Oil on brake discs.

[wheresthetorch]

My 15 year old son decided to prevent the discs on his MTB from getting rusty by applying some 3 in 1 oil he found in the garage <sigh>.

I've managed to wipe it off the discs, but the brakes are still pretty ineffectual. I guess it's all over the pads.

Is there an easy fix? Would a squirt of brake cleaner do it, or is it a case of getting new pads?

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[Citius]

new pads please...and book your lad onto a course in applied logic...

 

[Yellow Saddle]

If the brakes were applied whilst lubricated with 3-in-1, the discs will need deglazing too. It is a nice elbow-grease and sore finger job that will suit the perpetrator just fine as a gentle punishment/reminder.

 

[Milkfloat]

Although I suspect it is new pads time and a bit of time on the discs, I have heard that putting the pads in a dishwasher can help - however, I would be surprised if it helps with 3 in 1.

 

[mickle]

Disc pad death. They cannot be revived after such abuse.

 

[Profpointy]

meths or a proper solvent like carbon tetrachloride (fairly nast stuff), or acetone - and some vigorous scrubbing with a kitchen scourer or wire wool.

 

[wheresthetorch]

Thanks all for your help - looks like it'll have to be new pads.

If the brakes were applied whilst lubricated with 3-in-1, the discs will need deglazing too. It is a nice elbow-grease and sore finger job that will suit the perpetrator just fine as a gentle punishment/reminder.

What should I (or rather he!) use for the deglazing?

 

[lpretro1]

If pads get glazed then just use a fine emery paper to buff them up. Pads cost very little anyway not worth faffing about with them

 

[Drago]

You cant try heating them in the oven to help the volatiles to evaporate, but 9 out of 10 you'll need new pads.

Emery cloth to deglaze, not too fine.

 

[Globalti]

No need for new pads; put them in the dishwasher on the hottest wash. There's nothing more degreasing than dishwash detergent, which is caustic enough to pit the surface of shiny bike parts made from aluminium alloy. Guess how I know this?

Clean the discs with IPA or glass cleaner then hot water with detergent. Or the other way round if you like.

 

[Tim Hall]

I often suggest people do what the OP's son did when the ask "how can I stop my brakes squeaking". Then I ask do they want them silent AND capable of stopping, in which case another method is required.

 

[lpretro1]

This is your son's safety we are talking about here. Ignore the rubbish advice some people are giving you - change them - we are talking £6-7 for his well-being for goodness sake

 

[Milkfloat]

This is your son's safety we are talking about here. Ignore the rubbish advice some people are giving you - change them - we are talking £6-7 for his well-being for goodness sake

He has got to learn somehow.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Time for some new pads. Forget the dishwasher nonsense....

 

[midlife]

Take the cost of the pads out of his pocket money

Shaun