I would like to know if anyone out there knows of a method for cleaning the outside the cast aluminum brake drum. I've had one sandblasted for a good result, but that involves removing the drums which I want to avoid.
Alan Close '56 coupe
Brake drum cleaning
- Mike Wilson
- Classifieds Monitor
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Re: Brake drum cleaning
The ones I've done have been removed and cleaned using a brass wire wheel in a bench grinder. If you don't want to remove them, perhaps use a brass wire wheel on a hand-held drill motor. Of course, if the drums aren't too bad, you might be able to use some type of cleaning solution. We all have our preferences for cleaning.
Mike
Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Brake drum cleaning
Use aluminum specific cleaner a liquid wash containing acid.
Usually peddled from a pie wagon servicing detailers, truck wash and Featherlite trailer outlets.
There are Alloy wheel cleaners specifically for non painted alloy's a bit less aggressive.
Usually peddled from a pie wagon servicing detailers, truck wash and Featherlite trailer outlets.
There are Alloy wheel cleaners specifically for non painted alloy's a bit less aggressive.
- Jim Nelson
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Re: Brake drum cleaning
This falls into the “ how far do you want to go” category. The prior cleaning methods do work to an extent, but at the end of the day taking the drums off, bead blast, and send them to the tumblers works pretty well. You can check for spline wear at the same time.
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Re: Brake drum cleaning
I would never sandblast or beadblast as I think that breaks the "skin" and makes them even more porous. Best way is to take them off have them tumbled or might try vapor hone or blast with soda.
Michael Foster
Michael Foster
MICHAEL FOSTER