Why Clean Brake Pads?

1. Ensure Braking Performance and Safety

The coefficient of friction between the brake pads and brake discs directly determines the braking effect. Any contaminants will disrupt this pure frictional relationship.

(1) Prevent Decreased Braking Performance ("Softening Brakes")

Oil Contamination: If grease from your hands or tools gets on the brake pads when replacing them, or if there is a leak in the brake caliper or brake lines, the grease will soak into the brake pads.
Consequence: Grease forms an oil film between the brake pads and brake discs, like applying lubricant to the two friction surfaces. This severely weakens the friction, leading to a significantly longer braking distance, which is extremely dangerous.

(2) Eliminating Braking Noise ("Screeching/Noise")

Dust Accumulation: Brake pads generate dust during operation. This dust, combined with moisture and oil in the air, may form a hard glazing layer or accumulate on the edges of the brake pads.
Consequence: When the brake pads rub against the brake discs, these hard spots or uneven contact will generate high-frequency vibrations, producing a piercing scream. This unusual noise is not only annoying but may also be a sign of poor braking performance.

(3) Avoiding Vibration and "Steering Wheel Shaking"

Uneven Contamination and Transfer: If the brake pad surface is unevenly covered with contaminants (such as thick dust or oil), or if the material itself decomposes due to overheating and transfers to the brake disc, it will cause an uneven brake disc surface.
Consequences: When you brake, an uneven brake disc will cause severe pulsating vibrations in the brake pedal and steering wheel, seriously affecting braking comfort and safety.

2. Protecting Brake System Components and Extending Life

(1) Protecting the Brake Disc

Hard contaminants (such as grit or metal shavings) adhering to the brake pads will act like sandpaper, severely abrading and scratching the smooth surface of the brake disc, causing the brake disc to fail prematurely. Replacing the brake disc is far more expensive than replacing the brake pads.

(2) Ensuring Normal Brake Pad Wear

Contaminated brake pads cannot make even and smooth contact with the brake disc, leading to uneven wear and abnormal wear of the brake pads themselves, shortening their normal service life.

3. Maintenance for Special Situations

Cleaning or inspecting brake pads is necessary in the following situations:

When replacing new brake pads
This is the most important time to clean them. Before installing new brake pads, the brake calipers, mounting brackets, and brake disc surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned with a dedicated brake cleaner. This ensures the new brake pads start working in a "clean" environment, performing at their best and preventing abnormal noises caused by old dust.

After driving through water or off-roading
After driving through deep water or muddy sections, the braking system will accumulate a large amount of mud and water. Water can cause rust, while mud accelerates wear. Cleaning afterwards removes these harmful substances.

When you notice a decrease in braking performance or abnormal noises
If you feel the brakes are not sensitive or hear abnormal noises, consider removing the brake pads for cleaning during inspection. Check the surface for oil, enamel, or foreign objects.

4. How to Properly "Clean" Brake Pads?

"Cleaning" here does not mean using water or ordinary cleaning agents, but must use a professional "brake system cleaner."
Why can't you use ordinary cleaning agents? Ordinary cleaners may leave oily residue, which can contaminate brake pads. Brake system cleaners, on the other hand, are specially designed to quickly dissolve oil, grease, and brake dust, and evaporate completely within a short time, leaving no trace.

Operating Procedure (Brief):
Remove the wheels.
Remove the brake pads from the calipers.
In a well-ventilated area, spray brake system cleaner onto the brake pads, calipers, and brake discs.
Use a stiff brush (such as a brass brush) to remove stubborn dirt and rust.
If there is a glossy finish, lightly buff the brake pad surface with fine sandpaper.
After all parts are completely dry, reinstall.