# Brake Drum Soaked with Brake Fluid **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** chevrolet, 1500, brakes\ **Created:** [July 16, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367 "2013-07-16T18:23:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TC-CTG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/41988e/32.png) [@TC-CTG](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TC-CTG)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367/1 "2013-07-16T18:23:03Z")
I have a 1996 Chevy K1500 4x4 Z71 pickup. The wheel cylinder failed and the whole inside of the drum is coated in brake fluid and has been this way for many months. This is not a daily driver but only used to haul something, so it typically sits for a few weeks inbetween uses. I planned on replacing the wheel cylinder (obviously) brake pads and hardware kit. Do I need to replace the drum or can I just get them turned and clean them up a bit? They have .090" that can be turned off. I have access to a sand blaster to clean up the outsides. Any insite would be helpful since I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere online. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2013, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367/2 "2013-07-16T18:32:38Z")
I’d get a spray can of brake cleaner, a roll of paper towels, and clean it up, then have both drums turned if needed. I’d replace the other side’s wheel cylinder, too, and the shoes too. I want both sides matched up. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2013, 6:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367/3 "2013-07-16T18:34:14Z")
Brake cleaner will easily clean it. ---
**Author:** ![fatrap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ac8455/32.png) [@fatrap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fatrap)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367/4 "2013-07-16T18:58:32Z")
Brake cleaner, plus you’re prob gonna turn it when you replace the shoes. You’ll be fine. Don’t worry about the outsides. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2013, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum-soaked-with-brake-fluid/80367/5 "2013-07-16T19:32:39Z")
Brake cleaner.