Brake fluid on disc - bad?

[cos]

If a few drops of brake fluid (DOT4) get on the surface of a brake disc will it burn off from normal use of the brakes or should the pads and discs be pulled and cleaned with "brake cleaner"?

 

[Volvohead]

I'd spray things down with some brake cleaner, but you don't need to pull the calipers or disks to do that.

 

[MonumentOiler]

+1

A spray can of brake cleaner is $2.

 

[unDummy]

Brake fluid will wash off with water. Simply hose it down with water. And yes, it'll just evaporate off.

Problem with brake fluid is whether it'll affect the pad materials or adhesives used. You risk future brake squeaking or squealing.

 

[mechtech2]

Pads are not super porous.
Don't worry about it. Wipe what you can and just drive it.

 

[gomes512]

Quote:

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Pads are not super porous.
Don't worry about it. Wipe what you can and just drive it.

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Worked wonders for me.

 

[onion]

I'd wipe it off and promptly forget about it.

 

[Volvohead]

The pads may not be all that porous, but enough oil can cause some glazing, which will reduce braking efficiency. A drop or two shouldn't cause much of a concern . . . but we don't really know how much he spilled ("a few drops") . . . and this is a safety critical system. I always err on the side of caution with brakes. A shot of brake cleaner costs under a quarter.

 

[Auto-Union]

Brake fluid makes brake pads crumble.

 

[Volvohead]

Depends on the pad composition, and you have to have to soak them in it to get that far.

A few drops won't cause material breakup.