Cleaning Salt from a Hub Motor

[neilr1967]

I have a !000W BMC Hub motor and live in Milwaukee WI. Similar weather to Canada I would assume. Anyway...what should I use to clean the salt residue from my hub motor after riding? Maybe this is a dumb question but I assume I should use water.

Thanks,

Neil

 

[Lock]

Hey Milwaukee... Canada here ;-> Depends a lot on what part of Cda yer tapping about... like sayin' Milwaukee weather is like Miami weather `cause they are both USA hehe...
Like you I am cuddled up to a big warm lake that tends to moderate things... a lot compared to eg Winterpeg or Iowa Nebraska et al. But yah, waaay too much salt in the slush. A shame really as I lived in a "car free" community for ten years where like other places they only used sand. Wonderful clean hard-packed snow and none of the dirty toxic road slush some folks think is normal. So ya, winters here like Milwaukee, `cept we have better beer so the winters just *seem* nicer... Anywhoo, best I've found for a layer of salt/slush is an electric kettle. Not for a hub but for Currie-built scoots where the motor and chain and a lot of stuff is *buried* in salt slush some daze. With a hub, the slot where the wires exit from the hollow axle should be facing down, and the wires should have a "drip loop" as they exit the axle but otherwise I believe you are good-to-go with some hot water.
Cheers...eh?
Lock

 

[grindz145]

I recommend S100. Its a really great solvent. It is very aggressive, do don't leave it on more than a few minutes and wash it out REALLY good with lots and lots of water. Check out the 'Improved weatherproofing Idea' thread as well, lots of good ideas there.

 

[Chalo]

I have a !000W BMC Hub motor and live in Milwaukee WI. Similar weather to Canada I would assume. Anyway...what should I use to clean the salt residue from my hub motor after riding? Maybe this is a dumb question but I assume I should use water.

Copious irrigation with clean water is the best thing. Half-hearted rinsing will leave salty water in the device, which could be just as bad as not rinsing it at all.

Be sure to unplug the hub from its power supply until it dries or it's time to ride again. Even if not enough current flows to cause short circuiting, voltage plus moisture and electrolytes can promote extra corrosion.

The best treatment is to move away from any miserable hellhole where idiots throw salt in the roads.

Chalo

 

[rkosiorek]

salt can speed the corrosion and piting of aluminum surfaces. ask anyone with an airplane, boat or Airstream trailer.

even painted surfaces can be damaged.

after cleaning it is good to seal the surface with some kind of wax. for anodized or bare metal surfaces a good mag wheel polish is good. for paint marine boat wax works well. it is also easier to clean the salt off of the waxed/polished surface as well.

rick

 

[lifepo4ever]

I bought at my canadian tire store this product go take a look : http://www.corrosionfree.com/automotive.htm

its :
USES

Electrical
Electric motors, starters, generators, alternators, switches, terminals, rheostats, circuit panels, ignition systems, light sockets and any electrical point of contact.

Mechanical
Pre-assembled metal parts, winches, pulleys, bearings, shafts, bushings, hinges, cables, aluminum wheels, steel rims steel or aluminum castings and anything that moves.

Appearance / Detailing
Doors, trunk lids, engine hoods, lapped seams and joints, nuts, bolts, chrome and aluminum accessories, and basically anything requiring protection from the elements.

BENEFITS


* Terminates rust and corrosion in all metals
* Clean, clear, DRIPFREE - no sticky residue
* Dissolves and neutralizes existing rust and corrosion
* Penetrates the start of new corrosion
* Protects paint from blistering at edge of lapped seams
* Stops electrolysis between dissimilar metals
* Protects UnderBody including brake and fuel lines
* Penetrates deeply and lubricates
* Repels salt water and moisture
* Will not wash off with water
* Heavy Duty gel formula for extended protection

METHOD OF APPLICATION


* Formulated to be applied under high pressure to hidden areas using the CorFREE applicating system, or brushed / wiped on to exposed panels
* Can be applied to wet areas
* Apply every 18 months or annually as required

SPECIFICATIONS


* A proprietary blend of lubricants, moisture displacers, corrosion neutralizers and inhibitors
* Solvent-free - Odor-free - Non Toxic - Non Conductive - Di-electric 40,000 volts
* Non Flammable as a liquid - Low Fire Hazard - High Flashpoint
* Not a controlled substance - not subject to TCSA - not controlled by WHMIS
* Specific Gravity .86 - Boiling Point 260 C - Negligible solubility in water
* Non Carcinogenic - Light Green Color