Cleaning brake calipers

[The Bearded Duc]

This is kind of a silly question, and I won't be offended if I get a few laughs.
My calipers are a bit dirty and I was looking to clean them up a bit. What's the best way to do so? Will soap and water work ok or is there something else you all recommend?

Thanks

[ducpainter]

Not sure what will work on your calipers...

but, in general, start mild and work your way up for any cleaning job.

Be careful with Brakleen...It's bad for rubber parts.

[one]

soap+water+rugs+old toothbrush works for me...
but i'd love to remove the callipers from the fork first..easier 

not sure if this right..but i always keep in mind that petrol do some harm to rubber,so does diesel..

don't own any duc btw...
it's just that i think the callipers is all the same..

[IdZer0]

Dave Moss to the rescue:
Brake Pads Install- Sportbike Upgrades
(video is about installing brake pads, but also explains how to clean the calipers)

[MongoReturns]

I used to take caliper off, put it in a plastic bag, then hose it with brake cleaner.  That was back when I cared about the Monster being clean.

[koko64]

A mate of mine used "Bam Easy Off" household cleaner. Dont Do It!
He had to repaint the calipers. They were completely stripped. Shit that stuff really works!
We remind him all the time...

[ducatiz]

Hand dish soap, warm water and plastic nail brush.  I picked up a dozen of these brushes for $5 at Advance Auto.   You can also use most "wheel cleaners" as they are designed to use around wheels -- painted, chromed, etc  -- without hurting the finish or brake pads.

best job is to take the pads out, brush them off separately and clean the caliper while mounted.

Alternatively, you can use a high pressure hose, just go lightly around the hose and joints.

Some brushes are harder than others, which is why I say to use the nail brush.  They are softer.

Wheel cleaner - just rinse well.  Zero problems.

[The Bearded Duc]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

Not that it bothers me all the time but there is just a build up of brake dust. Every time I wipe the wheels clean I wonder what the safest way to clean the calipers is, without damaging the pads or anything else involved with that whole stopping thing!

[MongoReturns]

And if you use Simple Green, dilute the hell out of it!  The white plastic things that hold my fender on are still green 

[ducatiz]

And if you use Simple Green, dilute the hell out of it!  The white plastic things that hold my fender on are still green 

I wouldn't bother with it, there are so many other options.  Wheel cleaner is design for (drumroll) wheels and brakes of all kinds.   Never had a problem with finish or affecting the brake pads.

[MongoReturns]

I wouldn't bother with it, there are so many other options.  Wheel cleaner is design for (drumroll) wheels and brakes of all kinds.   Never had a problem with finish or affecting the brake pads.

yeah I ain't doing that again!

[Raux]

well if you want to get really anal about it.
take it off, take it apart (minus pulling the pistons out), clean it with a rag and qtips wet with wd40.
mine looked brand new when finished.

[The Bearded Duc]

well if you want to get really anal about it.
take it off, take it apart (minus pulling the pistons out), clean it with a rag and qtips wet with wd40.
mine looked brand new when finished.

How long did that job take you? Do you have to be more careful with the WD-40 (seeing as it has some lubricating properties) around the rotors once you get the calipers back on?

[Raux]

How long did that job take you? Do you have to be more careful with the WD-40 (seeing as it has some lubricating properties) around the rotors once you get the calipers back on?

well i didnt spray the caliper. i sprayed the rag lightly and wiped off the caliper. i took the brake pads out to avoid anything getting on them.

Maybe take 30-60 min for both front and rear.

That's when i repainted the Brembo lettering and logo as well

[The Bearded Duc]

That's when i repainted the Brembo lettering and logo as well

Forgot you did that, it looks really slick. I think I might try the same thing whenever I decide to tear them down for cleaning. I don't remember, did you use high temp paint?