Bearing flushing questions

[Markanthony404]

I have researched this subject but I haven't really found much that I feel is accurate information. I definitely want to flush the bearings out on both my vintage 93 shimano Sustain and Shimano Calcutta TE GT. The reason for this is I am guilty of mixing lubricants in the past. I've heard people talk about using everything from lighter fluid to brake fluid. My biggest concern would be doing damage to the bearings, especially on the Calcutta TE. The TE has 11 bearings and most are the Anti-rust bearings. Give me some recommendations if you have done this successfully....Thanks

[lpquick]

Safest solution to use that works is Simply Green & water, won’t hurt plastic parts.

[e_bassfisher]

i use acetone. the type you get in a hardware store, not nail polish remover!

edit: if you start with soap/degreaser solution(like simple green and water), that is ok....but i would definitely follow up with a solvent so that you remove all residue that can be left by soap and/or water

[cndbasshunter]

I have researched this subject but I haven't really found much that I feel is accurate information. I definitely want to flush the bearings out on both my Shimano Sustain and Shimano Calcutta TE GT. The reason for this is I am guilty of mixing lubricants in the past. I've heard people talk about using everything from lighter fluid to brake fluid. My biggest concern would be doing damage to the bearings, especially on the Calcutta TE. The TE has 11 bearings and most are the Anti-rust bearings. Give me some recommendations if you have done this successfully....Thanks

i use brake cleaner or acetone....

[Jeffbro999]

I use brake cleaner or carb cleaner and then acetone to remove any residue on ARBs

[mrpao]

I use lighter fluid.
I don't think what you use is as important as using an ultrasonic cleaner.
The vibration is what really gets the gunk out of the bearings.
There is normally a color change in the cleaning solution after running thru a good ultrasonic cleaner.

[Markanthony404]

Safest solution to use that works is Simply Green & water, won’t hurt plastic parts.

Are you sure that's safe? I don't know if I feel comfortable using water on those bearings

[Markanthony404]

I use lighter fluid.
I don't think what you use is as important as using an ultrasonic cleaner.
The vibration is what really gets the gunk out of the bearings.
There is normally a color change in the cleaning solution after running thru a good ultrasonic cleaner.

The ultrasonic cleaner sounds like a pain in the ass.. I'll probably end up just using acetone but how long should I soak them?

[Jeffbro999]

With shielded bearings an ultrasonic is the way to go. I only buy the shieldless bearings now for ease of cleaning. Blasting them with brake/carb cleaner to get them spinning works quite well without the need to buy an ultrasonic.

[Markanthony404]

With shielded bearings an ultrasonic is the way to go. I only buy the shieldless bearings now for ease of cleaning. Blasting them with brake/carb cleaner to get them spinning works quite well without the need to buy an ultrasonic.

What kind of an ultrasonic cleaner & how much does it cost? The sustain has three bearings that are shielded, I believe the rest of them are unshielded. The calcutta most of the bearings are unshielded so I might not need it.

[Jeffbro999]

I have a 1L Eumax and I believe it cost me around $150 on EBay. I used to use it all the time but not much anymore, don't have the need. It is handy though when needed. A cheaper/smaller model is all you would need for bearings though. Another option would be to remove the shields.

[Markanthony404]

I have a 1L Eumax and I believe it cost me around $150 on EBay. I used to use it all the time but not much anymore, don't have the need. It is handy though when needed. A cheaper/smaller model is all you would need for bearings though. Another option would be to remove the shields.

Yeah definitely not worth it, i'd be better off just to buy new bearings. What kind of a tool should I use to remove the shields?

[Jeffbro999]

The shields on Shimano bearings are usually pressed in shields making them difficult to remove. I use a small pick and try to pick out the shield against the inner race. You have to dent the shield inward first to make an edge to pick on.I have messed up a few bearings in the past but not many, it can happen though if you punch the shield to far in making contact with the cage. If they have shield retainers use a small sharp hook to catch the edge of the retainer and pop it out. I wouldnt want you to trash your bearings by accident so I would try blasting them with brake cleaner first and see if that helps or try a little soak and shake in a jar, especially for the spinner as it wont effect casting distance if there is anything still in them when done.

[DougL58]

I use Naptha. Very good and leaves no residue. I mount my bearings on a spindle and use my Dremal tool to spin them at high speed in a small jar of Naptha. Fast and clean.

[Strewth]

I use Naptha. Very good and leaves no residue. I mount my bearings on a spindle and use my Dremal tool to spin them at high speed in a small jar of Naptha. Fast and clean.

+1 for this suggestion. Works a treat and you can also use acetone too.