Is Brake Cleaner Safe to Clean Reservoirs & Caps?

[SwedishRider]

Is it safe to use brake cleaner to spray down reservoirs like the brake master cylinder and power steering reservoir before opening them? Or will that cause problems?

I like to clean the reservoirs and caps before opening to prevent contaminants from entering sealed systems when possible.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Is it going to eat the paint off other places under the hood?

 

[SwedishRider]

I didn't think about under hood paint issues. I was thinking about damage to the plastic reservoirs or the metal around those areas. Does brake cleaner simply evaporate or can it damage surfaces like painted metal, bare metal or plastic?

 

[Trav]

Wipe it off before removing thats all.
Brake parts cleaner can damage paint, some plastics, loosen electrical tape, damage wiring insulation and other things you don't want happening.

If your dead set on cleaning the cap after you remove it, put a plastic bag over the cylinder and hold it with an elastic band.
Wash the cap and rubber seal with dish soap and water only, rinse it well and dry it thoroughly.

The rubber used in brake systems and modern cooling system hoses is very sensitive oils and some chemicals.
This is one case where being a little OCD can cause more problems than its worth.

 

[eljefino]

Someone on here posted that their plastic got cloudy/ hazy on the reservoir after being hit with brake cleaner. I mused that only the outermost micron was affected before it evaporated, but it still worried many in that thread.

I've used 1:100 "Purple Power" and water in an engine cleaning wand that runs off air pressure, and this is plenty to get those things looking sharp. Don't aim specifically at the cap area.

I'd rather have a splash of water (from going overboard & doing it wrong) in my brake fluid than petroleum stuff, as it at least can be purged with a bleeding, without rotting rubber seals.

Try some mild cleaner of your choice and a paper towel. You'd be surprised how easily it details out.

 

[Jimzz]

I use to say yes to this but it really depends now. So many brake cleaners are using acetone so unless you read the MSDS I would not use it.

Not sure how acetone became the new flavor for many brake cleaners since it can eat/damage many brake parts but it has taken over. I guess its price and low VOA make it more salable then other ingredients?

 

[eljefino]

The brake cleaner I can get is pretty much dry cleaning fluid.

 

[SwedishRider]

I guess I'll just wipe it down with a dry, lint-free cloth. I like to keep those areas as clean as possible before opening the systems.

Seems brake cleaner may cause more damage than it will ever be worth.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
The brake cleaner I can get is pretty much dry cleaning fluid.


Agreed, I use it to remove decals on my snowmobile hoods, its never taken any paint off of anything

 

[andyd]

My cancer was caused by something in my environment. It is locking the barn door after the horse was stolen, but now, I try to stay away from methyl-ethyl bad stuff. use a rag

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Use isopropyl alcohol to clean around the master cylinder cap. That is the solvent for most brake fluids. Use mineral spirits(varsol, stoddard solvent et.al.) to clean the ps reservoir. Many PVCs and other plastic products can be damaged by acetone(most brake cleaners) Mineral spirits is a very good product for cleaning parts and doesn't have any effect on most plastics . Regards

 

[SwedishRider]

Thanks for the reply and great idea!

 

[OneEyeJack]

I'd try Pledge Furniture Polish. Spray on, wipe off. You'll like the results and you will damage nothing.