Brake fluid on disc pads.

RupertCommunicator
RupertCommunicator Posts: 734
edited August 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Like a mong, I neglected to upend my bike before undoing the bolt on my Avid Code 5 front caliper to screw on the bleed syringe. As a result a droplet of brake fluid ran onto one of my pads. I've tried to clean the pads and disc, but still noticed a massive reduction in braking power. I'm fully aware that you should replace the pads and use an alcohol on the rotor, but I would appreciate it if someone new a magic trick to clean the pads. Any herioc suggestions, or am I gonna have to shell out for new pads?

Comments

  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    Baking them in the over is supposed to help! :shock:

    You could also try Brake Cleaner, I use Muc Off's version, and it's supposed to "recondition" contaminated pads.
  • try de-greaser on your pads, it gets rid of oils and dirt and stuff like that, it should help on your brake pads :wink:
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    S_J_P wrote:
    Baking them in the oven is supposed to help! :shock:

    Certainly does! I've used this trick numerous times.

    Don't whack 'em in a Gas Mark 6 for three hours or owt, just wait until the oven's been in use and switched off, then pop your pads on a baking tray with the friction face uppermost and leave in the oven until it cools down.

    Hey presto! Oven fresh pads, good as new.
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  • i would rather spend a tenner and get new pads to be honest, not worth the risk of potential failure when you need to stop
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Thing is you're not going to do the pads any damage by doing this, they are manufactured at far higher temperatures, and generate a hell of a lot of heat in use. Sticking them in a cooling oven for 30 minutes isn't anything that they're not used to.

    I've done this with motorbike pads too and never had any trouble.
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  • Think I'll give the oven thing a try, went out today and the brake power was shocking, which is not what you need when riding DH! Am off out again Saturday, so haven't got time to acquire new pads. Will tell you if it works or not.