How to Clean Brake Rotors without Removing Wheels

Your life is always at risk if any part of your vehicle is compromised; the same is true with brake rotors. To ensure you are secure while driving, clean brake rotors are essential.

However, it is also true that you need to remove the wheels to avoid issues while cleaning brake rotors. But you don't have to worry because we will come up with some tips and strategies that will help you throughout this process. But first, let's have an idea about rotors.

What do you need to know about Brake Rotors?

Technically speaking, a brake rotor is a circular disc connected to your car wheel. They are 4 in number and are designed to change kinetic energy into heat or thermal energy. The interesting thing is that all these four rotors are of different types, and they are named blank and smooth, drilled, slotted, drilled and slotted.

What are the signs to know that your Brake Rotors need Cleaning?

You can use certain signs to know your brake rotors need cleansing.

• Squealing Sounds - the first sign is a strange squealing noise that comes out of the break that usually happens when the drum brakes or brake pads wear down.
• Vibrating Brake Pedal - The second sign is the vibration or pulsation of the brake or steering wheel. When you feel like your vehicle is vibrating excessively when you apply brakes, it can signify a dirty rotor.
• Vehicle pulls to one side - There is also the possibility that your car pulls to one side whenever you apply brakes. This shows there is some foreign material in the brake rotors. When any impurity gets into the hydraulic system, the brake is compromised, eventually leading to dirty brake rotors.
• Poor Responsiveness - Along with all the symptoms mentioned above, you will find poor responsiveness of the braking system.

How to clean brake rotors without removing wheels

So, let's get into cleaning brake rotors without removing the wheels. We will guide you step by step so the process becomes easy for you to understand.

Clean the Brake Pads

The most important step that you have to follow, first and foremost, is all about cleaning the brake pads. You need to understand that pads are the most important part of the braking mechanism and are responsible for cleaning the rotors when driving. Simply by cleansing the pads, you can tackle most of the problems with the rotors.

Use of air or leaf blower

Because our problem is cleaning the brake rotors without removing the wheels, there are some simplified steps for that, and one is using a leaf or an air blower.

These electrical devices are responsible for cleaning many things, including yard garden edges and brake rotors.

Using this machine to blow the dust from the brake rotors effectively is completely okay. Because of pressure, the air will reach the entire rotor, and you have clean brakes. The good news is that this electrical device also works with the latest wheel ring designs.

Use of Brake Cleaner

Let's talk about one other effective way of cleaning the brake rotors without removing the wheels: brake cleaner. These cleaners usually come in a liquid form; you can even put the liquid in a spray bottle for effective use.

First of all, spray the brake cleaner on the dusty rotors. Then, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes, only to wash it with water afterward. You can use the cleaner with brake calipers, pads, shoes, and even brake linings. Regarding the cleaner you can use for this purpose, you can go for Brakleen or Purasolve.

Daytona Brush and Soapy Water

Another thing that you can use to clean the Brake rotors is Daytona Brush. This brush is effective for cleaning rotors, pads, and even calipers. It is up to you to use the brush with soapy water or a brake cleaner.

In both cases, it is very effective. This brush is effective because there is a flexible nylon with a plastic handle that allows the brush to reach the depth of the brake rotor that a cloth cannot reach.

Use of White Vinegar

Another method you can use to clean the brake rotor is white vinegar; for that, you need to make a complete solution. For instance, you must mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle to clean the rotor.

Make sure you let the vinegar sit for some minutes, and then use a clean rag or water to rinse it off. Let's say there are still stains; you can use more vinegar. The more you saturate the entire area with vinegar, the cleaner your rotors will come out.

FAQs

Can I clean the brake rotors with water?

We do not recommend cleaning brake rotors with water because this can lead to rust and reduced braking performance. It is a good idea to use brake cleaner.

How often should I clean my brake rotors?

You should clean the rotors when needed and when you see excessive dust built up. Remember, cleaning up will only enhance the brake performance.

Can I clean the brake rotors with a wire brush?

While you can use a wire brush to remove dust and debris, it is recommended to use a daytime brush for this purpose.

Bottom Line

We hope this guide has helped you. You can use the above mentioned methods to clean the brake rotors without removing the wheels.