How To Clean Mountain Bike Disc Brakes

Cleaning mountain bike disc brakes is a process that every mountain biker should know how to do. Disc brakes are much more reliable than rim brakes and they offer better control during braking. But disc brakes need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they work properly and last longer.

The first step in cleaning the brake is to remove the brake pads from the caliper, or if you have hydraulic brakes, disconnect the hose from the reservoir. The next step is to remove any dirt and debris from the rotor with a brush or compressed air. Lastly, clean off any rust or corrosion on your rotor with steel wool and then coat it with a light layer of grease.

What can I use to clean mountain bike disc brakes?

We have found that cleaning with isopropyl alcohol does a good job of maintaining this relationship while removing grime.” “We recommend a mild soap and water to clean disc brakes. This is to help avoid contamination of the pads and rotor. Brake cleaners and other sprays are unnecessary.^[1]

Can WD-40 clean brake discs?

WD-40 Specialist Automotive Brake and Parts Cleaner is safe to use on clutch and brake assemblies, brake discs, callipers, brake drums, brake pads and brake linings.^[2]

How do you clean dirty brake discs?

The easiest and most efficient way to get rid of rust on your brake discs is to drive the car. By driving and regularly applying the brakes, the rust will scrape off the discs, revealing the shiny metal underneath.^[3]

What can I use instead of disc brake cleaner?

Isopropyl alcohol is an alternative that you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets. This popular antiseptic is the perfect safe cleaner for disc brakes.^[4]

Can you put wd40 on bike disc brakes?

Well, you’re in luck because WD-40 has formulated the perfect solution that can dissolve the grime and dirt stuck in your brakes for easy removal. Smart, right? WD-40 BIKE® Degreaser has been specially formulated for quick and easy removal of dirt, mud, and grime from the brake disc rotors.^[5]

Should you lube bike disc brakes?

Lubricate by applying a small amount of bike oil to the cable near the cable guides and housings. Be careful not to get any lubricant on your brake pads or rotors. Bleed your brakes: If you have hydraulic disc brakes and the levers feel spongy when you squeeze them, there may be air in the hydraulics.^[6]

Can I use degreaser to clean disc brakes?

DO NOT: Spray degreaser onto brake calipers/brake pads/rotors if you have disc brakes. If degreaser finds its way to these areas, it can cause contamination and squeaky brakes!^[7]

Can I spray brake cleaner on brake pads?

Brake Cleaning Preparation The cleaner can be used on brake linings, brake shoes, drums, rotors, caliper units, pads and other areas of the braking mechanism while they’re still intact.^[8]

How long do MTB rotors last?

The life of a bicycle rotor is typically around 2-5 years. One reason for this is that it can be difficult to tell if your rotor needs replacement or not because there are no warning signs. This makes it easy for owners to overpay on replacements by waiting too long.^[9]

Is it OK to sand brake pads?

For the brake pads, you will only need to remove them from the caliper, and give them a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper, just enough to remove the shiny glaze from the surface of the pad. After a while, pads can become crystallized and glaze over, this causes brake squeal and a notable decrease in braking power.^[10]

Does acetone work as brake cleaner?

Don’t use acetone for cleaning anything plastic or foam. It will melt it! So yeah, alcohol/metho is the way to go for cleaning brake pads.^[11]

Can you oil disc brakes?

At all costs avoid getting any type of oil or bike spray (think GT85, WD40 etcetera) on your rotors. This involves just a little more precision when lubing or spraying your drive chain to avoid getting anything on your discs. It might even be worth removing the wheels before you begin.^[12]