The lid (for lack fo a better word) had to be taken off to get the cable out anyway. I used purple power degreaser when I was cleaning them. I probably didn't use as much as I could have but I had a puddle in the bin beneath the bike by the time I was done. I didn't try moving them while I was spraying as theyw eren't connected to the bike anymore. I did try to shift them for a few minutes after I sprayed them though.