Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Scotchlovingcylist
Formerly known as Speedfreak
I always remove wheels on a full clean anyway so I would consider that good practice.
Rotors occasionally get taken off and put through the dishwasher when I'm giving the brakes a full strip down and clean as well as brake pads removed to avoid any contamination.
It's only the same as keeping wheel rims clean and oil free on a rim braked bike. Soapy water does not affect brakes ime
Rotors occasionally get taken off and put through the dishwasher when I'm giving the brakes a full strip down and clean as well as brake pads removed to avoid any contamination.
It's only the same as keeping wheel rims clean and oil free on a rim braked bike. Soapy water does not affect brakes ime
T.M.H.N.E.T
Rainbows aren't just for world champions
- Location
- Northern Ireland
Having disc braked bikes hasn't changed a thing about how I wash them.
bikeman66
Senior Member
- Location
- Isle of Wight
I think you're worrying too much my friend! Never had any issue with contamination from washing or maintaining the bike. Only time lube overspray is likely to go on the disc is when applying to the cassette or chain. A couple of sheets of newspaper between the wheel and the chainstay will stop lube overspray from the chain and a small rag draped over the disc (covering the inner surface obviously) will stop any surplus from the cassette.
I never remove the wheels to clean the bike, but if you are that concerned, I 'd recommend purchasing a can of disc brake cleaner. Simply spray it on the rotor and give it a wipe over, then give it another spray and let it evaporate off. It's not a bad idea to clean the rotors in this way every now and then anyway to retain peak performance.
Stress less, ride more!
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
I clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol, cheaper and better than disc brake cleaner. I do occasionally spray the pads with disc brake cleaner though.
bikeman66
Senior Member
- Location
- Isle of Wight
Yep! Would agree with this, but some caliper piston seals can be affected by isopropyl alcohol, so care is required. Good tip though!
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
Smokin Joe
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
Cars and motorcycle brakes are not effected by being cleaned with all sorts of detergents, why would a bikes be?
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
I use an 'addwax' shampoo when washing my bikes, I wouldn't want that on the discs of my Saracen or the rims of my real bikes.
rideswithmoobs
Guest
- Location
- North West
I spray with Wurth motorcycle disc and brake cleaner because it's in the garage for my speed3. Works a treat on rotors and disc if your worried about contamination
Cubist
Still wavin'
- Location
- Ovver 'thill
Certain proprietary cleaners will contaminate your pads and rotors. As @raleighnut points out, car type shampoos with added wax could potentially cause problems. If you're worried, wash wheels off the bike and clean the rotors with IPA afterwards. It helps get rid of road grime and other contaminants anyway. If you're into detail cleaning, it takes a few seconds to whip the pads out of the calipers......
Less time and hassle than cleaning squid ink off your rims after all.
Less time and hassle than cleaning squid ink off your rims after all.
rideswithmoobs
Guest
- Location
- North West
. As @raleighnut points out, car type shampoos with added wax could potentially cause problems. If you're worried, wash wheels off the bike and clean the rotors with IPA afterwards.
Waste of a good Ale that. Look odd washing rotors with a bottle of beer
Waste of a good Ale that. Look odd washing rotors with a bottle of beer
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
Waste of a good Ale that. Look odd washing rotors with a bottle of beer[/QUOTE]
You could always use Carling, better than drinking the muck.
You could always use Carling, better than drinking the muck.
