Bicycle Mechanics - Braking Surface Cleaning

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TriDevil
11-29-03, 11:47 AM
How does everyone clean the part of their rims where the brake pads touch? I normally use a wet paper towel and scrub pretty hard but I dont think this is doing it anymore. I saw on mavic's website#that they have i stone type thing that scrubs all the crap off. Anyone use one of those or what else do ou guys use?

dafydd
11-29-03, 04:33 PM
steel wool and alcohol or acetone. keep either away from tires and pads!
TriDevil
11-30-03, 02:13 PM
I htought I had heard specifically not to use steel wool. Any other suggestions?

Maxis
11-30-03, 03:18 PM
Alcohol does it for me. Disk or rims.
djbowen1
11-30-03, 03:40 PM
i use alcohol pads you can buy a box of 50 for about 2 dollars at a drugstore.
mikemets5
11-30-03, 06:04 PM
i use alcohol pads you can buy a box of 50 for about 2 dollars at a drugstore.

I use a rag and a degreaser (Simple Green) ...works great!
Louis
11-30-03, 06:37 PM
Alcohol applied with a paper towell or clean rag.
TriDevil
11-30-03, 08:17 PM
Just rubbing alcohol?
Ed Holland
12-01-03, 02:54 AM
I think my rims get a pretty good cleanup every time I ride in wet weather (like this morning...)
Otherwise, when I clean the bikes, I make up a bucket of hot water and washing up liquid (dish soap) and use that all over, including the wheels, then follow up with a rinse & wipe to remove the soap. That is all I have needed. Scotchbrite pads have been suggested as for cleaning braking surfaces, but I would prefer not to use anything abrasive.

Cheers,

Ed
a2psyklnut
12-01-03, 12:02 PM
I use Scotchbrite pads. Sure, it's abrasive, but I scrub them just enough to clean them. What I do, is shove, place, force...etc. a pad between the rim and the brake shoe, then I hop on my bike and ride it for a couple of hundred feet. Then I do the other side!

Works great and is super easy!

L8R
Louis
12-01-03, 05:57 PM
Just rubbing alcohol?

Yes, just pour some on one part of the rag or towell and start wiping a small area until no more black stuff comes off. Then move to a clean part of the rag and another 8 or 10 inches of the rim. Entire wheel only takes a few minutes.

I've never felt the need to use abrasives.

Oh, and this a good time to pick out those tiny specks of metal that usually get imbedded in your brake shoes. I use a small sharp ice pick. Your rims will thank you.