|   Ceramic rim cleaning... | GP
Sep 20, 2001 12:43 PM | | What's the best way to safely clean pad deposits off of ceramic rim sidewalls? Crossmax USTs to be specific. The braking surface has become glazed with a smooth layer of pad material, which is really degrading braking performance - I can barely get enough force to lock a wheel.
I've tried Simple Green in various concentrations, from watered down to full strength, but those black streaks just laughed at that wussy cleaner. Next thing I tried was mineral spirits and a rag, again with no effect. Couldn't even get any black marks on the rag - stubborn! I'm not sure I want to risk my hi-dollar racing wheels by using something stronger, or something abrasive. I've heard of people using steel wool - is that safe? Someone's got to know a trick to clean ceramic rims...
GP |
| re: Ceramic rim cleaning... | endoh
Sep 21, 2001 6:02 AM | | since ceramic is harder than steel, i'd try the following:
dismount the tire. get a BRASS wire wheel (for a drill) and use that to scrub away the goo. brass is softer than steel. worst case, step up to a steel wire wheel. but i would try brass first. you shoud be able to find what you need at a quality hardware store. a brass wire brush will likely work as well, but will take a lot longer. good luck. |
| The Correct Way.... | scrappy-doo
Sep 22, 2001 11:04 AM | | Mavic makes a ceramic rim cleaning bar. Its like a rubber cement bar of soap. You rub it on the rim and it take of the brake pads stuff. Your shop can order it from the Mavic small-parts catalogue. |
| re: Ceramic rim cleaning... | gf101
Sep 24, 2001 8:28 AM | | Use a Scotch pad to clean the bulk of buildup off rim. This will get them 90% clean. And you don't need to dismount the tire. Acetone will clean the rest off and make the rim look like new, but it takes a little "elbow grease". I've used this method on my Bonty Racelites. (But it still doesn't stop XT's from squealing.) |
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