[ecub]

I'm replacing the brake pads on my Cannondale with Kool Stops. I want to clean off the black crap left from on the rims from the old brake pads. What's the best way to clean them off?

 

[sprknranger]

I'm using 600grit wet sandpaper and it seems to work real good. Just take care not to take off too much rim material while doing it.

 

[mtnbiker72]

I've used 3M Scotch Brite pads for years, cleans the glaze off the rims without removing rim material.

 

[sprknranger]

I've used 3M Scotch Brite pads for years, cleans the glaze off the rims without removing rim material.

That's a good point...I should have mentioned to use something less abrasive first to see if that can do the job. In my case, the rim/shoes were neglected by the previous owner pretty bad and I couldn't just "clean" them, I had to resort to the sandpaper.

 

[ecub]

Which color Scotch brite pads? Each color signifies a grit. If you're using the common green ones, they're around 600 grit.

Here's a list of their color and grit.

3M Scotch Brite Nylon Pads:
7445 - White pad, called Light Duty Cleansing - (1000 grit)
7448 - Light Grey, called Ultra Fine Hand - (600-800 grit)
6448 - Green (?), called Light Duty Hand Pad - (600 grit)
7447 - Maroon pad, called General Purpose Hand - (320-400 grit)
6444 - Brown pad, called Extra Duty Hand - (280-320 grit)
7446 - Dark Grey pad, called Blending Pad (180-220 grit)
7440 - Tan pad, called Heavy Duty Hand Pad - (120-150 grit)

 

[gmcttr]

I've always used the green Scotch Brite pads 'cause that's what I had. I "wet sand" using water or alcohol.

 

[mtnbiker72]

Which color Scotch brite pads? Each color signifies a grit. If you're using the common green ones, they're around 600 grit.

Here's a list of their color and grit.

The ones you buy at Safeway...Green

 

[ranier]

Same here, green scotchbrite pads dipped in some water to get a wet sand effect.

 

[estabro]

Which color Scotch brite pads? Each color signifies a grit. If you're using the common green ones, they're around 600 grit.

Here's a list of their color and grit.

I had no idea there were 7 different Scotch pads.

 

[ecub]

Awesome! Thanks guys.

I had no idea there were 7 different Scotch pads.

Yeah, I'm a bowler and resurface my own bowling balls. We use different grits to get the right surface we want. The smoother surface, the stronger the reaction. So we often use different sanding material, often looking for the least expensive one. Scotch Brite is one of the commonly used pads. I've only seen Green, of course, maroon, and (I think) light grey at either Menards or Home Depot. I've only seen the others online.

 

[shiggy]

The ones you buy at Safeway...Green

Yup, green pad and lots of water. Hardly takes any effort to clean the rims.

I just realized I have not done this in at least 8 years, because of disc brakes.