Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cleaning Titanium Cassette
Q. For my mountain bike, I am using a Titanium cassette. After every heavy ride, mud/dirt & grease forms on the cassette. If I do not clean the cassette right away, the dirt sticks on Titanium which later on makes it very difficult to clean. I was in that condition lately; so I decided to put the cassette in a clean plate; then covered the entire cassette with baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and next I poured in vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I left it alone for 5 minutes and then rinsed it in water and the cassette looked almost like the day I purchased ir. Is this bad for Titanium?
Suzy Coldwaterbike shop - Florida
2006
A. Yes it is. it will erode the titanium and then whatever the cassette is holding up/together will break. VERY HARMFUL. Just soak it in sulfuric acid for a week or so. All dirt will be gone-no harm done.
John Mckconbak- Young America, Minnesota, USA
2006
A. What percentage/strength sulfuric acid are you suggesting, John, and why would you think that sulfuric acid would be less aggressive than vinegar or baking soda? Thanks.
I could be in error, but I believe that only some of the parts (like the larger sprockets) are titanium, and other elements may be anodized aluminum or alloy steel -- so it's tricky to suggest immersing in anything strong.
But solvents (like carburetor cleaner), unlike acids, probably won't harm metal.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006
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