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Author Topic: Brake Proportioning Valve Questions  (Read 1628 times)

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Offline rob289c

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Brake Proportioning Valve Questions
« on: June 27, 2023, 06:26:59 AM »
Can one of you please guide me on which port is which?  I cut the lines when I cut the car apart and didn't label them...

- which is fed by the rear bowl of the master cylinder?
- which is fed by the front bowl of the master cylinder?
- which port feeds the left front brake?
- which port feeds the right front brake?
- which port feeds the rear brakes?

Also, this has been sitting for quite some time.  Is it just a distribution block?  Are there any moving parts inside such as seals and/or sliding valves?  Is there a suggested way to prepare it for use?  Soak it in brake fluid?  Soak it in a solvent or penetrating oil?  I know unused master cylinders, wheel cylinders, and calipers will freeze up with no use.  I'm hoping this proportioning valve will still be useable after sitting for years.  Would I hurt anything if I introduced compressed air into each port to see if they are open?

Thank you for your replies.
rob289c

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Brake Proportioning Valve Questions
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2023, 10:10:02 AM »
AS BEST I CANT TELL based on my 73 wagon is the following:


1. Feeds to the rear brakes.
2. Comes from the front of the master cylinder (presumed for the rear brakes)
3. Comes from the rear of the master cylinder (presumed for the front brakes)
4. Feeds to the passenger side front caliper.
5. Feeds to the driver side front caliper.
6. This is an electrical switch. AS BEST I UNDERSTAND if one half of the hydraulic circuit fails a rod like piston slides to block the failed section. This helps to maintain pressure in the unfailed section. It also activates the switch that lights the "Brake" light on the dashboard. I'm not sure any of the part is proportioning, but possibly only a distribution block, but I don't know for sure. IF the piston has slid into a blocking position it might stay and need to be repositioned. I've never had one apart before so I'm just surmising based on logic. I'd think access would be through unthreading the switching. Take note that there MIGHT be springs and check balls inside. Also, the mount position is vertical with the switch towards the front f the car.







Offline rob289c

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Re: Brake Proportioning Valve Questions
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2023, 08:23:23 PM »
Thank you for the detail.  I will compare your answers with what is left of the brake lines and confirm as best as my logic can tell.  I am going to start spraying penetrating oil on the fittings so maybe by the weekend they will spin out.  I'll have to look a little closer as I didn't think there was any internal access.  If there is I would like to open it up and clean it out.  My rear brake lines came in today so this weekend I will do a little more brake work.  Thanks again for answering my questions. 
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: Brake Proportioning Valve Questions
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2023, 10:53:39 AM »
In the picture 1 and 2 are for the rear brakes. 3, 4, 5 are for the front brakes. 6 which is the fault switch is between the two. 1 and 2 probably "pass thru" to each other. Likewise 3, 4 and "pass thru" to each other. Spraying brake cleaner inside would likely clean any debris out. The problem that COULD arise is if the plunger in 6 (the switch) was moved by a pressure imbalance and and is hung up. Then half the circuit (front or rear) would not receive pressure. Hopefully that is not the case but something to be aware of.

Offline rob289c

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Re: Brake Proportioning Valve Questions
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2023, 07:45:24 PM »
Messing with this thing is going to be one of this weekend's projects.  I have started spraying the fittings so hopefully they will spin apart easily. I appreciate your guidance on this.   
rob289c