I have accidently sprayed my MTB's disc brakes with an oil spray, they have lost all there power,?

Question

I would appreciate some helpful tips from bike experts? even got them checked from my halfords, and tried to adjust and wash them my self, but the bike would just not stop...........

Thank you in advance.

I repeat 'this was an accident, I had no idea that the spray cover area would be that wide', I am not insane .........................

Answer 1

Use a toothbrush to completely cover the disc both sides with washing up liquid, roll the bike a bit with the brakes slightly depressed, apply more washing up liquid and leave overnight.

Rinse thoroughly with water in the morning and break in carefully.

Answer 2

You don't necessarily have to replace the pads the problem is that the oil is embeded in the pad material. For best results you can steam clean them (if you don't access have a steam cleaner you can use a kettle but it's a bit of a faff) and you will see the oil coming off or put them in the oven, but that is also a bit of a black art. The easiest fix is buy some brake cleaner it's an alcohol based product, you can get this in spray form from places like halfords (it's best to go into that temple of clulessness with prior knowledge of what you want though) or soaking them overnight in a degreaser like 'Gunk' or similar, (petrol as mentioned) or even poring Coke on them (though you will have to ride them hard for a short period to bed them back in) should do the trick. I have personally used all of the above in the past, I find that steam cleaning is the sure-fire way to properly clean them, with Coke as an emergency fix, something I had to do while out on the bike to get me home. Where upon I steam cleaned them..

Answer 3

Try removing the disc from the bike and soaking it in petrol overnight, however if the pads have got oil on them then to regain the full braking power you woill need to replace the pads

Answer 4

I think trick here is to replace pads! Since you said that you have washed the disks but they still do not stop.I assume you still have the old pads (I am sorry if this assumtion is wrong... because it is very basic). If you have changed the pads and your discs do feel clean than you might have contamination in the disk seatings which is causing pads to get oil. I hope this helps. Ride safely and enjoy.

Answer 5

try spraying soft drinks to your brake pads and disc brakes (honestly) then let it dry after drying it try to rotate the wheel and use your brake to stop it. I do it all the time on my bike when that happens. But an annoying breaking sound you will hear will make your teeth a bit sick.

Answer 6

a few squirts of washing up liquid on the effected parts of the pads, spin the wheel, brake several times. give the pads a hard spray with water, spin the wheel and brake several times.
washing up liquid is always good for oil on most things ;-)
including hands and fingernails.

Answer 7

try sanding them down lightly with a fine grit sandpaper then wash it with isopropyl alcohol. repeat this once more. if it still doesnt work after that, you should buy a new rotor(s). you can get a cheap one for $20 or a racing disc for $80 (each) your choice. make sure the hub attachments are compatible.

Answer 8

Clean the Disks with petrol and replace the pads with new ones they are not that expensive.it's not worth risking your life for the small cost involved if you are pushed for cash leave the bike at home.

Answer 9

if i were u i would wipe them down with a paper towel and some water. The same thing happened to me it took a while to fix it. Stay with it. :)

Answer 10

Wow, who would have thought that spraying oil on your brakes would have that affect?