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Cleaning Brake Pads

2K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  bcroninuk 
#1 · (Edited)
What is the best way to clean brake pads when they have been in contact with brake fluid. I gave them a good clean and also some copper gease on the backs and that worked a treat but this morning I got caught out in the rain and the groaning and squeeling came back.

I have done some research and answers are either bin and replace the pads or give the pads a good scrubbing wtih brake cleaner and set fire to them to burn the fluid out.

What are your thoughts. I would rather clean them than shell out £80 for a full front set.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Yep, I done the brake cleaner before and the copper grease but as soon as the bike got pissed on by the rain it all started again. I don't ride when it rains, but I just got caught out. I have taken the pads out and scrubbed the shit out of them and the discs. When it is dry I will take her for a spin and see what happens.

BUT.. what if the brake fluid has soaked into the pads? I have sprayed them heavily with brake fluid, set them on fire and then scrubbed the fuckers as adviced from a few sources... see what happens.
 
#5 ·
set fire to them?:O if mine get fluid on them i just wipe it off. copper slip is a waste of time it just helps the road shit stick to the pistons. i never use copper slip and my brakes are fine. no scwecking
 
#6 ·
You're right, the fluid has soaked into the pad (especially if they are ceramic). The squelching and squealing will not stop until you have worn through that portion of the pad. Depending on long it touched the fluid is how deep it has soaked into the pads. I had this problem with my truck when I replaced them. I didn't lose any stopping power so I doubt you will either.
 
#8 ·
+1 on that army, personally i would just replace the pads instead of going through all the work trying to scrub out the brake fluid. if you do end up replacing the pads again, i would keep them around just incase you need them for an emergency or something.
 
#7 ·
I will scrub the shit out of the them and loose a millimetre of the pads at most and see what happens. Not the end of the world, just buy new ones if I really have to!
 
#9 · (Edited)
Well after all that cleaning, scrubbing and a nice dab of copper grease on the backs it all worked out well... until.... I took the bike to the jet wash. The brakes started groaning again (just before the bike comes to a halt). It only lasted 10 minutes or so until the brakes where dry and hot. So it appears this groaning noise only happens when the brakes are wet. Never had this before???
 
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