Brake pad smell after long downhills

Question. Do you use lower gears going down hill?

Yes, I would replace them with some better performing pads from some place like EBC.
Also remember to hit the brakes hard and slow down about 10 MPH and then let of and allow them to cool before repeating. Don't ride them.

Smell means they are overheating and fading, let it go too long and there will be no brakes at all before you get to the bottom. Brakes work by dissipating heat so they need to be able to cool and get ride of that heat.

On long downhills pick a safe speed in a lower gear, allow speed to build to about 5 MPH above the target with NO brake applied, then brake firmly to get about 5 MPH below the target, then get OFF the brakes and let them cool until speed build to 5 MPH over target and repeat.

Never ride the brakes going downhill.

Plus you can warp the rotors. More $$$$$ in addition to just the pads.

I see it all the time, cars going down hills in overdrive, the engine at idle, and the drivers riding the brakes all the way down the hill, clueless about what they are doing to the brake rotors and wearing out the pads prematurely.

Downshift!

At least lock out overdrive on the hills where you might need the brakes some of the time. On a road that is curving, and many of the curves are rated at 35 - 45 MPH, then you should be in second gear (of a 4 speed or 3rd gear in a 5 speed) going less than 45 MPH, and let the engine do more of the braking.

As stated above, fading and smelling brake pads mean that a little farther down the hill, or a steeper hill, you might have brake failure, not just brake fade.

Downshift, and everything will be fine.

Some trucks, like the Ford, require using the cruise control to apply the brakes and change gears automatically. Put the truck into the "Tow/Haul" mode, then set the cruise control for say 45 MPH. The truck will downshift, and do it's best (with a exhaust brake on the diesel models) to try to keep speed under control. You should only need the regular brakes to slow from your target speed to 5-10 MPH slower every 30 - 45 seconds.

I don't know how to describe it, but you want a firm brake application. Not quite as firm as braking to a stop at a stop sign, but more like the less firm, you might use when you see the stop sign 75' in front of you and are slowing from 25 to a stop.

A application such as a panic stop will heat up the brakes very quickly at 55 MPH or higher. Even a firm stop, such as the brake application pressure that might be required when someone steps out 30 feet in front of you into a crosswalk would be a little to much pressure.

Good luck, and you will find that the brakes will not heat up nearly as much once you start locking out overdrive, and you will be comfortable driving down the hills from now on!

Fred.

Question. Do you use lower gears going down hill?

No, because I have that 4r100 trans that is known for building up to much pressure in low gears and pressure blows up the front seal in trans.

Never ride the brakes going downhill.

Yes... it was my fault. Didn't really think about overheating brakes until I smelled them. Following in-laws that has exhaust brake, only saw his brake lights couple times; he was able to creep down. I should of have pulled over and waited 5 or 10 min to let him get far enough ahead that I didn't keep coming up on him.

I would replace them with some better performing pads from some place like EBC

Yes, was reading that they are highly rated, I think that is what I'll get. Right know I have what ever Les Schwab put on. I don't think they are anything quality wise.



Tried to find and post a map so folks can see where it happened. Didn't find any but did find a youtube vid of motorcycle guy,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMPy7zCD29w

Really not that steep but at lower speeds when following somebody somebody driving slow makes a difference.

In an RV you need to use a lower gear when descending. As others have said, harder applications with time OFF the pedal will give them a better chance to cool. Do not ride them. If the pads are worn replace them. Make sure your rear brakes are working too.

As suggested.......

Scrub speed off quickly by firmly using brakes then get off them

Scrub 10 MPH off......release......repeat

Check those pads again and the rotors for any heat checking

Not meaning to hijack this topic, but how many miles can one expect to get on a set of front/rear brake pads? I recently bought a 23 ft class C on a Chev chassis, with 23,000 miles. I'm not sure how the previous owner drove, but we live in mountainous terrain. I downshift regularly and have put an additional 7,000 miles on, but sometimes hear squealing from the front wheels. 30,000 miles on a car is not much, but not sure about a MH.

path1 wrote:

Any brand names to consider when I do get new pads?

Thanks

I and a few friends use the Cenric brand Posi-Quiet Severe Duty Brake Pad.

No squeaking, no dust and quick sure stops,the Semi Metallic, Do Not get the ceramic ones.

Here is the link for mine
I use These on my Yukon

Just go to the web site above and put in your info and see what will work for your rig.