I have towed my boat & trailer which weighs about 5,300 pounds. The first time I towed, I had some brake fade, particularly in traffic, or not on the highway (when you not using them). The fade was bad enough to scare me at times. I had my brakes checked and they were fine.

I had my brake fluid flushed one time by a Jiffy Job type of place. They apparently used CHEAP, VERY CHEAP, brake fluid. It discolored very quickly!

After that first episode of brake fade, and knowing my brake pads were ok, I decided to bleed-out ALL of that crappy brake fluid and replace it ALL with 2+2 High Performance brake fluid. Its rated at something like 450 F....

SHOCKING difference! I towed the boat for 3 hours, and never once experienced brake fade. I think the 2+2 handle temps better than the Ford product as well!

THe moral of the story:

NEVER use cheap brake fluid in your Ford Truck/SUV! Use a high performance, high temp fluid.

It might save your life!

------------------
Rand

98 Ford Expedition 4X4 XLT
5.4, 3.73s, 17" wheels,
Homemade 3" "COLD" Air-Box
mod, SuperChip, Amsoil
everywhere but tranny, Perma-
Cool combo 6 pass trans/oil
cooler (FQR 5.4 @ 50K)



[This message has been edited by Rand (edited 10-04-2000).]

 

Check out a service bulletin about changing the vacuum booster to a bigger one for weak-braking complaints.