Brakes A'Flame follow-up

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Audians,
       Thanks for the sage and timely advice on what could be the trouble with
the brakes on my 91 Golf Gl. The suggestions  (hypotheses.. thanks glenn) 
included the following:

(1) "Green" fade from new pads not properly broken in

(2) Moisture in the fluid due to age

(3) El-cheapo pads

(4) The wrong brake fluid


I'm hesistant to believe that the problem resulted from old brake fluid,
for as Andrew Duane pointed out, the brakes were smoking. That leaves El-cheapo
pads or Green fade. I can't investigate further until I see the car again which
will be on Turkey day (Thanksgiving). If the problem persists, I think I can
rule out Green fade. I'll certainly be seeing my mechanic.

>From what I understand, he monkeyed a little with the rear drums. Would
disfunctional rear drums, forcing all the braking force to be done by the
front, cause enough friction/heat to exhibit brake fade and smoke? 

Testing the parking brake isn't an adequate indicator of the whether they are
working, correct? I suppose, that if the parking brake works.. and the pads
aren't el-cheapos, then it indicates that the rear drums aren't adjusted
properly. Right? 

Thoughts to ponder.... 

And apologies for the delay in getting back on this.. I've had killer work on
my schedule and it's still pretty heavy. Thanks again.
        
	                       -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY