General

Any cleaning method may be used as long as it does not result in parts damage. Thorough cleaning is necessary for proper parts inspection. Strip rusted paint areas to bare metal before priming and repainting.

Always clean around lines or covers before they are removed. When cleaning parts:

Plug, tape or cap holes and openings to keep out dirt, dust and debris.
Clean and inspect all parts as they are removed.
Cover all clean parts with clean lint-free cloth, paper or other material.
Verify that the part is clean when installed.

Cleaning Threads and Threaded Holes

Always verify cleanliness of blind holes before assembly. Tightening a screw with dirt, water or oil in the hole can cause castings to crack or break.

To attain proper clamp load, always clean fastener threads and threaded holes prior to assembly.

NOTE

Never use a thread-cutting tap or die to clean threads.

Clean all threadlocking material from fastener threads and threaded holes.
Use a wire brush or thread-chasing die to clean fastener threads.
Use a thread chaser to clean threaded holes.
Use a mixture of 50 percent isopropyl alcohol and 50 percent distilled water or equivalent to remove all traces of oil and contaminants from threads.
Clear all threaded holes with low-pressure compressed air.

Cleaning Plastic and Rubber Parts

Never use cleaners containing chlorine or ammonia on plastic parts. Chlorine will cause parts to become distorted and brittle resulting in cracks. Ammonia will cause cloudiness and brittleness in windshields and cause non-painted parts to form a white haze.

Before cleaning, protect rubber parts (such as hoses, boots and electrical insulation) from cleaning solutions. Use a grease-proof barrier material. Remove the rubber part if it cannot be properly protected.

Rust or Corrosion Removal

Remove rust and corrosion with a wire brush, abrasive cloth, sand blasting, vapor blasting or rust remover. Use buffing crocus cloth on highly polished parts that are rusted.

Bearings

Wash bearings in a non-flammable petroleum cleaning solution. Never use a solution that contains chlorine. Knock out packed lubricant by tapping the bearing against a wooden block. Wash bearings again.

WARNING

Using compressed air to "spin dry" bearings can cause bearing to fly apart, which could result in death or serious injury. (00505b)

Cover bearings with a clean shop towel. Allow bearings to air dry. Do not spin bearings while they are drying. Never use compressed air to dry bearings.

When dry, coat bearings with clean oil. Wrap bearings in clean paper.