Tonsko Posted May 13, 2007 Report Share Posted May 13, 2007 I was using a pressure washer today to clean the .:R and caught myself trying to clean the wheels at full pressure, and realised that might not be a good thing for the brake system. After finishing the clean, I gave it a good couple of hard stamps on the brakes to clear any moisture on the discs and pads (as you would after driving through water). Could I have damaged my braking capability any? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGK512 Posted May 13, 2007 Report Share Posted May 13, 2007 I'd imagine the amount of pressure from the pressure washer is tiny compared to hitting a puddle at 70mph ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v6tas Posted May 14, 2007 Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I was using a pressure washer today to clean the .:R and caught myself trying to clean the wheels at full pressure, and realised that might not be a good thing for the brake system. After finishing the clean, I gave it a good couple of hard stamps on the brakes to clear any moisture on the discs and pads (as you would after driving through water). Could I have damaged my braking capability any? [/ QUOTE ] Dont think you will do the brakes any harm but pressure washers can be very damaging to your car. I learnt my lesson on my 4Motion when i used one and it stripped the lacquer of the front bumper. There was a stone chip that i hadnt spotted but the blast of water caught it and a £100 re-paint followed. It will do the same to your alloys too so i wouldnt use one mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McGee Posted May 14, 2007 Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 You should never use a pressure washer on the finest, needle point, setting on the car otherwise you can strip paint or force water and debris where it shouldn't go. Keep it on a wide band and you will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted May 14, 2007 Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 don't see a problem with pressure-washing brakes as long as you take care keeping the spray pattern nice and wide as mentioned above. it can be very good for the system to get all the dust that builds up out of the moving parts and after drying them off with a few miles careful driving should be absolutely fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted May 14, 2007 Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 ....Exactly my opinion too. It's a good idea just to prod the brakes to test them immediately after a wash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petsy Posted May 14, 2007 Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 [ QUOTE ] It's a good idea just to prod the brakes to test them immediately after a wash. [/ QUOTE ] shouldn't you just press the brake pedal?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonsko Posted May 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2007 The pressure band was fairly wide - prolly around 10" at a distance of around a foot. Thanks for advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolfgolf Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 What ever you do don't pressure wash your tyres, as you can damage the sidewalls and make them weak. This is not noticeable to the naked eye, but can be seen under a microscope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Decked Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 [ QUOTE ] but can be seen under a microscope. [/ QUOTE ] You have too much time on your hands! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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