Can You Clean An Alternator With Brake Cleaner

If you've spent whatsoever significant time in your garage working on your vehicle, you lot know simply how dirty parts (and you lot) can go. One of the most "grime-prone" regions of your vehicle is your restriction pads, rotors, and the surrounding area. It'due south vital to your automobile's functioning and safety that they stay clean. Good brake cleaner can not only help keep your brake components clean, simply information technology can also be used to thoroughly make clean many other parts on your vehicle. As usual, though, not all brake cleaners are created equal. In this article, we'll take a look at 5 of the best restriction cleaners available today, some of import things to consider when shopping for brake cleaner, and finally, nosotros'll give you lot our top pick and the reasons why.

Top five Restriction Cleaners

3M High Power Brake Cleaner

3M is a well-known brand when it comes to vehicle repair and maintenance products. From glues and tapes to brake cleaners, 3M pretty much has you covered on every chemical you'd ever demand to keep your car in tip-top shape.

The 3M Loftier Power Brake Cleaner is a bully product for several reasons. Outset, and virtually obvious, it does a great chore of cleaning brake parts quickly and thoroughly. The can comes with a "precision straw" so you tin can get into hard-to-accomplish spots on your vehicle and direct the cleaner with pinpoint accuracy. The cleaner will rapidly deliquesce oil, grease, and various other road grime yous're sure to pick upward in your travels.

Understand that with most brake cleaners, you don't but have to clean brake parts—the cleaners volition work on a variety of other parts, but information technology's ever a good idea to keep the cleaners away from plastics and painted parts.

The 3M Power Restriction Cleaner dries very quickly and doesn't exit a residue. Furthermore, information technology's non-chlorinated. That'southward benign for several reasons, but I personally like non-chlorinated restriction cleaners because they work great at cleaning dingy metallic prior to welding, but they won't produce a (literally) deadly gas once y'all start welding on information technology like chlorinated products will.

Pros:

• Tin can be used on multiple parts, not merely brakes
• Dries quickly and leaves no residue
• Keen for getting into hard to reach places
• Not-chlorinated and so it'southward safer on your respiratory organization

Cons:

• Can price a scrap more other brands of brake cleaner

CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner

CRC Brakleen isn't function of a wider range of products a well-known make like 3M, but that doesn't modify the fact that it's the cleaner of pick for many auto mechanics and DIY car enthusiasts.

Information technology does a swell job of cleaning dirt and grime off a wide range of restriction parts, but it tin can also exist used to make clean other car parts and tools.

This particular restriction cleaner is non-flammable, which is convenient because it means you don't have to have your brake system apart to clean them. With flammable products, information technology's advised you disassemble whatever parts that are exposed to loftier oestrus and clean them separately.

The "red can" of CRC Brakleen is the chlorinated version. It does a great job of cleaning parts, but y'all volition notice a much stronger chemical olfactory property when you use it as opposed to a non-chlorinated cleaner.

And recollect, if you're cleaning upwardly metal with a chlorinated brake clean Exercise Not apply intense estrus to it (like welding) as it can produce a fatal gas.

While CRC does make a not-chlorinated brake cleaner (in the dark-green can), we like the chlorinated version because of the considerably cheaper price. If you plan to go through A LOT of cleaner and you can use a chlorinated product safely, the toll tag on CRC Brakleen is pretty difficult to vanquish.

Pros:

• Much more affordable than other brands
• Does a peachy chore cleaning and evaporates speedily

Cons:

• The chlorinated version has a strong chemical smell and tin exist very unsafe if non used properly

Permatex Non-Chlorinated Brake And Parts Cleaner

Permatex is another trusted brand when it comes to aerosol products for your vehicle. Permatex's Restriction and Parts Cleaner is non-chlorinated, and then you tin can use it all day long without having to worry about the potent chemic stench that chlorinated products give off.

Still, even though the Permatex product is non-chlorinated, it is flammable. That means you demand to take some extra precautions when using it around high-rut areas or on parts prone to sparking.

The Permatex does a great chore of cleaning restriction parts, merely you lot can use it to clean just about anything from tools to farm implements. It's even prophylactic to apply on aluminum!  Information technology evaporates quickly, with virtually no runoff and no residue left behind.

The biggest downside to the Permatex Brake and Parts Cleaner is the price tag. Information technology's likely the most expensive cleaner on our list, so if you programme to go through a lot of cleaner on your project, this might non exist your most budget-friendly selection.

Pros:

• Cleans thoroughly and leaves no residue or runoff
• Condom to use on aluminum

Cons:

• College price than most other similar brands

Gunk Brake Parts Cleaner

If you bulldoze an off-route vehicle or live in an area where you selection upwardly some serious road crud (like northern regions with harsh winters and nasty, salty roads), the Gunk Brake and Parts Cleaner might exist simply what you're looking for. Of all the brake cleaners on our listing, this one handles the biggest tasks. Information technology's specifically designed to eliminate heavy grime buildup and debris.

Like the other cleaners on our list, the Gunk product dries chop-chop. But, unlike the other cleaners on our listing, Gunk Brake Parts Cleaner does leave behind a rest.

However, in this example, you'll appreciate the balance. The film left behind acts equally a barrier between your brake pads and the rotors, so it helps eliminate brake squeaking. In the end, you become clean brake parts and a quieter ride.

Pros:

• Works great on the heaviest of grime and droppings buildup
• Leaves a picture that makes brake operation quieter

Cons:

• Strongest chemic smell of all the products on the listing

Mag1 Not-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

The Mag1 Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner is i of the fastest and safest cleaners on our listing of recommendations.

If y'all accept heavy grease or debris buildup on your brake parts, a shot from this cleaner will almost instantly knock the buildup loose. It's one of the fastest working cleaners available cheers to its chemical makeup and high-powered spray. It evaporates chop-chop and leaves no residue behind.

This particular cleaner is also ane of the safest products when it comes to brake cleaners (although it is combustible). Information technology'south non-chlorinated, and so you won't get the harsh chemical aroma. Furthermore, the formula contains no harmful carcinogens. It's too safe for the environs and won't deplete the ozone.

There's nothing wrong with going green while you work on your vehicle!

Pros:

• Degreases almost instantly
• Heavy duty spray removes heavy droppings buildup
• Safe for users and the environment

Cons:

• Highly flammable

Restriction Cleaner Buying Guide

Regularly cleaning your brakes is an extremely of import vehicle maintenance task. Information technology's especially vital if yous're putting new brake components on your vehicle, every bit most parts come from the manufactory with a layer of protective oil on them to prevent rust. Information technology's important to remove this protective flick before installing the parts on your vehicle.

Here are a few more than reasons using a restriction cleaner is a good idea:

Using a quality restriction cleaner tin can also salvage you money by extending the life of your brakes and maximizing the length of time between brake jobs. When debris like dirt and tiny rock particles get stuck on your brake pads and rotors, they tin can cut tiny grooves in the fabric that, over time, will reduce the lifespan of your parts. Restriction cleaner gets rid of all that harmful debris and grime.

In add-on to making your brakes last longer, restriction cleaner tin too reduce the annoying squealing that can sometimes develop equally a result of dirty brakes.

One boosted utilise for brake cleaner we oasis't mentioned yet is the fact that it can effectively remove stains from carpets. While they should never exist used on painted parts or rubber, if you get a piddling route tar on your vehicle's carpet, a small-scale shot of brake cleaner should have the grime right upwards.

Finally, brake cleaner tin can also remove that abrasive brake grit from your wheels. Just use caution if your vehicle'southward wheels are painted or aluminum. Make sure you choose a brake cleaner that won't strip the pigment or etch the material.

four Categories Of Restriction Cleaner To Consider

In providing our top 5 recommendations above, nosotros've already hinted at the several dissimilar types of brake cleaners available on the market, only hither'southward a closer look at the 4 master categories and what they all hateful.

Chlorinated

Chlorinated brake cleaners incorporate (obviously) chlorine. But the concentration in the cleaners is much stronger than what you're used to in the backyard swimming pool.

The chlorine in brake cleaners are registered every bit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and it'south meant to remove some serious crud.

Chlorinated brake cleaners generally clean a little improve than non-chlorinated products, but they can also exist more harmful to your health.

If you go with a chlorinated product, brand certain you're wearing eye protection and rubber gloves, and definitely don't heat the function up later on and inhale the fumes.

Not-Chlorinated

Not-chlorinated cleaners can nonetheless be an constructive parts cleaner, they're just going to take longer to evaporate than their more toxic cousins.

It's also important to sympathize that simply because a brake cleaner is non-chlorinated, it doesn't mean that it doesn't contain harmful chemicals such as acetone.

Regardless of whether you're using chlorinated or not-chlorinated restriction cleaners, yous demand to be cautious and utilize some mutual sense.

Flammable Cleaners

The tradeoff in using a non-chlorinated restriction cleaner is that they're highly combustible.

So, if you're planning to utilize brake cleaner around parts that are decumbent to heat and spark, you could accept a potential fire take a chance on your easily.

In that instance, yous might be better off going with a chlorinated option.

Non-Flammable Cleaners

If you're concerned about a fire adventure, using a chlorinated brake cleaner is the fashion to go, as they're non-flammable.

The tradeoff, as we mentioned above, is that the chlorinated products can be harmful to your health.

But call up to apply them in a well-ventilated surface area and protect your pare and respiratory organisation.

5 Important Elements To Consider When Shopping For Brake Cleaner

Size

The size of the bottle of brake cleaner you're using is apparently tied to the value you lot get. If you get more ounces for the same price, information technology's a more budget-friendly pick.

Nevertheless, size is important in other means, as well. A skinnier bottle can help yous get into harder-to-attain places. Along those aforementioned lines, the nozzle size can exist important, too.

A nozzle that produces a finer spray can be used to more than accurately go to the parts that need cleaning, while avoiding sensitive areas like pigment and rubber.

Features

When information technology comes to brake cleaner features, the top consideration is whether or not the can comes with a precision harbinger.

If you're disassembling your brake components and you're going to exist cleaning everything on a workbench, you probably don't need the straw and you can become by with liberally spraying down all your parts.

Still, if you're going to be working with your brakes still on your auto, a precision straw can help you direct the spray with pinpoint accuracy, preventing overspray and protecting sensitive painted and safety parts.

Chemical Makeup

By now, we've hopefully gotten the point beyond as to the differences between chlorinated, not-chlorinated, flammable, and non-flammable brake cleaners.

Have into consideration how yous'll exist using the cleaner and the environs you'll be using it in and choose your product appropriately.

Volatile Organic Chemical compound Content

The government takes VOCs pretty seriously.

In fact, certain states actually prohibit the sale of products containing specific VOCs. So, you may want to double check your state laws prior to purchasing a brake cleaner, peculiarly if you're buying online.

Information technology'south non likely you'll have a bunch of federal agents raiding your garage, only it doesn't hurt to keep on the straight and narrow line of the police force when you lot can.

Disposal Methods

Nigh brake cleaners will evaporate so rapidly that there'south really no worry of contaminating the environs.

Withal, it'southward still a good idea to put some kind of collection pan nether your work area, simply in case you get some runoff.

If you're really soaking a part, whatsoever runoff will fall on the pan and speedily evaporate from there as opposed to getting soaked into the footing or the concrete on your driveway.

Final Thoughts

Restriction cleaners are invaluable maintenance tools to have on hand in the garage.

Yet, it's of import to accept into consideration how and where you lot'll be using them before picking a product.

And so, which brake cleaner is our peak pick?

If we have to go with just 1, it would exist the CRC Brakleen line. The chlorinated version works keen at removing grease, dirt, and debris from restriction parts, and the cost is ordinarily lower than whatsoever other can on the shelf.

We also like using the CRC not-chlorinated option for cleaning upward metal prior to welding, every bit information technology doesn't create that toxic chlorine gas. If it'due south effective and it's cheap, it's hard to beat!

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Tyson Hanks is a freelance author who provides content on everything from conservation issues to digital marketing and pretty much everything in between.  He's an gorging machine lover and amateur garage mechanic, and he can often be plant in his own garage grinding, welding, and wrenching on his rat rod and the various motors he has strewn about.  He as well writes horror fiction and has been published in many anthologies and magazines over the years.  His debut novel, Greetings from Barker Marsh was published in 2022.  Tyson has a available's degree in marketing from Southern Illinois Academy. Visit Tyson's website at world wide web.tysonhanks.com for more information about his personal projects or to inquire nearly hiring him for your own writing needs.

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