Shawn,

Not meaning to be insulting, but back off and use a lower gear.  No matter
how slow the traffic is going, YOU should be in control of your situation.

That said, if your rotors are warped, it is most likely they are too thin
and need to be replaced.  Yes, that could contribute to brake fade.  The
fluid is most likely not an issue.

If your pedal is gradually moving to the floor, you need to look at
replacing your master cylinder.  This can feel a lot like brake fade.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Shawn Wright" <swright@SLS.BC.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 7:26 AM
Subject: Reducing brake fade on '88 Westy?

> Once again I encountered fairly serious brake fade driving behind
> some slowpokes coming down various passes on the Crowsnest Hwy. I
> flushed the system 2 years ago with fresh DOT4 fluid, so I suppose
> it's time to do this again. But since the van has only gone ~10k km
> since the last fluid change, I'm not convinced this will help all
> that much.
>
> I know I do have slightly warped front rotors - could this lead to
> more heat build-up? I'll need to pull them and either have them
> turned, or replaced I guess. Cross drilled rotors seem pretty
> expensive - what other options do I have for improved braking at low
> cost? Are there specific brands of pads to look for that offer better
> fade resistance?
>
> Thanks.
> Shawn Wright, I.T. Manager
> Shawnigan Lake School
> swright@SLS.bc.ca
> http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
> http://www.sls.bc.ca
>