cleaning/degreasing bearings

[John DelGato]

What works best for cleaning and degreasing bottom bracket and headset bearings?

 

[Couch tater]

Boiling hot water with a good citrus cleaner is a good environmentally safe method. Soak them in the hot water for a while and then scrub them with a toothbrush to get the old grease out. It usually takes a few attempts to get them clean. Scrubbing with gasoline is the old standby if you have a way to dispose of it.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

"I love the smell of Simple Green in the morning. Smells like... victory"

 

[Captain Awesome]

Purple power
Simple green
Hot water and Dawn soap
Kerosene

Brass brush
Scotch brite

 

[horsefarmer]

I pour some rubbing alcohol in a plastic jar and throw parts in and shake it and fish the parts out. Stubborn stuff gets toothbrush scrubbing.

 

[musclebikemadman]

I,m a kerosene guy, seems to work quickest on real old crap. I have used brake cleaner and it is super quick and powerful but really dangerous to the body. I use it sparingly and as a last resort. But when time is an issue I will carefully use it. And yes I use kerosene because I do have a place to dispose. The brake cleaner evaporates on its own but I assume at a cost to the environment.

 

[RustySprockets]

For the really crusty and varnished stuff, I prefer a small amount of Goof-Off poured in a shallow jar. Just like the other volatile suggestions, this comes with its own risks and disposal problems.

 

[John DelGato]

Thanks everyone!
I had thought about using mineral spirits just because i have some on hand, but I'm thinking I'll try the alcohol or one of the hot water methods.
I agree with Matti on the Simple Green. That stuff smells great!

 

[John DelGato]

I started with the rubbing alcohol then moved onto hot water and dishsoap.
I also repurposed a cheap electric toothbrush. For good measure, I hit them with my Wife's hair dryer.

 

[AndyA]

I also repurposed a cheap electric toothbrush. For good measure, I hit them with my Wife's hair dryer.

Uncle John:
Using your wife's hair dryer might be okay, but it's good that you didn't use her toothbrush. That probably would get you in trouble.

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

Simple Green and a shaker here primarily. Stubborn gets brass brushed and shaken again.