White Lightning Clean Streak vs WD40?

[oldguy00]

Anyone use this WL product for cleaning BB bearings? Seems to be what BBinfinite recommends. Does it accomplish anything that plain old WD40 doesn't, before I drop another $20 on amazon...?

[GOTHBROOKS]

clean streak will remove oil and other kind of residues off your rotors. i would never spray a rotor with wd40.

[Dave]

WD-40 has oil in it. Why not just use mineral spirits? Spray can brake cleaner would also work, but it's not good for rubber seals.

[LouDeeter]

But, OP is asking about bottom bracket bearings, not brakes. I see no reason to spend much money if you are able to remove the ball bearings, clean them, and add new grease. Any inexpensive cleaner will work. If you can't actually get to the balls in the bearing holder, then by adding a thin cleaner of any kind, you will likely be exposing the grit that is in the grease, while washing out the grease. This will give you a grinding noise even if you are able to get some lube into the bearings after cleaning.

[tigoat]

I would use WD40 to clean the ball bearings but I don't think it is necessary. I usually remove the seal and then run a clean rag around the ball track a few times, re-grease, and then done. I think most of those fancy solvents are just a waste of money.

[zzy]

Clean streak is nice because it evaporates quickly, and won't penetrate seals as much a non aerosol. You should definitely not use WD40 unless it's a bike specific one for the intended purpose.