Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Brake cleaner is a popular cleaning agent that removes dust, dirt, and grime from your car’s wheels. Most people believe the only way to clean their wheels thoroughly is by removing the tires. However, this process can be time-consuming and requires additional tools and effort. Fortunately, there are some techniques you can use to clean your brakes without removing the tire.
How To Use Brake Cleaner Without Removing The Tire?
- Locate the caliper behind your wheel.
- Then, spray a liberal brake cleaner on the caliper and rotor surface. Avoid spraying any part of the ABS sensor or rubber components, as this may cause damage.
- After spraying, wait a few minutes for the solution to settle and loosen any dirt or grime build-up.
- Use a brush with stiff bristles or an old toothbrush to remove any remaining residue.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from the caliper using a clean rag or paper towel before repeating this process on your other wheels.
Reasons Why You Should Use A Brake Cleaner:
Helps To Remove Dirt And Grime:
One of the biggest benefits of using a brake cleaner is that it helps to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your brakes. Over time, these contaminants can build up and cause your brakes to wear out more quickly or become less effective. Regularly cleaning your brakes with a high-quality brake cleaner can keep them in top condition and extend their lifespan.
Help Prevent Squeaking Or Squealing Noises:
The cleaner helps to remove any excess residue or debris that may be causing friction between the brake pads and rotors. Additionally, regularly using a brake cleaner can help identify issues with your brakes before they become major problems, saving you money on costly repairs.
Remove Rust And Corrosion
Brake cleaners remove rust and corrosion and eliminate any dirt, grease, or oil that may have accumulated on the brake parts. This helps to prevent contamination of the braking system, which could lead to costly repairs or even accidents while driving.
Types Of Brake Cleaners
The three main types of brake cleaners are chlorinated, non-chlorinated, and high-pressure spray.
Chlorinated Non-Inflammable
The chlorinated type is the most popular because it quickly removes brake dust, debris, and oil from the braking system. However, it contains a harmful chemical called perchloroethylene which can be dangerous if inhaled or exposed to the skin for too long.
Non-Chlorinated Flammable
Non-chlorinated flammable brake cleaner is a solvent commonly used to clean brakes without removing the tire. This type of brake cleaner is usually made up of a combination of solvents and chemicals designed to quickly dissolve grease, oil, and other contaminants from the surface of the brake components. Non-chlorinated flammable brake cleaner is safe for most brake materials, including metal, rubber, and plastic.
A High-Pressure Spray Type
The high-pressure spray type comes in an aerosol can with a straw-like extension that can reach tight spaces without having to remove the tire. This type of brake cleaner is perfect for hard-to-reach areas such as behind wheels, calipers, and rotors.
Why Do Brake Rotors Turn Black?
It’s due to the buildup of brake dust and debris on the rotor surface. Brake pads contain metallic substances that wear off during braking, creating fine dust that sticks to the rotor surface when heated. This accumulation of dust can cause discoloration on the brake rotors over time. Furthermore, if you have old or worn-out brake pads or calipers, they may produce more dust than usual and lead to severe discoloration.
Can You Spray Brake Cleaner Directly On The Pads?
You can spray brake cleaner directly onto the pads without removing the tire. However, you must be careful when spraying it directly onto the pads because getting any on other parts of your vehicle could cause damage.
Does Brake Cleaner Damage Rubber?
Yes, brake cleaner can potentially damage some types of rubber. Rubber materials are typically resistant to most solvents and chemicals, but some types of rubber may be more susceptible to damage from certain chemicals than others. In particular, natural rubber and synthetic rubbers such as neoprene can be damaged by prolonged exposure to brake cleaner. In extreme cases, this can cause the rubber to become brittle, crack or even dissolve.
Can I Spray Brake Cleaner On Squeaky Brakes?
Using brake cleaner on squeaky brakes can quickly and easily fix the annoying noise. However, it is important to note that not all brake cleaners are safe for every type of braking system.
Will A Brake Cleaner Damage The Tires?
Using brake cleaner on your tires can cause significant damage and reduce the lifespan of your tires. The chemicals in brake cleaner can break down the rubber compounds in your tires, causing them to dry out and crack over time. This can lead to reduced traction and handling ability and an increased risk of blowouts or other tire-related accidents on the road.
What Causes The Squeak When I Apply The Brakes?
Worn-out brake pads: As brake pads wear down, they can create a high-pitched noise as they come into contact with the metal rotor. This sound can also occur if debris or dust is on the brake pads or rotor.
Rust build-up on the rotors: When moisture comes in contact with iron, it leads to rust and corrosion. This rust buildup can make it harder for your braking system to work correctly, causing a grinding or squealing noise when you apply your brakes.
Where Should You Not Spray The Brake Cleaner?
Avoid wheel bearings: The brake cleaner can damage these bearings and cause them to seize up or wear out prematurely. It’s best to avoid spraying anywhere near the bearings.
The exhaust system: Brake cleaner is highly flammable; spraying it on a hot exhaust pipe could ignite a fire. This could result in serious injury or even death, so it’s important to be careful when cleaning your brakes.
Avoid spraying brake cleaner on any plastic parts: They may deteriorate due to the strong chemicals in this product. Instead, use a specific plastic-safe spray for those types of parts.
Conclusion
Using brake cleaner to clean your car’s brake system can be a simple and effective way to maintain its performance. It is important to remember that you do not need to remove the entire tire from your vehicle to use brake cleaner. Instead, a jack stand or other support tool will allow you to access the brake system without removing any major components.
When using brake cleaner, following proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area, is also important. Additionally, be sure to choose a high-quality brake cleaner product specifically designed for use on vehicles.
