OK to use brake cleaner to clean around hyd fittings?

[sixdogs]

I need to take apart some loader fittings to put a lever quick coupler on a loader tractor. Naturally the fittings are all full of gunk and I would like them to be squeaky clean when I disassemble. My plan is to wire brush the dirt and oil off the connection fittings and clean up that way. But, for the final light gunk that remains, can I blast with brake cleaner before disassembly? Sure would make things easier and I don't think any brake cleaner could get in a closed system but figure I better ask first.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I use brake cleaner and sometimes silicone spray to clean around oily parts and tared up parts as I repair equipment for a roofing company.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Brake clean is designed to evaporate completely and leave no residues behind.

So ya totally safe to use in your situation. Well... be careful with your eyes. Not good for skin either.

 

[Redlands Okie]

The cleaner getting into the eyes is something to really be careful about. Spray back or splash is easier than you might thing. It’s a likely trip to the emergency room and will get your full attention if it happens...........

 

[Texasmark]

I use it all the time to degrease equipment. Some brands are paint tolerant, some aren't.....act like carb cleaner and dissolve everything.

On spray in your eyes, any time you are using aerosols with any kind of pressure protect your eyes and brake cleaners fit well into that category.

Had an accident a couple of days ago. Had a PB blaster spray can in the side compartment of a conventional lawn tractor/mower. Just barely fit and so to get it out, the bottom of the can was most accessible so I put my finger on the bottom to lift it out and in the process had to put pressure on it. Just so happens that the spout was pointed up, I was leaning over the can, and in pressing against the bottom the top was forced against the side of the compartment ejecting some contents right at my right eye. I didn't see it coming so I had no eye protection other than prescription glasses....which saved my eye from the spray. A quick dash to soap and water and all is fine.....lucky!

 

[WranglerX]

Not just spray cans... Was loading up weed killer in sprayer, and it splashed back and drop got into eye... Luckily hose was handy and washed out eye, but not fun....

Use a lot of the cheapest stuff you can get from FLAPS, like other say, eye protection and careful around paints...

Dale

 

[sixdogs]

I wore glasses for many years and they were my protection against sprays, etc. After I had cataract implants I had to make a conscious effort to remember to wear safety glasses. If you are in the same boat as me, remember to wear safety glasses and also to make sure they are impact rated. If they are they laser the info right into one of the lenses. It wouldn't take much to blind a person today.

 

[grsthegreat]

i just use my pressure washer. i was afraid of chemicals hurting rubber on hoses.

 

[fried1765]

i just use my pressure washer. i was afraid of chemicals hurting rubber on hoses.

^^^^^ What he said!

 

[Cataclysm]

I use WD-40 then hit it with air. No harm to rubber or paint.