How to Clean Disc Brakes on a Mountain Bike
Brakes feeling weak or sounding like a banshee? Time for a proper clean. Dialling in your disc brakes keeps performance sharp and unwanted squeals at bay—especially after muddy rides.
Here’s how to do it right using the essentials.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Disc Brakes
What you’ll need:
1. Watch Your Overspray
Before you even reach for the cleaner, be careful where you’re spraying anything else—like lube or protectant. Even a light mist near your rotors can contaminate them and destroy braking power.
2. Apply Disc Brake Cleaner
Spray Disc Brake Cleaner directly onto your rotors and pads. The fast-evaporating, residue-free formula gets to work breaking down grime and glazed pad surfaces. Wipe with a clean Microfibre Cloth if needed.
3. Re-Bed the Brakes
After cleaning, ride slowly and do a few controlled, firm stops to re-bed the pads. This restores proper friction between pad and rotor—giving you maximum braking performance and less noise.
Pro Tips
- Use a fresh cloth: Keep one microfibre just for braking surfaces to avoid cross-contamination with lubes or grease.
- Hands off the rotors: Natural oils from your skin can mess with braking—handle with care or gloves.
- Re-bed after deep cleans: Anytime you go all-in on a clean or switch pads, re-bedding is a must.
FAQs
Why use a dedicated disc brake cleaner?
Because general-purpose cleaners can leave behind residue, damaging performance. Our Disc Brake Cleaner is designed to evaporate fast and leave nothing behind—just clean, reliable braking.
