Brake cleaner is a chemical solvent commonly used to remove brake dust, oil, and grease from brake pads, rotors, calipers and other brake components. While it is very effective at cleaning brakes, using brake cleaner directly on brake rotors is generally not recommended.
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Why You Should Not Spray Brake Cleaner on Rotors
There are a few key reasons why spraying brake cleaner directly onto brake rotors is not advisable:
- It can damage the rotor surface – Brake cleaner can be highly corrosive to metallic brake components. Spraying it directly onto rotors risks etching or corroding the rotor surface over time.
- It removes essential oils – Properly bedded-in rotors have transferred oils that provide lubrication and prevent glazing. Brake cleaner will remove these oils.
- It can contaminate brake pads – Brake cleaner residue on rotors can transfer to brake pads, reducing friction and braking performance.
- It provides only temporary cleaning – While brake cleaner will remove surface debris, it does not address underlying causes of contamination like worn seals or caliper issues.
For these reasons, brake experts caution against using brake cleaner directly on brake rotors. The cons generally outweigh the temporary cleaning benefits.
Safe Ways to Clean Rotors
While brake cleaner spray is not recommended, rotors still need regular cleaning. Here are some safer, effective methods:
- Brake washing spray – Specialty brake washing fluids dissolve debris without damaging rotors.
- Brake cleaning wipes – Wipes pre-soaked in rotor-safe cleaning solvents can remove debris.
- High-pressure water – For thorough cleaning, use a pressure washer to blast away contaminants.
- Sanding/resurfacing – In extreme cases, rotors may need sanding or resurfacing to address embedded contaminants.
When spraying rotors, brake washing fluids or water are ideal as they do not leave residues. Be sure to completely dry rotors after any wet cleaning method to prevent rusting.
Other Parts You Can Clean with Brake Cleaner
While brake cleaner should be avoided on rotors, it is very useful for cleaning other brake components:
- Brake pads – Spraying helps remove oil, grease and embedded debris from pad surfaces.
- Calipers – Brake cleaner dissolves built-up grime for smooth caliper operation.
- Backing plates – Remove contamination that can cause noise or uneven pad wear.
- Hardware – Cleans clips, springs and other hardware of dirt and corrosion.
On these components, brake cleaner is an effective way to degrease and prepare surfaces for fresh pad and rotor contact. Just avoid overspray contacting rotors.
Conclusion
In summary, spraying brake cleaner directly on rotors is generally not recommended as it can damage rotor surfaces, remove essential oils, contaminate pads and provide only temporary cleaning. For effective rotor cleaning, use specialty brake washing fluids or water instead. Reserve brake cleaner for cleaning brake pads, calipers and other hardware where it can provide safe, thorough degreasing.