Another way to prevent brake fad is to ensure that you have an ample amount of material on your brake pads. The more pad material means that there is a larger barrier between the heat, your brake calipers and brake fluid.
|
|
|
|
|
| Preventing Brake Fad: | ||||
| The first rule to prevent brake fade is to have fresh brake fluid. Brake fluid is designed to absorb water to keep the brakes from corroding. Brake fluid with a very small percentage of water in it will perform drastically differently than fresh fluid. Brake fluid is rated at a wet and dry boiling point. The wet boiling point is important to people who do not want to change their brake fluid. Most average people do not realize that brake fluid has a period after which it needs to be changed! For those who will be utilizing the full potential of their brakes, fluid with a high dry boiling point is important. Typically fluid with a high dry boiling point is less tolerant to water absorption and must be changed more often. For those who plan on somewhat moderate racing, Ford DOT 3 brake fluid is an excellent choice. It has a dry boiling point of 550 degrees Fahrenheit and it is as inexpensive as any other DOT 3 fluid. (if you need further proof, please read the "stock TII brakes" section) Other fluids with similar dry boiling points are sold for a premium price. Keep in mind that the more brake fluid is used, the more often it needs to be changed. The downside of Ford spec DOT 3 fluid is that it must be changed more often than typical brake fluids. In my opinion this disadvantage is more than offset if you plan on utilizing the full capability of your brakes. Another way to prevent brake fad is to ensure that you have an ample amount of material on your brake pads. The more pad material means that there is a larger barrier between the heat, your brake calipers and brake fluid. |
||||