looking for clarification. It is my understanding that the bearings have a coating that can be compromised if used with a cleaner or solvent. I have read people using Simple Green, Carb cleaner, Kerosene, Purple Power... My thought that it's a cowboy wild west for cleaning procedures. So what should I stay away from?

 

If your rotor bearings really need that much cleaning you've got bigger fish to fry. The babbitt that coats the base metal of the bearing will be find with everything you've described, I just wouldn't soak it in purple power forever.

 

+1, all the stuff you listed is fine.

 

You will hurt the bearings more by scrubbing than by any chemicals, as long as the chemicals aren't caustic.

I usually use cheap laundry detergent (the $20 for 50 pounds Big Orange Box from Sears) and very hot water when cleaning at home, kerosene at work.

I'm still annoyed at the zig zag mark I put in one of my rotor bearings with a fingernail. After disassembling the engine 50,000+ miles later, the marks were still there, proof of my negligence...