Does it make sense to remove pads/rotors when cleaning your bike? I typically use a bucket/sponge/park tool brush and rinse with a hose (no pressure washing). I recently had super squeaky brakes, and found the rotors/pads looked like they had some contamination. I’m not sure if that was soap from the last time I washed the bike or some random goo from riding.
Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!
It depends how much free time you have. I’d hate to have to remove those every time I wash my bike. If you have some contamination on them, you can use disc brake cleaner on them.
However, what is important is to cover the rear brake when applying degreaser to the drivetrain.
I’ve put plastic bags over the calipers in the past, and always make sure to blast the brake and between the pads with the hose if there’s been any soap sprayed around as that’s likely to leave residue and cause squeaking.
I have never done that. When I clean my bikes, I don’t touch the pads or rotors - the most they get is a spray of water.
I’d vote to remove them if you’re willing to take the time.
Some pads can be really susceptible to contamination, and are prone to glazing when used when they’re simply wet with water.
Of course, removing them brings on another opportunity for contamination, so be careful either way!
Just dont spray any cleaner or lubricants on the rotors or pads except brake clean or alcohol. I always saturate a clean cloth with alcohol and clean the rotors after washing…I never have noisy brakes.
I use Silca’s Brake and Drivetrain cleaner. Take back wheel off, spray thorougly casette, rotors and brake calipers and never had issues after rinsing gently with water after couple of minutes.
Maybe worth considering. Silca’s cleaner does definitely the trick.
I wash them the same as I wash the rest of the bike, only I will apply brake cleaner to the pads and rotor at the end and dry with paper towel.
How do you ride in the rain?
I don’t very often.
I’m not saying “Don’t get your brake pads wet,” but I avoid it when I can.
I’ve seen some pads perform poorly when really soaked and glazed over, leaving them noisy, which the OP was trying to avoid.
Theoretically? Yes. Practically, I only remove brake pads when I have time to clean them with isopropanol. Otherwise, I don’t bother.
I think I’m leaning this way, but really appreciate everyone’s input!
I have no idea what caused the glazing issue I had recently but can’t discount it being too much soap even though I tried to be careful around the calipers/rotors. My brake pads were black so definitely got contaminated somehow.
If you’re an Escape Collective member, they covered this a few weeks ago on Ask A Wrench: Ask a Wrench: Rotor rub, rotor damage, and tyres vs suspension
Normal washing detergent/soap and water won’t harm brakes or pads. A good rinse afterward is all that’s needed. Oil/grease contamination is what has to be avoided.
I clean my bikes constantly with a hose and Finish line bike cleaner. I have never once removed my rotors or pads and never once noticed contamination as a result.
Having ridden several thousand hours in the rain of Northern Europe. There’s not need to remove rotors and pads. A bit of wet won’t do any harm.
When washing a bike, though, it’s not just water you’re worrying about. Some soaps/degreasers can cause issues, and aside from that, anything that’s running off your frame, tires, chain, etc., can easily be sprayed onto your brakes.
For that reason, I still feel like removing them if you have the time and are doing a deep cleaning could be worthwhile. 
Wax chain lube. Don’t need degreasers.
I would never use such products with my bikes.
Maybe this warrants another thread but figured I’d ask…what cleaners do folks recommend? I wax my chain so not worried about degreasing… really just looking for a good soap to keep the bike looking good 
Does it have to be bike specific or can you use car wash soap or something?