Hub/Bearing Cleaning

[Brian G.]

What would be a suitable cleaning solution for the hubs and bearings if you don't have a Safety-Kleen style parts washer. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Alan D.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Mineral spirits or kerosene.

[Kenny C.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

I have found that Coleman stove fuel works very well as a cleaner and de greaser. Back in the day it was merely unleaded gasoline but now I think it is mostly Ethanol. It cleans like mad and it flashes off fast and leaves no residue. CAUTION like most solvents it is very flammable so no open flames and good ventilation that also means no smokes hanging out of your face while cleaning.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

I'd use kerosene.

I've been using it quite a bit for a project I'm working on, and even my 13 yo son is amazed how well it works.... especially since he's the one doing much of the cleaning.

Patrick

[Jean C.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Patrick, your comment regarding kerosene causes me to wonder....where in the heck does one buy kerosene these days...hardware store in pint cans? Used to be you pumped it yourself into your own container from the service station bulk tank. I haven't been shopping for kerosene however I'm just wondering what a common current source may be. Thanks.
Best regards,

[Dick W.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Mineral spirits are one of the safest solvents available to the general public. High flash point unlike ethanol.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Patrick, your comment regarding kerosene causes me to wonder....where in the heck does one buy kerosene these days...hardware store in pint cans? Used to be you pumped it yourself into your own container from the service station bulk tank. I haven't been shopping for kerosene however I'm just wondering what a common current source may be. Thanks.
Best regards,

I buy it from one of the local gas stations. Actually we have a couple of places in town that sell it.

[Tommy F.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

I know it is a little more expensive than plain Mineral Spirits, but "store brand" brake cleaner works very well....plus the aerosol blows the crevices clean.

Don't forget to wear eye protection!

[Terry M.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Patrick, your comment regarding kerosene causes me to wonder....where in the heck does one buy kerosene these days...hardware store in pint cans? Used to be you pumped it yourself into your own container from the service station bulk tank. I haven't been shopping for kerosene however I'm just wondering what a common current source may be. Thanks.
Best regards,

Charlie,
In the north we sometimes use kerosene auxilary heaters for localized heat in unheated areas. Ice fisherman use kerosene heaters to warm their ice shanties. I know you southerners don't know about such things, but there is a market for kerosene in the north.

[Jean C.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Terry,
We southerners were accustomed to burning kerosene in lamps but have since moved on to this new age electricity thing. I do recall visiting my aunts' home in Panola County, TX in the late 40's where the lighting was by kerosene, oven was fired by wood and the cooling of food was via an ice box. Its also where this I learned to not chase a tom turkey and box him into a corner...yikes!
Best regards,

[Terry M.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

We in the north have moved on to electricity also -- I am thankful for that has provided me a living for the last 40 or so years. We still find kerosene useful for spot and/or temporary heat, however, and thus it is commonly available to us. Some gas stations sell kerosene in the winter and high-test gasoline in the summer from the same tank and pump.

[Jean C.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Terry,
So...as a result you could get either high-test kerosene or low flash gasoline at the seasonal changeover. Interesting.

How many miles did you drive on day 2 of your return from San Jose? I seem to recall it was a high mileage day. My trip all up was 4,660 miles.

Cheers,

[Terry M.]

[Chuck S.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

Terry,
So...as a result you could get either high-test kerosene or low flash gasoline at the seasonal changeover. Interesting.

How many miles did you drive on day 2 of your return from San Jose? I seem to recall it was a high mileage day. My trip all up was 4,660 miles.

Cheers,

Charlie, I'm don't know about the Houston area, but when I was in El Paso, Home Depot sold kerosene in 5 gallon cans. It might be a seasonal stocking. (Personally, I would use mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleaning.)

Some people out there used those torpedo type heaters for construction areas and WELL VENTILATED structures. Unfortunately, there were a few carbon monoxide poisonings every winter, but I'm not sure those type heaters were the cause. I tried one in my double garage one winter before I installed gas heat, and found it stinked the place up, you were sweating or freezing depending on your location, and fear of CO caused me to in let cold air in faster than the heater could add BTU.

[Joe T.]

Re: Hub/Bearing Cleaning

What would be a suitable cleaning solution for the hubs and bearings if you don't have a Safety-Kleen style parts washer. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Most filling stations around here (Northern New Jersey) that sell diesel sell kerosene, but its seems pretty expensive. I don't know if it carries road taxes in this state. I have just started trying diesel fuel as a cleaning solvent and it seems to work OK.. i just drop part into a metal tub with an old oven rack on the bottom to let the dirt settle away from the parts. It won't flash or evaporate like the other distillates and the new ULSD stuff doesn't even stink like the old diesel. It may not clean as fast as gasoline, but its safer than gas and cheaper than mineral spirits. I wouldn't really trust gas in a metal container with the possibility of either a struck or static spark. Like said, I just started trying it and I' keep any one that's interested posted...Regards...joe