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Date:         Mon, 17 Apr 2000 09:07:14 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: Aaaaargh!  Brake failure (long)
Comments: To: bpchristensen1@HOME.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Brent,

Brake fade is actually caused by vaporization of some of the components of the pad material due to extreme heat. This vapor forms a high pressure vapor boundary layer between the pad and the rotor that, as you experienced, severely reduces braking efficiency.

When going down long grades don't ride the brakes, but pulse on and off slowly to scrub off speed and give the pads a chance to cool a bit. You might experiment with other pads, try a set from the dealer. Other than that, cross drilling the rotors helps with cooling and also minimizes that boundary layer effect. Pretty expensive however, I've only seen them in a kit from MSDS.

-- Stuart MacMillan Manager, Case Program 800-909-8244 ext. 8208 Fax: 206-269-6360

Getting your share of the Net yet? http://cobaltgroup.com http://UsedEquipNet.com


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