What is the purpose of cleaning the brakes and clutch, and when is it necessary?
As a rule, cleaning is carried out when replacing brake pads and discs (drums) or the clutch disc and cover.
When brake pads are replaced, fingerprints will inevitably be left on the brake discs or drums, and they have to be removed. New brake discs or drums are covered with a grease that protects them from corrosion. Friction surfaces covered with grease may fail to provide proper deceleration at the first braking – the car will simply not slow down. To avoid such problems, after fitting the pads the friction surfaces must be cleaned of grease by treating them with brake and clutch parts cleaner.
The same applies to clutch parts. When replacing the clutch disc and cover, always treat the flywheel and the pressure plate with brake and clutch parts cleaner before fitting the new parts, and then fit the new parts, trying not to touch the friction surfaces with your hands. If the parts are not degreased, the clutch may slip, overheat and fail.
