Date:         Mon, 4 Jun 2012 14:05:08 -0400
Reply-To:     Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: front brakes
Comments: To: Arlene K Sondergaard <asonder@USGS.GOV>
In-Reply-To:  <OF21B0C9AC.17487126-ON88257A13.005FE6E4-88257A13.0060E55F@usgs.gov>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Yes we have been selling the big brake kits for many, many years and
folks who have to deal with brake fade in the mountains or have a more
powerful engine should go with the big brake kit.  The only caveat is
that you need to have 15" rims or larger to use the big brake kit.  The
rotors are 1" diameter larger than stock and are vented to reduce the
risk of fade.  What happens is that if you ride the brakes going down a
hill for along time the brakes will heat up.  They can get so hot that
the brake fluid will flash (boil).  Now when you push on the pedal it is
like you have air in the lines.  A very scarey feeling I am sure.  With
the vented rotors and the larger surface area, this gives you more
stopping power and cooler rotors to resist flashing.

Let me know if we can be of service to you.

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242

On 6/4/2012 1:38 PM, Arlene K Sondergaard wrote:
> I have an 87 automatic carat with brake problems.
> I did Courtney rd in the Columbia R. Gorge this weekend and it was too
> much for her.
> Its a twisty turny steep road that leads all the way to the top.
> I was pumping the brakes all the way down and going slow.
> Her front brakes were smoking  when we got to the bottom and I had to use
> the e-brake  when we parked.
> An hour later they were cool and we went back to Washougal.
> They smelled bad the whole way like they were welded together.
> But this morning going to work they were cool and non smelly.
>
> Im not sure what I have done to them.
>
> I called a local shop who says putting a disk brake conversion on the
> front is the way to go.
> No more problems with going down steep rds.
>
> Thanks,
> Arlene in Washougal
>