Re: [alfa] brake fade

[James Montebello <jamesm@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, too much heat in the pads or rotors can also cause fade.
It's not just a reduction in "feel", but an actual reduction in the
friction generated between the pad and rotor, and hence braking force.
This requires more clamping force (which generates even more heat), to
the point that it may exceed the clamping force the brakes are capable
of providing.  Having run out of brakes this way a few times over the
years, I can tell you it's not something you want to experience.

A glance at most physics texts can give you the basic theory of friction
v. temperature.  The materials involved will alter the properties,
of course.  Carbon-carbon brakes, for example, provide *more* friction
the hotter they get, up to the point when there's actual material failure
from cracking.

jamesm

On Fri, 26 Sep 2003, Joe Elliott wrote:

> I've got a question for the digest that doesn't necessarily pertain
> to Alfas--can anything besides overheated fluid cause brake fade?  I
> seem to remember reading once that very hot friction surfaces will
> also cause a degredation in pedal feel.  True?  True of modern pads?
>
> Unrelated question:  How much do you all think a pair of dried out
> and faded, but not torn '85 GTV-6 front seats are worth?
>
> Thanks,
> Joe Elliott
> '82 GTV-6
> --
> to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
> or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided