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Clean

Clean the rim braking surface

Remove the black grime from the rim sidewalls and brake blocks, pick out embedded metal chips, then test the brakes. For rim brakes that squeal or slip.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15 minutes

This guide is still being written: only the main steps are described for now.

Safety

  • A rim whose wear indicator has gone, or whose braking track is dished, can burst under tyre pressure. Do not clean it to keep it: have it replaced.

Tools you need

  • Isopropyl alcohol

  • Clean rags

  • Brush

    Otherwise: Clean rags

Step 2Clean the rim sidewalls

Dampen Clean rags with Isopropyl alcohol and wipe the braking track on both sides of the rim while turning the wheel, until the rag no longer turns black. Avoid anything greasy, polish or lube.

Then scrub the surface of the brake blocks with a Brush (or else Clean rags) and pick out small embedded metal chips with a toothpick: they score the rim. Test the brakes at low speed before riding off.

See it on my bike

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