brake cleaner?

the front callipers (on my fazer) have been binding a bit lately & I was planning to give the pistons a clean at the weekend. went to halfords looking for "brake cleaner" & was directed to stuff that seemed to be for cleaning disks/pads. is there something specifically for cleaning the pistons? is something mildly abrasive okay to get any corrosion off (I haven't really looked but this is what I suspect)? something like steel wool? or a *very* gentle hand with some fine wet & dry?

ta

~andy

I bought the Halfords Brake and chain cleaner! It does the joband gets all the crap off the calipers. Never used it on the chain though!

I also use an old tooth brush to help the crud away!

[21QUEST]

I use extra fine wire wool(Grade 000 I believe it's knows as). Depending on the state of the piston I may also also use 1500 grit "wet and dry".

Both of the above are used soaked in brake fluid. I can't remember reason why now but I clean/polish in a direction perpendicular to travel of pistons and bits like fork stanchions.....

I also tend not to use brake cleaner as I don't trust them on the rubber bits. Usually warm soapy(not fairy liquid) water and rinse of with plenty of water. Same for a full strip down jobbie.


Ben

I'm not sure I'd reccomend any abrasive on the brake pistons. I used a brass brush to get the crud off mine (that's not an abrasive, right? ). Brake cleaner? I think this is for decontaminating disks and pads. Strictly speaking, no mineral oil-based products should be used on brake hydraulics. Brake cleaner, I suspect, falls into this category...

[Sid Squid]

Green thingy found at the side of the kitchen sink, abrasive enough to shift brake type crud, not going to do anything any damage. In another life it's known as Scotchbrite I think, but usefully found on sponges in kitchens and bathrooms*.

Brake cleaner is a high flash point solvent intended for use only on the friction surfaces of the brakes**, so that no greasy residue is left behind to impair friction and thus braking.

*Don't put it back afterwards - she'll know it was you - just claim no knowledge.
**Pad material and disc swept surfaces, also used on dry clutches, ie BMW twins, Morinis, Guzzis and cars.

My local motor bits store sells sheets of Scotchbrite. Useful stuff, just don't tell SWMBO you know of its properties or you'll be shackled to the sink.

Swafega's Stop Quick is excellent stuff.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Green thingy found at the side of the kitchen sink, abrasive enough to shift brake type crud, not going to do anything any damage. In another life it's known as Scotchbrite I think, but usefully found on sponges in kitchens and bathrooms*.

Brake cleaner is a high flash point solvent intended for use only on the friction surfaces of the brakes**, so that no greasy residue is left behind to impair friction and thus braking.

*Don't put it back afterwards - she'll know it was you - just claim no knowledge.
**Pad material and disc swept surfaces, also used on dry clutches, ie BMW twins, Morinis, Guzzis and cars.

Mold?