First, whats it called when your brakes fail from too much heat?

 

Second, how does this happen? Why does excessive heat cause the brakes to fail to put enough pressure on the disks?

 

thanks

First, whats it called when your brakes fail from too much heat?

 

Second, how does this happen? Why does excessive heat cause the brakes to fail to put enough pressure on the disks?

 

thanks

 

Generally called "brake fade", and occurs as coefficient of friction becomes changed drastically from excessive heat build-up. Drum brakes are (usually) more prone to fading than disc brakes, as a rule.

 

Note that commercial airliners use disc brakes which must by certification be capable of stopping the airplane on their own in the event of failure of thrust reversal.

 

Also, disc brakes are now being used on some of the bigger classes of railroad cars, instead of the old style brake shoes which clamped on the O.D. of the wheel rim. imp

Some more info on the subject:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fade

 

My brakes failed once when i was going down a hill, when i got out the car there was smoke coming from the wheels. Thank heavens for engine braking.