Posted 2013-10-23 11:38 AM (#155493) Subject: Grease on the brakes
Veteran
Posts: 236
Location: Little town in Pa
While getting my trailer inspected I was told that the last person to grease and pack the bearings got grease on the brakes and now the brakes and the magnets all need replaced. Can that much damage to done by just some grease?
Posted 2013-10-23 11:54 AM (#155495 - in reply to #155493) Subject: RE: Grease on the brakes
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
The magnets can be cleaned. The brake shoes can attempted to be degreased with an aerosol cleaner, but usually it is a waste of time. New shoes and a proper cleaning of the hubs will ensure a properly operating system.
Posted 2013-10-23 5:53 PM (#155498 - in reply to #155493) Subject: RE: Grease on the brakes
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Had a truck mechanic tell me if you don't replace the pads and have the down time available then clean them with brake cleaner, then let them dry, then take your oxyacetylene torch and pass it back and forth over the pads to cook out any grease embedded in the pads. After they cool off clean them again with brake cleaner. No warranty offered, as I have not had to do this yet...
Posted 2013-10-25 1:25 PM (#155539 - in reply to #155493) Subject: RE: Grease on the brakes
Regular
Posts: 79
Location: Hopkinsville, Ky
I recently had my bearings packed. The guy got a little slap happy. I sanded the pads with 220. Then passed a torch over them. It took longer to fix, than it would have taken me to pack them to begin with.