I was about to change brake pads on my disc brake-equipped cross bike yesterday, but noticed that I was out of cleaning alcohol. I usually use that to clean the the gunk out of the brake area before pushing the pistons back in prior to installing the new pads. A friend suggested to simply use WD40 for the task. I’m not sure though if the petroleum base could potentially damage any seals or otherwise be problematic for the hydraulic system. Any insights from the ST community?
I’ve done it by putting some on a rag and wiping the area clean after removing the pads and storing them away from the work area.
You have to be very careful not to get any on the brake pads or they are done, hence the reason I used a cloth and not sprayed it directly. Been there, done that, won’t do it again.
Edit: I’ve also sprayed brake cleaner on a rag to clean as well.