Submerge Caliper

[MichaelUD]

Can a caliper be submerged into brake cleaning fluid without damaging the caliper? What is the best method to clean the caliper? Thanks

[tonythetarga]

That will likely damage the rubber seal on the inside. If you're rebuilding the caliper, then dunk it.

[zippy_gg]

I think if you did this you would have to split the calipers and replace the (4 I believe) o-rings that seals the halves together.
IIRC Eric Shea at PMB said that he only uses soapy water to clean the calipers, then rinse with clear water, and dry with compressed air; no solvents or cleaners.

[Dodge Man]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

I think if you did this you would have to split the calipers and replace the (4 I believe) o-rings that seals the halves together.
IIRC Eric Shea at PMB said that he only uses soapy water to clean the calipers, then rinse with clear water, and dry with compressed air; no solvents or cleaners.

Solvents & oils can penetrate into certain metals and creep back out afterwards. Machine tool ways are a prime example. Brake rubbers/seals do not like solvents & oils/lubricants even as residuals. IMHO Brake cleaner is best for washing off the external surface dust & grease. Denatured alcohol is an old school hydraulic parts cleaner. I only use air or pedal pressure to pop out pistons and I run away from the grease gun method. Make yourself happy.