked it with a scotchbrite pad on the back of a sponge - a common kitchen utensil - dipped in straight simple green. It took a bit of scrubbing, but it all came off. Each wheel took an easy half hour.

Some of those wheel cleaners say not to bathe your hands in the stuff, and the two that I tried were absolutely useless. No better than mild car wash soap (except they were more expensive and obviously made their companies more profit).

 

[Mellow]

Whatever you do, don't use brake cleaner - it's only for metal parts and if that gets on the seals in the caliper it will cause deterioration.

Sounds like you're talking ONLY about the calipers since you said the wheels are in good shape.

 

[JohnK]

I’ve used air first then brake fluid and marvel mystery oil to avoid damaging seals as stated before, and once the caked on stuff got loosened with a nylon brush - made strips of the Costco yellow towels to brighten up the pistons. From then on every oil change use air first then nothing stronger than dawn dish soap and a good rinse. (No pressure washing). Keeps em clean and clear - never had to super clean em since. Also use chain degreaser when cleaning rims with chain drive The ST just dawn and water

 

[Larry Fine]

Also use chain degreaser when cleaning rims with chains.

Don't the chains leave scratch marks on the rims?

 

[JohnK]

Don't the chains leave scratch marks on the rims?

You’re either an old school teacher that torcher us poor grammer kids or one who was worn down to masterful compliance.