I've taken the derailleurs, shifters and brakes off my bike in an attempt to get everything cleaned and lubed from the ground up. After ten years of service, and no maintenance, it needs to be done thoroughly. My plan is to soak them in some kind of liquid and blowing it all clean with high pressure air, followed by wiping and relubricating.
My question is: What do I use to dissolve the old dirt, oil and grease?
I use simple green mixed at 5:1 ratio and that works just fine. You can usually find that at Autozone or one of those auto parts chain stores. Pick some of that orange hand cleaner while your there. You'll thank me.
Agiell,
As mentioned on another post, I use petrol to clean seized parts. I will probably get slated, but I do dispose of it after use, in an environmentally sensible way surely much better than the burnt stuff I consume when cycling on roads (I do drive too)!
I know there are many green grease cleaners available now, but petrol works. Take care when handling and dispose of environmentally
well it's just a degreaser, i'm sure if you went to any local auto parts store they would have a number of different degreasers available.
Moreover, what happens to all the hard toxic residue that is removed by Green citrus de-greasers? Does one simply wash it down the sink/drain? Hardly Green is it (if disposed in this way)?
Just a thought
How about using brake cleaner. It works good on all types of grease, but I have never tried it on my bike yet.
Simple green can etch aluminum, you do not want to leave it on for any length of time with aluminum parts. I use kerosene, or mineral spirits and wd40 as a cleaner not a lube.
I could not resist from adding this JOKE .... (Some of you already know the outcome but)
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
I, also, use gasoline.
I'll put parts, or the chain, in a glass jar with a lid...and then shake 'er up real well.
Hey, is thread still alive? they're jailing people for years after the disorder (riots) in England. But I still need to soak my chain (petrol or diesel). Innit!