What to clean bearings with?

[JohnBSims]

Hey guys, new to the Board but I've been browsing for a while. Thanks to all who have helped me with rebuilds! Question, I see a lot about lubes and oils, but what is the beat way to clean the old grease & crud out of bearings? I have done a lot of rebuilding lately, namely on old Penns (Just restored the following Penn reels 77, 78, 85 Sea-Boy, 112 Ocean City, 112, 113, 114), but I've picked up some Tritons & Speedmasters, and don't want to use anything too harsh. All replies are appreciated! 

[handi2]

If you have plenty of time any solvent will do. You can fill a jar or similar with mineral spirits and let them sit. Especially the ones full of old grease.

Finish off with a spray product like brake and/or carburetor cleaner so it will spin and clean the bearing.

[JohnBSims]

Thanks! I have plenty of time, trust me! 

[Tiddlerbasher]

What Keith says + I put all my bearings in small glass jars - cover with IPA (any solvent will do, IPA is a bit safer) - Then place the jars in an ultrasonic bath - 3 to 5 mins and they are pretty much done. A quick shake in clean IPA, leave to dry a few minutes, they are then ready to re-lube.

[Cor]

I use either Lacquer Thinners and/or Acetone, toss the bearings in a small medicine container and shake a while and then leave to soak.

[sdlehr]

cover with IPA (any solvent will do, IPA is a bit safer) - Then place the jars in an ultrasonic bath - 3 to 5 mins and they are pretty much done. A quick shake in clean IPA, leave to dry a few minutes, they are then ready to re-lube.

*Note* IPA is isopropyl alcohol, NOT India Pale Ale, which might actually work if it had enough alcohol in it If you want to speed up the process a little use Naphtha or mineral spirits, then rinse with IPA before drying.... the non-polar solvents will work more quickly for grease.

Sid

[JohnBSims]

Thanks guys! 

[foakes]

Not always having the luxury of time to wait -- I use Lacquer Thinner in a small glass jar with a lid.

Lacquer Thinner is very flammable, but I have used it all of my life when doing stains and lacquers for woodworking finishes.  So I am comfortable with it -- and am also respectful of any flammable solvents.

Lighter fluid is good also -- but expensive for bulk work.

Some folks use fancier, or more expensive cleaners -- but for me, the Lacquer Thinner just dissolves off any grease and crud quickly and effectively.  A warm water rinse afterwards -- then a dry on a paper towel does the trick. 

Some guys use a small high pressure nozzle with their air compressor -- then they see how fast they can spin the bearing races with the air.  More damage is done in 2 minutes this way -- then a lifetime of fishing. 

Repack the bearings used in salt water with a good Marine Grease such as Penn, or Yamaha.

For freshwater reels -- I generally use a mix of Yamaha Marine cut with TSI321.

Wise mechanics have taught me to stay away from the kid stuff -- just get the job done properly.

Many different opinions and techniques -- this is just what works for me.

Best,

Fred

[JohnBSims]

Nice day at the office Foaks! I just got back from Lake Tahoe. Nice fishing trip!

[foakes]

Great, John --

Tahoe is a great fishery -- Macks, Trout, and more.

How did you do?

That pic of me in my boat is on Bridgeport Reservoir -- about 80 miles South of Tahoe on 395.

Been going there for 43 years now.

Best,

Fred

[JohnBSims]

Yes Fred, It is a great place! First time there. Awesome views! Got 2 large Macks, and a trout. They were delicious! The wind was bad that Saturday, but we caught fish. I wanted to fly fish the river, but it was raging and muddy with all of the snowfall this year.  Can't wait to go back next year.   

[sharkman]

All of the things stated above and sometimes if in a hurry will use aerosol brake cleaner.

[Gfish]

Most memorable flyfishing trip in the Sierra N. Mountains, was an October day hikin up the S. Fork of the San Jouquine R. in the Mammoth area. Light in the canyon was perfect, no wind and the caddis were goin nuts, as were the trout, and I had the river to myself. Sometimes it all comes together. Fall seems to produce the most trips like that in the mountains for me.
Brake parts cleaner short soak, then air pressure blow out, then longer soak with Inox MX 3. Spool bearings: drain exess inox, one drop light machine oil(to mix with leftover inox) install. Non- spool bearings: what Fred said, but I leave the inox residue to mix with the marine grease.

Did a Late Fall trip on L. Tahoe once. The fish were down there according to the captain/ guide and fish finder, but wouldn't move. Total skunk. Summer's probably best.
Gfish

[rippin_lips]

Are you guys soaking bearings with covers or seals?  I have always been concerned that the soaking agent would end up under the cover and stay there so I usually just soak in ReelX.

[alantani]

carb cleaner, maybe engine degreaser, never gasoline.