[Braingears]

I noticed brake fluid leaking out of my rear brake drum. When I removed the drum, I found the rear brake cylinder (the hydrolic part that expands the brake pads) leaking brake fluid.
I also found brake fluid throughout the entire brake drum, pads, everything inside.

Can I clean the drum and pads with brake cleaner and continue to use them once the the cylinder is replaced? Or are the brake pads dead?

The brake pads have plenty left on them. I would hate to see them wasted.

 

[4x4rancher]

You should clean up the brake back plate & drum with a good brake cleaning solvent blow it all dry with comp air, the shoes should be replaced, you could as a stop gap clean them and bake them in a hot oven 100c for about 30 mins cooling slowly in atmosphere but that remedy is only for desperate measures

 

[Roly]

I agree with Bill. I've heard stories of brake linings becoming separated from the shoe due to contamination with brake fluid with catastophic results.

 

[4x4rancher]

Do the other side while you are it, only dismantle one side at a time so you have the other as a plan to where bits go back.