I'm doing my first brake job this weekend. When I took off the wheel and caliper to inspect my breaks last weekend, there was grease and grime and gunk that got all over. The stuff was caked on everything that wasn't a contact surface.

Is there a good and safe way to clean that stuff up? The wheel (steel with hub cap) hasn't come off since the last time the brakes were replaced. Or should I just leave it alone since nobody's going to see it after I put the wheel back on after I'm done with the brakes?

 

I don't think I'd worry about it too much since you can't see it, but a wheel cleaner (probably lots of it) should do the trick. Eagle one makes a pretty strong one as long as the one in the silver bottle is the same as the old stuff (I'm not sure whether it is or not).

 

A rag, soap and water? I just wipe off what I can and not worry too much about it. you should be more concerned about where the grease is coming from. Make sure you don't have a leaking boot.

If really stuck, I also have Eagle1 wheel cleaner. Just get the cheapest you see.

 

If its really caked on, then its going to take alot of work. Get a strong wheel cleaner and try using #0000 steel wool on it. Only use the steel wool on the inside of the wheel though, it will scratch the wheel a little.

Which hubcaps do you have? If they are the full ones that cover the entire wheel, I wouldnt even bother cleaning the back, no one will see it anyways

 

sounds like a plan!

I'll check my cv boots and ignore the grime if the boots are intact.

 

Try using a power washer with some degreaser like simple Green, cuts break dust and grime nicely.

 

i heard brake cleaner works well

 

Yeah, I've seen mechanics do that. It would probably be fine if you wash it off right away. Don't blame us if it takes the paint off too though.

 

Brake cleaner is fine on paint

Brake fluid is what strips paint

 

either way, don't let any strong cleaner sit on it if you know what's best. just srub a spot for a while and then rinse it off. the scrub again.