Question about gt80 on brake pads

[KJB]

Apologies if this has been dealt with or not appropriate.

My son has MTB with hydraulic disc brakes. It was taken to a known bike shop for a service having not been ridden for a while. It's become apparent that they've basically just sprayed everything with gt85 including the brake pads that now squeeking and don't work properly to the point he can pedal with the brakes on full!! I'm reluctant to take it back, but my son is very good with fixing his bike. What's the best way to clean up his pads, if indeed that's the issue, which he thinks is.

Thanks for any help/ advice

 

[the snail]

I'd take it back and get them to replace the pads - or get them to give you a new set, ~I'm not sure I'd want to trust them with any work if they're stupid enough to spray oil on your pads. You might be able to clean them with solvent or in the dishwasher, but I wouldn't be that hopeful. I reckon they owe you a set of pads.

 

[Ajax Bay]

We don't know how long 'not been ridden for a while' is. Could be that this is an issue with the brakes and not with GT85 on the brakes (pads/discs). But 'yes' back to the shop: brakes need to work, whatever has caused their ineffectiveness. And OP took the bike in for a 'service'. This has to include making sure the brakes work. Once they have it sorted, go for a very short test ride outside the shop to provide assurance.

 

[KJB]

Sorry, it had not been ridden for approx 6 months due to a knee injury. I assumed a service would've included a brake check too! It's going to our LBS who sorted me out with a bike as obviously this is a safety issue and I need to know they work. Got a refund from original place as I put on my " mama bear" voice that still has hubby and kids running for cover lol

 

[Tom B]

If it's not been used for ages it could just be surface corrosion. If ever I get Overspray onto the rotors generally generated heat and lots of it gets the pads performance back. Sometimes you can see the pads smoke off the oil/crap.

To do this I usually go to the top of a big hill gather speed and stop hard using the affected brake. Repeat. Rather like bedding new pads in the car. Clearly the brake needs to be reasonable in the first placr to do this.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

To do this I usually go to the top of a big hill gather speed and stop hard using the affected brake. Repeat.

This is assuming you are still alive.

 

[KJB]

Ye still alive!! Don't think I've got the nerve to let him burn it off!! New brake pads ordered also a bleed kit so hopefully that'll sort the issue. Lesson learned and will let lbs service it in future.
Thanks for all your advice,much appreciated

 

[Cubist]

I love this place. Oil on the brake pads? Go to the top of a big hill and ride down it, with any luck the oil will burn off!

@KJB , whatever you do, don't try this particular piece of advice.

As a short term measure you can remove the pads and stick them in the dishwasher, and use some alcohol or brake cleaner to decontaminate the rotors. Otherwise, for the sake of a fiver or so order some new pads from Superstar Components or Uberbike. (*both have eBay outlets to help with choice)

 

[Tom B]

This is assuming you are still alive.

Just to be clear I mean when the brakes work, but have the annoying noise.

 

[KJB]

Don't worry there's no way I'd let him do that, whether his brakes worked or not! Tried brake cleaner with no joy so will replace and bleed them for peace of mind

 

[KJB]

Just to let you know, my son fitted new brake pads and discs and bled his brakes. They work perfectly! The brake fluid that came out was thick and black, how does that happen?

Note to self DO NOT entrust any of our bikes to the well know chain of bike shops that did the "service"!!