Tips for Removing Grease?

Submitted by Brian R. on Thu, 02/25/2016 - 15:57

My method of removing oil and grease from old hubs, bearings, etc. involves using a spray can of brake degreaser and a toothbrush. Besides the cans costing $7 or so, it's smelly and takes forever, not to mention what breathing that stuff in might be doing to my long term health. Can members please share their other techniques here? Is there a liquid parts can soak in or a cream or gel product that can be applied overnight to make quick work of it?

5 Comments

Submitted by rusty wheels on Fri, 02/26/2016 - 00:17.

I've been using oven cleaner for chainrings, hubs, chains and pretty much any non painted surface.  Spray it on, let it soak for a bit and everything usually falls right off.  Some tough caked on stuff may require some scrubing but not much.  A quick rinse under hot water finishes things up.  Keep it away from any painted surfaces, and it may be wise to test in an inconspicuous area first.  The only time I have an issue was on some poorly plated spokes that ended up turning black after sitting a while.  Bearings, and other small parts I let sit in a jar of paint thinner overnight, and blow out with some compressed air afterwords.  A quick shot of brake cleaner followed up with some more compressed air gets 'em squeaky clean.  Both methods have reduced the amount of time, product used, and fumes inhaled for any cleaning I have done.  Gloves, goggles, and good ventilation is recommended for both.

Erik

Submitted by bleedingfingers on Fri, 02/26/2016 - 03:40.

Carwash   leave all the dirt and grime there most have some sort of engine degreaser .

Hose it down with WD-40   then Carwash 

Submitted by Lawrence Ruskin on Fri, 02/26/2016 - 15:47.

Just use gas and an old toothbrush. Do it outside, and don't breathe in the gas. Take the used gas to a filling station, and around back they have a barrel for dirty gas. Oven cleaner is just sodium hydroxide, and isn't good to breathe or get on your skin/ clothes....Go on the net and check any solvents you're thinking of using, many of them cause cancer.

Gas has benzene in it, and that causes cancer, that's why you keep this stuff outdoors

Submitted by jdwillia on Fri, 02/26/2016 - 20:13.

I have been using SOS soap pads and water for the last 25 years. It has worked well for me and also cleans up a certain amount of rust.

John Williamson

Submitted by locomotion on Mon, 02/29/2016 - 08:25.

ok, for grease, use degreaser

I have 2 options in my garage

 

1. I have a large parts cleaning tub with 20L of "degreaser" for hard old grease, I just let it soak overnight

2. I have an old porcelein cloth washer that I modified as a parts cleaner also filled with 20 L of  "degreaser", I put the parts in, turn the timer to 20-30 minutes and let it go back and forth, grease is gone

 

If you want to waste your time, use SOS soap pads and water