Published: October 14, 2026 | Last updated: October 14, 2026
TL;DR
- CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated (part 05088) is a fast-drying aerosol that strips brake fluid and grease from pads, rotors and calipers and leaves no residue.
- The non-chlorinated formula is extremely flammable, with a flash point of 0°F (CRC Industries product data, 2026), so use it away from sparks, heat and running engines.
- The red-can chlorinated version (05089) does not burn, but its tetrachloroethylene can break down into toxic phosgene gas near welding heat (Outside Groove, 2021).
- The standard 05088 can is restricted from sale in states with strict VOC rules, such as California and New York, where the low-VOC 05151 version is the legal choice.
- For a home brake job, the non-chlorinated can is the better all-round pick, as long as you work outdoors and keep it away from ignition sources.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Brakes Hub earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes our verdicts.
How we reviewed this product: we studied CRC's technical data, retailer specification sheets, safety warnings and owner feedback, and compared the different Brakleen formulas. We did not run our own lab tests.
What Is CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner?
CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated is an aerosol solvent that cleans brake parts in seconds and then evaporates completely. CRC lists it for disc and drum brakes, ABS parts, calipers, brake shoes and clutch discs (CRC Industries product data, 2026).
A brake cleaner matters because brakes only work well on clean friction surfaces. Fingerprints, grease or old brake fluid on a rotor can make new pads glaze, squeal or grab unevenly.
CRC Industries is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania (Outside Groove, 2021). Brakleen is one of the most common brake cleaners on US auto parts shelves, and CRC sells several versions, so the part number on the can matters.
How CRC Brakleen Brake Cleaner Works
Brakleen works by dissolving oil and grease, then flashing off as vapor so nothing stays on the part. The cleaning happens in three stages.
- The spray hits the part hard enough to lift loose dust and grime. CRC's Pro-Series can adds a PowerJet nozzle for a stronger jet (NAPA, 2026).
- The solvents dissolve brake fluid and grease. The bulk version of the non-chlorinated formula lists heptanes and isopropyl alcohol on its shipping label (CRC Industries, 2026).
- The solvent evaporates quickly and carries the dissolved dirt away, leaving a dry surface with no film to wipe off.
A simple comparison is rubbing alcohol on a greasy kitchen counter. It lifts the grease and disappears, with no rinse step.
CRC Brakleen 05088 Specifications at a Glance
The 05088 can holds 14 oz of non-chlorinated cleaner, uses carbon dioxide as the propellant and evaporates fast. The table below lists the published specifications.
| Specification | CRC Brakleen 05088 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Non-chlorinated organic solvents and alcohol |
| Net fill | 14 oz in a 20 oz aerosol can |
| Flash point | 0°F (-18°C) |
| Flammability | Extremely flammable |
| Propellant | Carbon dioxide |
| Evaporation rate | Fast |
| Safe on plastic | No |
| Federal VOC content | 657 g/L |
Source for all figures: CRC specification sheet published by FinditParts (CRC Industries product data, 2026).
Chlorinated vs Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner: Which Is Safer?
Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is the safer choice for most home mechanics, because chlorinated cleaner can turn into a poison gas near welding or very high heat. The trade-off is fire risk, since the non-chlorinated can burns easily.
| Brakleen version | CRC part | Burns? | Main hazard | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-chlorinated | 05088 | Yes, extremely | Fire | Home brake jobs with good airflow |
| Chlorinated | 05089 | No | Toxic gas when heated | Shops that need a non-flammable cleaner and never weld nearby |
| Low-VOC non-chlorinated | 05151 | Yes, extremely | Fire | States with strict VOC limits |
The chlorinated 05089 can contains tetrachloroethylene (AIH, 2026). In a 2021 report, racer Scott Wylie described passing out after welding parts he had cleaned with chlorinated brake cleaner by mistake (Outside Groove, 2021).
CRC's chlorinated label warns that heated vapors may break down into hydrogen chloride and possibly phosgene. CRC also uses can color to help buyers: a red can marks its chlorinated formula (Outside Groove, 2021).
Why Some States Restrict CRC Brakleen 05088
The standard 05088 can is restricted in many states because of its volatile organic compound (VOC) content. VOCs are solvent vapors that contribute to smog.
The CRC specification sheet lists sales restrictions in states including California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan (CRC Industries product data, 2026). In those states, look for the low-VOC 05151 can, which lists 21.4 g/L VOC and meets California's SCAQMD Rule 1171 (AIH, 2026).
How to Use CRC Brakleen on a Brake Job
To use Brakleen safely, spray it on cool brake parts in a well-ventilated space, let the runoff drain into a pan and let everything dry before fitting new pads. Follow these steps.
- Work outdoors or with the garage door open. Keep cigarettes, grinders, heaters and hot exhaust pipes well away, because the vapor can ignite.
- Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses. The spray can bounce back off the rotor.
- Put a drain pan or cardboard under the brake to catch the runoff and the grime it carries.
- Spray from the top of the part and let the liquid run downward. Clean the caliper bracket, the pad contact points and both rotor faces.
- Spray new rotors too. Many ship with an oily anti-rust film that must come off before the pads touch them.
- Let the parts dry for a minute, then fit the new pads. Bed them in using our bed-in guide.
After cleaning, apply the right grease to slide pins and pad contact points. Our brake grease guide explains which grease goes where.
Where You Should Not Spray Brake Cleaner
Keep brake cleaner off plastic, paint and rubber, because CRC lists 05088 as not safe for plastic (CRC Industries product data, 2026). The list below covers the common mistakes.
- Do not spray plastic trim, wheel covers or sensor housings, because the solvent can crack or cloud them.
- Do not spray painted body panels or painted calipers, because it can dull or lift the paint.
- Do not soak rubber caliper boots and seals, because long contact can dry them out.
- Do not spray hot brakes right after driving, because the vapor can ignite on hot metal.
- Do not spray into the brake fluid reservoir or open brake lines, because the solvent can contaminate the hydraulic system.
Pros and Cons of CRC Brakleen
CRC Brakleen's main strength is fast, residue-free cleaning, and its main weakness is that the non-chlorinated formula is highly flammable.
Pros
- It removes brake fluid and grease without disassembling the brake.
- It dries in seconds and leaves no film to wipe off.
- It is easy to find in auto parts stores and online.
- CRC offers low-VOC and Pro-Series versions for different needs.
Cons
- The non-chlorinated formula is extremely flammable.
- It is not safe on plastic and can damage paint.
- The standard can is not sold in several US states.
- A can runs out quickly on a full four-wheel brake job.
Common Problems When Using Brake Cleaner and How to Fix Them
Most brake cleaner problems come from dirty runoff, poor ventilation or spraying the wrong parts. The table lists the usual causes and fixes.
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grey film after drying | Dirt settled back as the solvent dried | Spray again from the top and let the runoff drain away |
| New pads squeal | Oil left on the rotor or pad contact points | Clean both rotor faces again and check the pad hardware |
| Plastic part cracked or cloudy | Solvent attacked the plastic | Mask plastics, and use mild soap and water near them |
| Strong smell or headache | Poor ventilation | Stop, get fresh air and move the job outdoors |
| Can not sold in your state | VOC sales restrictions | Buy the low-VOC 05151 version |
Who Should Buy CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated?
CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated suits DIY mechanics doing pad and rotor jobs in a driveway or a well-ventilated garage. It also suits anyone who wants to avoid the chlorinated formula's gas risk.
If you live in a VOC-restricted state, buy the 05151 low-VOC can instead. If you weld in the same workshop, keep chlorinated cleaners out of it entirely. For the rest of the tools you need, see our DIY brake job tools checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions About CRC Brakleen
Is CRC Brakleen safe to use on brake pads?
Yes. CRC lists disc brake pads, linings and shoes among the intended uses (CRC Industries product data, 2026). Spray, let it evaporate fully, and do not soak pads that are already glazed with oil, because those usually need replacing.
Is non-chlorinated brake cleaner flammable?
Yes. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is extremely flammable, and the 05088 can has a flash point of 0°F (CRC Industries product data, 2026). Never use it near sparks, flames or hot engine parts.
What is the difference between Brakleen 05088 and 05089?
05088 is non-chlorinated and flammable. 05089 is chlorinated, non-flammable and contains tetrachloroethylene (AIH, 2026), which can form toxic gases when heated.
Can I use brake cleaner to prepare metal for welding?
Never use chlorinated brake cleaner before welding, because heat can turn its vapor into phosgene gas (Outside Groove, 2021). Many welders use acetone or alcohol for weld preparation instead, and they let it evaporate fully first.
Why is CRC Brakleen not sold in California?
The standard 05088 can exceeds VOC limits in California and several other states (CRC Industries product data, 2026). The low-VOC 05151 version is made for those markets and meets SCAQMD Rule 1171 (AIH, 2026).
Does brake cleaner damage paint or plastic?
It can. CRC rates 05088 as not plastic safe (CRC Industries product data, 2026), and the solvent can dull or soften paint. Mask nearby plastic and paint, and wipe off any overspray at once.
Summary: Is CRC Brakleen Worth Buying?
- CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated cleans brake parts quickly and leaves no residue, which makes it a dependable choice for pad and rotor jobs.
- Its biggest risk is fire, so always work in fresh air and away from heat and sparks.
- Avoid the chlorinated 05089 can if you do any welding or cutting in the same space.
- Buyers in VOC-restricted states should pick the 05151 low-VOC version.
Check CRC Brakleen Non-Chlorinated on Amazon →
Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.