can i clean brake fluid of of brake shoes

[modelageek]

I replaced my brake shoes about 12k miles ago. I did not clange the wheel cylinders because the lines are rusty. I was planning on changing the flex hoses and the lines along with the 2 wheel cylinders this spring. I have a feeling a wheel cylinder is leaking. my question is I always was told that if you get brake fluid on the shoes you need to change the shoes........is this still true?.......if I do have fluid on them can I clean them with a brake cleaner..........

 

[Mark_88]

I've never had a problem with cleaning off the shoes, but, then again, they are fairly inexpensive so replacing them would be a better idea...I guess it depends on how much fluid you got on them...if they are soaked in it then might be harder to get it off...the pads themselves are not very absorbent...I would fix the leak first...then replace the shoes...

The rear cylinders are fairly easy to replace and if you are going to replace the flex line and the rear feeder lines are rusty then you could replace those also...I did my rear brakes complete for less than $100 including the lines, shoes, cylinders, and fittings...even the connector off the flex line...

If you're in a situation where cash is tight...you may still need to fix the cylinder and replace whatever line needs it most...

Get a flaring tool and a cutter and go to it...it really doesn't take that long...

 

[fix_or_repair_daily]

When I was doing mechanic work for a locally owned body shop, a couple of times people brought beaters in that they didn't want to put any money into. I replaced the wheel cylinder(s) and cleaned the shoes and hardware really good with lacquer thinner or brake clean, and put it back together. Brakes seemed to work good, and no one ever came back to complain. I probably would do the same for any of my own junkers if I were in that situation. Something newer or really nice, I would just shell out for new shoes.

Josh

 

[Ranger44]

As a rule of thumb, if there is brake fluid or axle lube on the shoes......they are DONE. Replace them. Warranty them.

Will they be ok....maybe.

But soaked shoes can do weird things, especially if they are cheaper ones.

Ever had a rear wheel lock up while doing highway speeds?.......?

Don't chance your safety or the safety of others.

 

[Diehardfordman]

I agree with replacement over cleaning. Shoes are not too expensive and is small price to insure your brakes are 100% functional. I remember my foreman telling to clean the shoes on freightliner I told him BS not if I working on it. The liablity is too great. If they fail and link it to shoes failing it come back to me. After a long fight I replaced the shoes. I am not going to prison because a class eight truck slammed in a family of six because the brakes failed. After that I returned to the HVAC field.

 

[modelageek]

thanks for the feedback. I probably will replace them. They are a pain to change though. At rockatuo I can get a good set of shoes and hardware for less than $50. I just was hoping they would last till the spring as I don't have a garage......