The Best Brake Cleaners
When the time comes to scrub down your brakes, you won't have much luck if you go at it alone. Brake cleaning formulas contain powerful chemicals that dissolve petroleum-based compounds, helping to clear away oil and grease from auto components in no time. But these cleaning solutions aren't just great for brakes. Some options work just as well for scrubbing down other greasy metal components or stripping paint. We've rounded up some of the top brake cleaners on the market, so you can clean up your act without delay.
What to Look For
To ensure you end up with a product that works for you, there are a few things to keep in mind as you compare brands. Firstly, the chemicals in certain products are prohibited in some states, so be sure to read your local guidelines thoroughly before ordering from an unfamiliar brand. And if you’re looking for a cleaning solution that can handle more than just brakes, certain options are a little more versatile than others. We love the original CRC Brakleen formula for its unbeatable power that will have your greasy components clean faster than the competitors. This super-strong solution works its magic in just minutes, but chlorinated brake cleaners are restricted in some states. If you’re looking for a brake cleaner that leaves no room for legislation confusion, the Brakeleen 50-state formula will ship to all corners of the US without issue. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner
When you’re combating the toughest grime on your auto parts, an extra-strong cleaning solution is sure to speed up the job. Brakleen uses powerful chlorinated solvents to tackle the hardest grease and oil, meaning you’ll get the job done in no time. It also makes quick work of brake dust and other contaminants that might be left on your parts, so you can clean even the filthiest components without needing any other products.
Pros:
- This solution dries fast, meaning your freshly cleaned parts will be ready for reassembly faster.
- Non-chlorinated brake cleaners often contain flammable chemicals, but not this one. The non-flammable formula means you won’t have to worry about fire hazards as you work.
- The powerful cleaning action isn’t just great for brake parts. It can also work wonders on wheel hubs and other engine components.
Cons:
- Chlorinated products are restricted in some states, so be sure to check local legislation before you order.
Berryman 2420 Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner
This powerful brake cleaner is hard to beat for the price, so you won’t have to cut corners if you’re hoping to save a few dollars. The heavy-duty non-chlorinated formula works fast to effortlessly dissolve grease, oil, and brake fluid. Just spray a generous helping on brake pads, rotors, springs, clutches, or any number of engine components, and they’ll be clean as a whistle after a quick wipe down.
Pros:
- This handy aerosol container makes it easy to cover hard-to-reach components.
- The compact container sits at just under 10 inches in height. It will fit snugly into your toolbox or can be slipped into a pocket as you work.
- Thanks to the non-chlorinated composition, this solution is also safe for use with plastic components.
Cons:
- This formula is extremely flammable, so be sure to take the necessary fire hazard precautions before you get to work.
SQ Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner
Clean up your act
Chlorinated brake cleaners won’t appeal to everyone, especially when you consider the differences between state regulations and general health concerns. This option from SQ Brake Parts is one of the best non-chlorinated brake cleaners we could find. It delivers a powerful and fast-acting solution to dissolve brake oil and other common residues, without the need for chlorinated solvents.
Pros:
- This aerosol includes a straw attachment for precision spraying, so you can hone in on the grime and avoid covering delicate components.
- Because this brake cleaner contains a high volume of acetone, it can also be used to strip paint and clean brushes.
- With some expert know-how, this highly flammable formula can also double as an engine starter.
Cons:
- Though chlorine-free, this brake cleaner contains chemicals that are prohibited in some states. Be sure to check local regulations before you order.
Permatex 82220 Non-Chlorinated Brake And Parts Cleaner
Green is clean
If you’re working with aluminum components, you’ll want to be sure that you’re using a suitable brake cleaner. Some formulas contain chemicals that produce a harmful byproduct when used on aluminum alloys, but not this option from Permatex. This solution is made with aluminum in mind, with a carefully blended solution that helps to manage EPA halide limits and avoid chlorinated solvent run-off as you clean.
Pros:
- This non-chlorinated solution produces significantly less chemical odor than competitors, making it a great choice for work environments with less ventilation.
- Thanks to a penetrating cleaning action, this brake cleaner can be applied to components without disassembling them first.
- The high-pressure nozzle is great for targeting hard-to-reach spots and means that you’ll avoid accidentally covering unintended areas in the process.
Cons:
- If you’re working with the dirtiest brakes, a single 14.5-ounce aerosol might not provide enough to get the job done.
CRC Brakleen 05050 50 State Formula
Far and wide
If you want to be sure that your product will arrive with no unwelcome surprises, no matter where you are, the Brakeleen 50 State formula is the option for you. This brake cleaning solution is carefully formulated to meet VOC requirements in all 50 states, so you won’t have to study the ingredients list or dense state legislation to be sure that this package will make it to your door.
Pros:
- Brakleen can also be used to clean the metallic components of other things, like firearms.
- The wide and powerful stream from this aerosol can is great for tackling larger components.
- Several multi-buy discounts are available, offering savings if you like to keep stocks full.
Cons:
- This non-chlorinated formula isn’t as strong as the original chlorinated Brakleen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners?
Aside from the obvious inclusion of chlorinated compounds, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing between these two types of brake cleaning formulas. Chlorinated options will produce powerful fumes when working, so they should only be used in well-ventilated working environments. Because of the resulting solvents that are produced when using chlorinated brake cleaner, their use is prohibited in certain states, such as California and New Jersey.
Can I use brake cleaner on plastic components?
Though these chemical solutions will remove grease from metallic parts with ease, you’ll want to take care before applying them to paintwork or plastic components. Most of the formulas we found contain chemicals that will erode plastic and strip paint, so be extra careful when applying to components nearby. If you’re after an option for cleaning plastics, be sure to read the label thoroughly beforehand for advice.
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