True for organic pads, but Brent was running metallics, which tend to get
more efficient the hotter they get.  That is until the brake fluid
vaporizes, which feels like brakes which are sorely in need of bleeding.

If your fluid vaporizes you can reclaim braking power by pumping the hell
out of the brakes, which forces more cooler fluid into the line and
compresses the vaporized fluid.

Pull over and let them cool for a minute or two and you should be OK.  BTDT.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stuart MacMillan" <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2000 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: Aaaaargh! Brake failure (long)

> 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
>