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

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