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Image Gallery: Brakes Brake cleaners are highly efficient in clearing oil, dirt, and debris from your vehicle's braking system. Explore more brake images.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockRoads can accumulate dirt and grime, which, combined with friction, brake dust, and residual brake fluid from improper maintenance, can lead to significant buildup in critical areas. Spray-on brake cleaners are an excellent solution for removing these contaminants, ensuring your braking system operates without obstruction.
Unlike other automotive repairs, using a spray-on brake cleaner is cost-effective, requires minimal preparation, and doesn't involve removing major parts. The process is quick, often taking just a few minutes, and utilizes tools commonly found in garages or storage sheds. If you're familiar with changing a tire and using aerosol sprays, you already possess the skills needed to apply brake cleaner effectively.
When you remove your tire next time, inspect the brakes for any accumulated dirt on the braking system. Using brake cleaner not only cleans the brakes and ensures proper functionality but also provides a clear view of the braking components, which is essential before performing repairs.
Brake cleaners efficiently remove oil, dirt, and debris from your vehicle's braking system due to the specialized chemical blend designed to dissolve and eliminate these contaminants. However, as we'll explore, some of these chemicals can be hazardous, so taking precautions is crucial when using aerosol brake cleaners.
Proceed to the next page to discover the tools and materials required for applying spray-on brake cleaner effectively.
Brake Cleaning Tools and Materials
Many brake cleaners include hazardous chemicals. For safety, always wear protective gloves and eyewear, and ensure you work in a well-ventilated space.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockMost brake cleaners are available in spray cans, eliminating the need to disassemble brake components. This makes the process straightforward and hassle-free. While using spray-on brake cleaner, minimal tools are required. However, you’ll need to remove the tire, so keep a tire iron or impact wrench ready. Additionally, ensure you have jack stands to safely secure the vehicle.
As you apply brake cleaner, debris and contaminants will wash off, so a pan is necessary to collect the runoff. Disposal regulations vary by location, so check with your state’s environmental protection agency, local waste disposal office, or an auto shop to determine the proper method for disposing of used brake cleaner.
Brake cleaners often contain harmful chemicals like acetone, methylene chloride, and tetrachloroethylene, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure may lead to dizziness, headaches, lung issues, or more severe health problems. To minimize risks, always wear protective gloves and eyewear, and use the product in a well-ventilated area. Always read the warning label for specific safety recommendations.
Proceed to the next page to learn how to prepare your vehicle for a brake cleaning session.
Brake Cleaning Preparation
The cleaner is effective on brake linings, shoes, drums, rotors, calipers, pads, and other braking parts while they remain assembled.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockAs previously mentioned, brake cleaners often contain toxic chemicals. This means you must work in a well-ventilated area with proper protective gear and also take steps to protect the vehicle itself.
These chemicals can damage your car's paint, clear coat, or plastic components [source: 3M]. Before applying the cleaner, consider covering exposed areas of the car. If working outdoors, choose a day with minimal wind to prevent the cleaner from spraying onto unintended parts of the vehicle.
Besides covering exposed areas of the car, another important precaution is to ensure the brakes and surrounding components are fully cooled before applying brake cleaner. Never apply brake cleaner to hot metal surfaces, as the chemicals can ignite spontaneously [source: 3M]. This combustion can release highly toxic fumes, far more dangerous than the chemicals in their original state.
Apart from these preparations, minimal steps are required before using brake cleaner, as most products don’t necessitate disassembling brake parts [source: 3M]. The cleaner can be applied directly to brake linings, shoes, drums, rotors, calipers, pads, and other braking components while they remain assembled [source: 3M].
Proceed to the next page to learn how to apply brake cleaner to your vehicle effectively.
How to Use Brake Cleaner
Ensure proper collection and disposal of used brake cleaner to maintain safety and environmental standards.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockUsing brake cleaner is similar to using spray paint. While instructions may differ by brand, the general process remains consistent. After removing the tire, hold the can 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) from the brakes. Spray from the top of the brake components downward, allowing the cleaner to wash away dust, dirt, and contaminants.
The cleaner penetrates crevices in the brake parts, loosening grease, oil, brake fluid, and other grime. Stubborn areas may require a second application for complete removal. After spraying, let the cleaner air dry or wipe it with a clean cloth. Remember to collect and dispose of the used cleaner properly, as mentioned earlier.
Some brake cleaners claim to reduce brake noise, which can result from contaminants on the brakes. While some may hesitate to use brake cleaner due to its ability to remove loose friction material, this material is essential for stopping the vehicle when brakes are applied [source: Allen].
Despite skepticism, brake cleaner effectively removes dirt and grease that can impair braking performance. Its straightforward application and minimal preparation make it a convenient solution for maintaining a clean braking system.
