Author Topic: I made a big mistake  (Read 1683 times)

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Offline ddanz27

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I made a big mistake
« on: March 09, 2011, 08:06:14 PM »
Being the newb that I am I used simple green to clean my master cylinder and front brake caliper. both of which are now coated in corrosion. I am afraid I have ruined all of my front brake components. I wanted to clean all the gunk off of the components before taking them to be blasted tomorrow but it looks like that might be a waste now. Should I just cut my losses and look for replacement components on ebay and not pay for the blasting? Is there anything at all that I can reverse this oops with? FML  :'(
1974 Honda CB350F

Offline Ernest T

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2011, 08:09:15 PM »
I use simple green all the time without issues, how bad is it and how long has it been rusting?  Blasting will remove the rust, but if its bad there could be some pitting.

Offline scunny

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2011, 08:17:53 PM »
if it's the white residue, don't sweat it. rinse in soapy water then clean water.
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Offline ddanz27

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2011, 08:18:31 PM »
Its not rust, its the white oxidized powder/crust that has covered everything. I can scratch it off but I am mostly concerned about the caliper cylinder, its not at all smooth any more. I am assuming the machined innards of the master cylinder are the same. I know Simple Green is safe in moderation but I had no idea soaking aluminum in it for a few hours would do this...
1974 Honda CB350F

Offline Roach

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2011, 08:40:47 PM »
if it's the white residue, don't sweat it. rinse in soapy water then clean water.

+1 it will wash out with soap
1978 CB550K Cafe Racer

Offline Lavis500

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2011, 08:47:31 PM »
Its not rust, its the white oxidized powder/crust that has covered everything.

It may not be red rust, but aluminum oxidizes in a white powdery crystallized crust.  However, nasty old brake fluid will dry in the same manner.  So, continue to clean and scrub until you can see all of your surfaces.  Smooth = ok!  Pitted = you might be in trouble.  Of course, it would all depend on the quantity of the pitting.

Just my $0.02.  No more, no less.
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2011, 08:49:47 PM »
Got pics?

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Offline flybox1

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2011, 02:55:36 PM »
Got pics?

mystic_1
+1 on the pics.
used SG on all my brake components with no probs...
scrub them in it again, and then scrub/rinse in hot soapy water.
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline ddanz27

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2011, 04:06:55 PM »
I did not take pics yet. I went ahead and took the pieces to the blaster. I will post a pic of the caliper cylinder when it returns. I am crossing my fingers that its alright, or if its not I am hoping a couple seconds of brake honing will do the trick.
1974 Honda CB350F

Offline ddanz27

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2011, 11:06:12 AM »
Alright fellas, I just got my brake parts from the blaster and wanted to share a few pics to get your advice... Its pretty hard to get the surface of the caliper cylinder in photo, the master cylinder is pretty obvious. Although, I think the area of the master cylinder with the pitting is safe that way... Tell me what you think.

Should I just get a brake hone and give it all a shot? If it matters at all, I have a new phenolic piston and new caliper seal all ready to go...
1974 Honda CB350F

Offline flybox1

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2011, 11:12:20 AM »
 :o :o  :( nice and clean. just what a blaster does, but i dont think i'd have had them blast the inside of your caliper as it increases the ID, ever so slightly.  :-\
you might have caliper ring and piston slack = poor pressure, leaky brakes, brake fluid on your discs and the inability to stop when you want to.... :o
might be nothing to worry about, just my $.02
« Last Edit: March 11, 2011, 11:14:20 AM by flybox1 »
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline TwoTired

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Re: I made a big mistake
« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2011, 11:14:36 AM »
The caliper is probably usable as is.  (Not really good to bead blast the inside, though.)

However, if the master cylinder bore (not the reservoir) has been bead blasted or corroded it will need to be honed shiny/smooth, or replaced if too much material has been removed.  Won't hurt to try it, I suppose.  But, be vigilant for leaks that attack paint and electrical plastic/electrical insulators.

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