If oil/grease on the brake lining is the problem, would the solution not be to simply make use of a can of brake cleaner?
The problem is access. To clean the brake pads, it is necessary to remove them. Once they are removed, it is easier and not any more expensive to replace them than clean them. When your done, the pads are new. The other issue with cleaning is the pads become saturated, it is not surface oil and dirt.
So rebuilding the brake and checking the gears/cables in the binnacle is actually a pretty simple job. I did a complete rebuild/repair in about 2 hours on a Sat. morning (had to redo the brake, and replace the engine cables). The instructions are on the Edson site.
I like to do my own work and this was actually one of those tasks that I thought was harder than it really was. Just take your time .
Rebuilding the steering gear is pretty simple and straightforward. I've rebuilt 2 of them. The only issues I've had are nuts and bolts that have seized and clumsy fingers dropping things. Edson has instructions on their site and they sell service kits.
While you're messing with the steering, check the idler wheels for the cable. The axle needs lubrication and it is prone to wear. The axles sometimes develop a flat spot and can fail. Assuming decent access, this is easy when the cables are slack.
Speaking of cables, check the cables for wear and fish hooks. Edson recommends lightly oiling the cable with 30 wt motor oil. If the cables need replacing, you have a choice of buying new cables from Edson for about $70 each or buying more cable than you need, a swaging tool, and the sleeves for about $70.