acid and slowing down...

[Disco]

So heres how the story goes.
I was on my way to go and finish building my new bike, and i had my rear
juicy five in the boot of my car.

Cut the story short.

A car battery tipped over, and spilled hydrochloric acid all over the brakeset.
Yes, i washed it copiously with water as soon as i found out / could,
but the acid had destroyed the outer of the hydraulic line.

What sort of negative effects has this caused with the brake?
Would the pads have been contaminated?
There is a risk the acid has damaged/weakened more than the outer,
so what may have been effected? Seals? Fluid?
How do i know if this is damaged?

The brake is a 2006 Avid Juicy Five, which means the brake fluid is
dot 3/ dot 4 (NOT mineral oil i think...) and there are no visible leaks of fluid.

Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated,

Mikey.

 

[luke.b]

I'd be wanting to replace the line and any seals that have been touched by the acid. It probably will seriously effect the performance, and strength of the brake line. If it has got onto the pads, you may as well replace them while your at at, and maybe use the damaged pads as an emergency set.

 

[Customjimmy]

Yeah, lines and seals will need replacing but your pads are probably OK if they weren't contacted directly. I think car batteries use sulphuric acid, which is good because hydrochloric acid and polyethylene glycol (in brake fluid) can potentially cause a fire/explosion due to reaction with the chlorine. Could have been worse!