i use oven cleaner on stems, bars and cranksets. it works like a charm. but i've never done hubs, and i'm a little worried the chemical will harm the races if it hits them. is there any need for worry?

the reason i ask is related to a chemical issue i had with naval jelly and a bb spindle. the spindle threads were rusty, so i placed the spindle in the jelly and then lost the shininess of the spindle race. i'm not sure if that damaged the spindle.

i know we're talking about two different chemicals (lye v phosphoric acid), but thought i'd ask.

should i put the axle and dust caps in the hub before spraying the hubs? maybe use tape or stuff the hubs with paper?