I have dis-assembled my steering componets and need to really get them cleaned.
Has anyone had any luck with a certain type of parts cleaner or a method/ process?
I believe they will need to soak for a while or even overnight. I have scraped off as much as I could.
I use a steam cleaner, but not everyone has access to one. The parts come out like new after a few minutes. But really, any solvent parts washer will do just fine, also if you want to use a really good degreaser, try Purple Power. It's the best I've ever used.
I use kerosene. It works pretty well at removing caked on dirt and grease.
However, some times it's worth paying someone who has the right equipment. Depending on how much room you have and how often you plan to do this, it might not pay to get something specialized. The last time I rebuilt a T5 I posted an ad on my local Mustang forums and found a guy with a professional style heated parts cleaner. For $35 the parts looked way better than I would have gotten them. I also didn't have to spend half a day soaking the parts and myself in kerosene.
I gotta say just one more thing as it relates to parts cleaning: no matter what you use to clean your parts, use protection. Never put your hands in ANY chemical cleaning solution, it doesn't just affect your skin, but your internal organs as well. Kidneys, liver, etc are ALL harmed every time you get solvents of ANY kind on your skin. I know right now you're saying that you only do it occasionally, you don't see how that's possible, your Dad did it for years with no problems and so on. But I got my job as a machinist because the guy I replaced, someone I knew for years got renal (sp?) cancer from having oils and solvents on his hands. It's not worth it just to get your crap clean. I buy nitrile gloves for about $10 per box and use them anytime I handle oils or solvents. Please think of your safety anytime you do as well.
Zookeeper, sure post that last post after I had to change the in tank fuel pump on my 03 Mach 1 two days ago and I spilled gas all over my face twice lol.
I was going to go with a more mechanical solution to start. For the suspension componenets, you can use a wire brush cup on an angle grinder and it will take that grime right off. An angle grinder is a good investment if you don't already have one.
Also, make sure you plug the holes in the control valve and power ram when you are cleaning them. You can screw the hoses back in and tape the open ends off with masking tape. It wont do you any good to have parts that are clean on the outside but dirty on the inside.