On the restart of my van this spring, moved it around the yard and up and down the road to warm the new motor job up some and then found that the rear drivers side brake cylinder was leaking. I have taken all parts out and cleaned them, used a new cylinder and am reinstalling things. After scraping and cleaning (with brake cleaner) the pads, I'm thinking of reusing them as they seem to have cleaned up very well, no swelling or residue left on them. Anyone know if the brake fluid on the pad will do "bad things" once reused, I'm wondering about when they get hot etc. ???
If it was only a small amount you may have got to it before it has had a chance to soak in in which case it could be fine. If your efforts haven't been successful then you will feel the effect of it if you do a stop somewhere safe just using the handbrake then if its no good the van will try to pull to the nearside. As for heating up, at worst you might briefly smell it...nothing more. Don't forget to wipe round the inside of the brake drum too.
I heard somewhere that putting them in oven and baking them would expel any fluid in the shoes, maybe worth a google to see how/if it works
you can use a blow torch to burn any contamination out of them gently, watch until the smoke dissapears. i have done this hundreds of times on brake shoes that cost more than a few days labour so worth it, they are designed for high heat etc remember. assuming your in nova scotia im assuming ther isnt anyone to supply them nearby.
if it was mine i would just leave it as it is and drive it if the shoes were darkened by excess fluid then i would replace them so as always do what you feel is right for you
Thanks everyone. I've had a look at them again and feel I'll take the chance with them and do a trial run around the village to see now things "heat up". All traces of contaminants are gone and they look like new. Thanks!
