So what does everyone to clean pad material from aluminum brake tracks?

I have tried a number of methods and am looking for input on what works best.

Mavic used to make a cleaning block for that purpose which was very effective. Don't know if it's still available.

Windex and rag. I'm serious... Works perfectly - my LBS gave me that trick.

Rob

Whatever multipurpose cleaning product my wife allows me to use from under the sink. Honestly.

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Mavic rubber still available! Used on mine recently and came up a treat.

Usually I just wipe it off with a paper towel. But I had some persistent brake pulsing on an XR270 and cleaned its brake tracks off with acetone (on a paper towel). That cut the pulsing down quite a bit.

If the rims aren't too scuffed up, a paper towel with some isopropyl alcohol should do the trick. If they are real bad, then you can get what is called a gummy stone, usually reserved for tuning ski edges. They are pretty cheap, and should help to clean off any excess debris or imperfections.

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I found brake cleaner (the automotive product) works the best for me. Small amount on a rag and rims look brand new in a couple minutes.

I just use a green scotchbrite pad. Works great and can be used over and over again.

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White spirit works great (in The Netherlands we call it 'wasbenzine'). Way cheaper than most brake track cleaners.

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wasbenzine is something different than white spirit. It is a very effective cleaner for brake tracks
So is acetone, white spirit, dish washing soap and a scotchbrite pad, petrol, thinner, brake cleaner and isopropyl alcohol.

Just use whatever you've got lying around and also use the most effective cleaner: elbow grease.

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I would not advise to use acetone as this will dissolve decals and stickers that are not under the clear coat and it will dissolve some clear coats.

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What are the gummy stones made from? I googled it but didn't see anything.

What are the gummy stones made from? I googled it but didn't find any info about the material.

Thanks.

Good question actually. I am not totally sure on this one. If I had to take a guess though I would think that it is some sort of rubber compound with steel shavings in the rubber. They remove minimal amounts of material seeing as they are designed for 2mm thick ski edges.

If you decide to go with one, I would say go with the medium softness.

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