Gear oil on break pads.

[forestb]

Some gear oil was leaking into my rear drum break. The rear end shop said that they were able to clean off the little bit of gear oil that got onto the brake pads. I have always heard that if you get gear oil on the pads that they are pretty much ruined. Should I get new brake pads? I didn’t see how much gear oil was in the pads.

[Chevy nutcase]

Originally Posted by forestb

Some gear oil was leaking into my rear drum break. The rear end shop said that they were able to clean off the little bit of gear oil that got onto the brake pads. I have always heard that if you get gear oil on the pads that they are pretty much ruined. Should I get new brake pads? I didn’t see how much gear oil was in the pads.

I always ditched pads or shoes that got a bath in gear oil. They are likely wear out faster and to grab a lot faster and uncontrollably. I had an 87 blazer on 35s and without warning as I tried to slow from 50 mph to turn into a side street and unbeknownst to me the axle seal donated a nice portion of gear oil causing my right rear tire to completely lock up at the slightest touch of the pedal. Its cheap insurance so change the shoes on both sides of the offending axle after the seals are replaced. Check the bearings while it's apart

[Getter-Done]

I have never taken the chance on the oil-soaked brake pads.

The oil will crystalize the surface of the brake pad.

Here is actually a video that I just found.

Oil on Brake Pads, what to do - YouTube

[forestb]

How should I clean up the inside of the drum?

[Getter-Done]

You can clean the rest with brake cleaner.
Spray then scrape as much as you can.

Then use rags, Spray and wipe it down with the rags.

I am always careful washing my hands often and try not to breathe any of the dust.

[AcampoDave]

If the drums look smooth and kind of mirrored after cleaning, I like to scuff them with 400 to 600 wet n dry paper and use a bit of WD40 to kill the dust and lube the paper. Then I wipe them up good with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Pretty much like a Getter-Done version of having them turned.

[Cape Codder]

If you get oil leaking on the brakes check the vent hose from the rear end . Spiders are known to build a nest in the vent causing pressure build up and will make a good seal leak. Remove the hose from the rear and see if you can blow through it

[forestb]

Thanks for the tip. I have never really thought about the vent and what it is even there for.

[Cape Codder]

There to relieve pressure build up as the rear heats up

[dlbraly]

I agree.
Replace the shoes and just use Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner or something like it to clean the drums.
In one of the dealerships I worked at had a roll around brake cleaner station. It was a small parts cleaner station sat on a barrel like the ones you see at Harbor Freight. They wanted us to use it to cut back on costs of Brakleen. I liked it, it worked well.
I have not worked at a dealer in over 25 years.

[special-K]

The side that got wet will grab different that the uncontaminated side. Shoes are cheap and I always replace

[forestb]

I ended up replacing the shoos back in October. They are working great.