Best way to clean really old brake fuid???

[old-man-andy]

Afternoon

Anyone got any suggestions (sensible or otherwise) for the best way to clean old, and I mean really old, dried brake fluid from a master cylinder and caliper??

The master cylinder and caliper in question have been laid up in a garage for 10 years without brake fluid in them so what's left is crusty and flakey - not a pretty sight.

They'll probably need a good, long soaking in whatever. I was going to try brake cleaner as the obvious 1st choice - any other ideas?

cheers
Andy

 

[thomo57]

Afternoon

Anyone got any suggestions (sensible or otherwise) for the best way to clean old, and I mean really old, dried brake fluid from a master cylinder and caliper??

The master cylinder and caliper in question have been laid up in a garage for 10 years without brake fluid in them so what's left is crusty and flakey - not a pretty sight.

They'll probably need a good, long soaking in whatever. I was going to try brake cleaner as the obvious 1st choice - any other ideas?

cheers
Andy

I would try brake fluid, less chance of damage to the internal components.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Old pan

Boiling water

couple of drops of Fairy Liquid

Simmer for 20 mins and leave to cool naturally

Brake fluid is ethylene glycol based which is also the main constiuent in "Good" antifreeze

If that doesn't work with a good scrub (tootbrush/ saucepan brush or a nylon sponge pan scrubber thingy)

Then you're onto brake and clutch cleaner to chemically dissolve the resiude