Is it safe to use a 2500 psi power washer to clean a mountain bike?
Student asked:
Hi I have a Gt Bike that is 17 years old. It has a few paint chips but the frame is in good shape. I just want to give it a little clean up because sand is stuck between the wheel axle, and frame. Do you think that a power washer would make it look brand new and shiny.Would the power washer chip off all the paint? What is the best way to clean the gears, and metal parts? Should i put them in a bucket of mineral spirit to get rid of all the sand? Thanks
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Filed Under Cycling |
Tagged With Gears, Good Shape, Wheel
Comments
8 Responses to “Is it safe to use a 2500 psi power washer to clean a mountain bike?”
Sure it should be OK, if your not worried about the paint job just hit it straight on but if you want to be careful try it on a small section to check. After you hose off the gears and metal parts hit them with some good old WD-40 or some 3 in 1 style oil.
You will not do any damage to your bike by using the power washer. Just keep the stream away from any stickers, the seat, hand grips, tires and the big paint chips you mentioned.
Do not use WD-40 as it only attracts dirt later - use a silicone based lubricant it will not bunch up like WD.
Happy cleaning!
A power washer isn’t going to make it shiny and new, but it will get rid of the dirt, along with more of the paint than is already chipped. If you really want to clean it, use a soft bristle brush, lots of soapy hot water, and a regular garden hose. Use the brush to get the sand loosened up in the gears, don’t dip them in mineral spirit. Compressed air can be used to dry everything off, then give it a good coating of lubricant. The only part I would dip in mineral spirit is the chain, and only if its really getting bound up.
No, if you value the bike. Take it apart to clean it by hand. I have a 4 year GT MTB. I commute on it so it gets very dirty. Your situation like mine. Take it apart, otherwise water will destroy bears and get into places you might not want water. I use stiff nylon bristle brushes, and rags that I (see-saw) soaked with simple green thru the parts. Yes this way takes time but will not destroy the parts from the pressure. Then use water-proof grease on the axles and brake supports, then bike oil on derailleurs, and white lightning on the chain and sprockets. (wax impregnated lubricant / will not attract dirt like oil) Happpy cycling.
Don’t do it. The damage is not in the paint, but that the water will get inside the hubs and what not. Unless you’re sending the bike for a complete overhaul, it’s not a good idea.
You can do some water with a hose (not at the strongest setting, more in the softer one) and only aim for the tubes (not where the hubs are (the center of the wheels). I think that’s the area you want to clean, so probably that means you will need to take care of it differently.
over all, I’d say no. the main reason is because powerwashers and even water hoses with those spray handles can force water into the bearing assemblies and other places you don’t want excess water or especially sand. i think most agree that even “sealed” bearings are never fully sealed. and it might take off the paint too (I thought most of the GT’s back then were chrome?)
you’d do better to wash it like a car: bucket of soapy water, a sponge, a tooth brush for those hard to reach areas, and a garden hose (with no attachment) to rinse. you can use WD-40 to get rid of the water (i heard WD stands for “water displacement”), but it makes for a horrible lubricant and makes your stickers fall off (it’s a solvent after all). follow up with 3-in-1 or other bike/chain specific lubes.
if you’re response is “but hey, it’s 17 yrs old…” and you want to risk the powerwasher, just be sure to aim away from any bearing opening (bottom bracket, headset, hubs). good luck.
Sure! It’s a good way to take all the grease out of the bearings, too!
NEVER USE A POWER WASHER ON A BICYCLE! A bucket of soapy water is all you need, and if your bike is really that dirty then you have neglected it horribly and should be shot.
It will be OK as long as you have the ability to turn the pressure down. Blasting the bike with a full 2500 PSI will not only take the paint off, but will force water and grime into the bearings while it forces the grease out.
If you can run the pressure down around 1000 psi, and don’t get right up in the bearings with it (stay a few feet away) you’ll get a good cleaning without damaging the bike or breaking the integrity of the bearings.
Professionals use power washers all the time, especially at a type of off road race known as cyclocross. It’s common practice to see a mechanic hosing a bike off with a power washer at professional MTB and cyclocross events.
I’ve been taking my bikes to a local do-it-yourself car wash for like ten years, and using the low pressure setting. I have yet to cause any damage.