How often should you clean your 4x4 brakes?

There’s nothing like splashing through bog holes or cruising a sandy beach in your 4x4. But while it’s fun in the moment, the damage mud, sand and saltwater can do to your brakes is serious business.

Mud, sand and saltwater don’t just stick to your underbody, they accelerate wear and corrosion, clog moving parts and reduce braking efficiency. That’s why cleaning your 4x4’s brakes aren’t just about presentation, it’s about safety, reliability and long-term performance.

Brakes and towing specialists Bendix explain why brakes and mud don’t mix, and how often you should clean your 4x4’s brakes to keep everything working as it should.

It’s easy to underestimate how damaging mud can be. Sure, it looks harmless, just water and dirt, but the reality is it’s an abrasive mix of soil, grit and moisture. Once it dries on your brakes and suspension, it traps water against metal surfaces, which accelerates rust and corrosion.

The grit content in mud is also brutal. Think of it like sandpaper. Every time you brake, that mud rubs against your pads, discs and calipers, causing uneven wear and reducing stopping performance. Over time, it clogs hardware like slide pins and caliper bushes, leading to sticking brakes and uneven pad wear.

For vehicles with rear drum brakes, the risks are even higher. Muddy water can get trapped inside the drum, fouling the small springs, pivot points and adjusters that keep the system working properly. This can quickly compromise your park brake, leaving you with far less control than you think.

The golden rule? Don’t wait. When you come off the track, the job isn’t over until your 4x4 is clean. Leaving mud, sand or salt to dry on your brakes is the fastest way to cut their lifespan short.

A post-trip clean doesn’t just protect components but it also gives you the chance to visually inspect the underbody and spot early signs of damage or wear. Small issues like cracked rubber boots, leaks or uneven pad wear are much easier (and cheaper) to fix when caught early.

Think of cleaning as preventative maintenance. It adds a little time to your post-trip routine, but
it will save you money and hassle in the long run.

Start by placing your vehicle securely on axle stands and removing each wheel. Use a pressure washer to flush out mud and grit from the discs and calipers, but avoid spraying directly onto piston seals as high-pressure water can damage them.

For better access, unbolt the calipers. If you’re running floating calipers, remove the pins as this is a common area where grit gets trapped. Once everything is rinsed, dry the components thoroughly.

At this stage, Bendix recommends using a brake cleaner such as Bendix Cleanup. This specialist product helps disperse moisture, leaving components clean and ready to lubricate.

Before reassembling, apply a quality lubricant such as Bendix Ceramasil to caliper hardware, pins, slides and bushes. This extra step helps protect against corrosion and ensures smooth, reliable braking performance.

Running rear drums? They’re even more prone to damage. To clean properly, secure the vehicle (with the park brake off), remove the drum and wash out the area with a pressure washer and soapy water. A firm bristled brush helps dislodge built-up muck. Be careful not to spray directly on the wheel cylinder, as water pressure can force contaminants into seals.

Dry the assembly thoroughly, then use brake cleaner to remove any lingering moisture. Lubricate pivot points and adjusters with Bendix Ceramasil before reassembly. Once the drums are back in place, check that the park brake is correctly adjusted.

Beach runs might be iconic, but saltwater and sand are brake killers. After a beach run, it’s critical to give your 4x4 a full underbody wash, including all braking components. Even if the sand didn’t feel that bad, a salty layer left behind will quickly eat into discs, pads and hardware.

Skipping this clean can take years off the life of your braking system.

So, how often should you clean your brakes? Bendix recommends the following:

If you’re heading off on a remote adventure to the likes of Cape York, the Simpson Desert or the Canning Stock Route, your brakes will be working overtime, especially if you’re towing. Get a full pre-trip inspection, refresh pads, discs or fluid if needed, and pack essentials like spare pads, brake fluid and hoses. A few tools, including a caliper piston retraction tool, multi-grips and brake cleaner, can make the difference between a smooth trip and being stuck.

Mud, sand and saltwater might deliver the big grin factor, but they’ll eat through your brakes if you don’t clean up. A proper wash with Bendix Cleanup brake cleaner and protection with Bendix Ceramasil keeps your 4x4 safe, reliable and ready for the next adventure.