Grease on brake pad face

[PachmanP]

So I read that you're supposed to put grease on your brake pads before you put them on, so I put some on the face and now my bike won't stop.

Ok not really, but when I had my front wheel off, the pads where flopping around and got a tiny bit of grease on the face.  I hit it with brake cleaner and got it all off.  I vaguely remember hearing that getting grease or finger prints on the face of your brake pads is a "ZOMG you're gonna DIE if you don't replace them!!!" kind of thing. 

What are ya'll's thoughts on this? If I hit it with lots of brake cleaner, am I good to go?  Am I going to die if I don't replace them?

The pads are barely broken in with maybe 1k miles, so I don't really want to just replace them just to be sure.  If it was the rear, I'd probably wouldn't even ask before I tossed 'em back on.

Thanks.

[gsJack]

I've got greasy fingerprints on car/bike brake pads a few times over the years and I just give them a good sanding and put them back on.  Put the sandpaper down on a flat surface and move pad around on sandpaper to keep pad face flat.  If they get soaked badly with brake fluid or fork oil throw them away.  The oily stuff will just keep working back out of the sanded surface.

[BaltimoreGS]

I've had cheap customers reuse brake shoes that were coated with oil from a leaking axle seal with no catastrophic results.  The worst case was the shoes sticking to the drum causing a jerk motion leaving a stop light.  I'd say roll with it and see how it rides.

-Jessie

[kyle_99_gtp]

I'd say if it's just stuff on the surface you'll be fine. Clean it up and put it back on. I got some grease on my brake pads for my car when I rebuilt the calipers after having them powdercoated and they were fine.

[jeremy_nash]

be cautious for the first hundred miles.  you did what I wouldve done, which is spray them down with brake parts cleaner.  if they dont wanna stop you, THEN replace them

[PachmanP]

Sweet thanks guys

[the mole]

Look at the positives:
At least they'll last a long time, and they won't squeak!