Replaced Brake Pads, Lost All Brake Fluid

[Iahawk]

Is that just paint peeling off the metal backing plates from contact with brake fluid? Brake fluid will peel any paint after extended exposure.

[monkeybongos]

Is that just paint peeling off the metal backing plates from contact with brake fluid? Brake fluid will peel any paint after extended exposure.

Could be paint, could be some king of plastic coating.  Hard to tell.  But the coating is unblemished on the 5 yr old pads.  And the fluid wasn’t even changed for 4 yrs (b/c I didn’t know better).  Besides, wouldn’t EBC coat them w something that isn’t affected by brake fluid?

Emailed EBC about this, but they are closed till Tuesday.  Hoping someone here could shed some light in the meantime.

[rjs987]

Could be paint, could be some king of plastic coating.  Hard to tell.  But the coating is unblemished on the 5 yr old pads.  And the fluid wasn’t even changed for 4 yrs (b/c I didn’t know better).  Besides, wouldn’t EBC coat them w something that isn’t affected by brake fluid?

Emailed EBC about this, but they are closed till Tuesday.  Hoping someone here could shed some light in the meantime.

Definitely paint peeling. And brake fluid will peel paint. No, the likely don't use paint that is resistant to brake fluid since, if all is working as it should, there should be no brake fluid getting on there to worry about.

I just received the new rear pads for my AK to have on hand (old pads are still in great shape and have a lot of miles left) and they are painted. Often brake pads are not painted so this issue is not experienced.

I have no answer about why the old pads were not affected like this. But then, you did originally say there was no leaking until you pulled out the old pads so likely didn't have any fluid on them.

[monkeybongos]

if all is working as it should, there should be no brake fluid getting on there to worry about.
That makes sense, Bob

there was no leaking until you pulled out the old pads so likely didn't have any fluid on them.
Correct

Think if I get all the peeling paint off, the pads will be ok to use?
What is the purpose of the paint, anyway?

[Iahawk]

yes, those pads will be fine to use if you scrape the peeling paint off of them. They may be a little more susceptible to corrosion without the paint coating protecting them but it will have zero effect on their ability to stop your scoot!

[Ruffus]

Do not know exactely how and what you did to this brake pads.
For security reason take new ones.
EDIT:
DOT 4 consists primarely of two components, glycerine and alcohol. This first part soaked into pads sinter material and is hard to get rid of, therefore my recommandation to renew.

To check leaking or not leave the caliper off shim, put a piece of wood or plastic between pads and pump.

[rjs987]

As Iahawk mentions, just remove the peeling paint and they should be good to use for a little while. They will rust faster without that paint protection but the pad material is likely unaffected. New pads would be best, but these should be good for a while.

[monkeybongos]

Do not know exactely how and what you did to this brake pads.
Think rjs987 explains what happened

For security reason take new ones.
EDIT:
DOT 4 consists primarely of two components, glycerine and alcohol. This first part soaked into pads sinter material and is hard to get rid of, therefore my recommandation to renew.
How will that affect function of the pads?  Since it is the rear brake and I brake little anyway (mostly coast w engine braking, rarely go about 40 mph), I'm not overly concerned if they're a little less than 100%

Here are the naked pads, stripped of paint.  Also a pic of the tools used, in case anyone ever has a similar issue.
Took out the seals and wiped them down, and cleaned inside the caliper where the pistons go w a small brass brush drill attachment.
It's a real brass brush, not brass coated steel.
I'll check for leak w the ruffus method, then a test ride if they pass the leak test.

[Ruffus]

Pads might be contaminated by brake fluid which could affect friction on your disc.

Recomm: put your pads on a few layers of kitchen paper, shove them (metal side up) into an oven and "bake" brakefluid  out of them for a while.(180°C for 20 min)

[monkeybongos]

Thanks to everyone that chimed in.

After examining/cleaning the seals, scrubbing/buffing the pistons, cleaning the inside of the caliper, and getting all the peeling paint off the new
brake pads, the caliper still leaked.  Slower than before, but a leak is a leak.  So got a new caliper and all is fine. 

Would have saved time and aggravation going that route from the beginning, but at least now I completely understand how brakes work and
can take apart/put together calipers in my sleep.  Also got lots of practice bleeding the brakes, as well as my french, if you know what I mean.

Big thumbs up to oemcycles.com on Ebay.  Asked them about the peeling paint on the pads (purchased from them), they quickly responded w an offer
to refund or replace.  After rjs987 explained how it likely happened, I realized it was user error, not any defect of the pads.  I told oemcycles that, and
since it was my fault I wouldn't return them.

[Iahawk]

glad it all worked out in the end and I'm glad you learned a new skill along the way! That's how these things usually happen..you dig into it and then are completely capable / knowledgeable about that particular part. Next thing you know you'll be working on the calipers on your car!