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Brake proportioning valve
#1
Brake proportioning valve
So, I took my truck to a local shop to have the front brakes checked out since they were getting hot, smoking and sticking. While I was having the brakes checked out, I asked them to go ahead and flush the system. While they were checking they system to see what was causing the issue, they found that the rear brakes weren't getting any fluid. They traced it back to the proportioning valve saying that the valve was allowing fluid to go to the front brakes, but not to the rear. But they also said that since the ABS is in the rear, replacing the valve would be a job for the dealer since the ABS module would have to be messed with in some shape or form (I don't remember the exact details). Does it seem right that the ABS module would have to be messed with when replacing the valve? I'm asking because it seems like replacing the valve would be a fairly straight forward job, but the stealer wants to charge $108/hr. which seems absolutely ridiculous to me - we're talking about a 2001 Dodge, not a Mercedes here...
#2
#3
Its possible that it would have to be messed with...
For instance If you are bleeding your brakes you may need a scanner to activate the servo motor in you ABS unit to clear all the air from the system. I only have rear wheel abs in my 96 but disconnected it anyway due to the motor leaking.
As for the proportioning valve...
Its used to shut off fluid to the rear to prevent skidding out and causing you to lose control. If your rear brakes aren't getting fluid then only your fronts are stopping which would cause excessive glazing and front brake failure. You may want to sand your pads and maybe get your rotors cut.
For instance If you are bleeding your brakes you may need a scanner to activate the servo motor in you ABS unit to clear all the air from the system. I only have rear wheel abs in my 96 but disconnected it anyway due to the motor leaking.
As for the proportioning valve...
Its used to shut off fluid to the rear to prevent skidding out and causing you to lose control. If your rear brakes aren't getting fluid then only your fronts are stopping which would cause excessive glazing and front brake failure. You may want to sand your pads and maybe get your rotors cut.
#4
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#7
The proportioning valve serves a couple purposes.
First and foremost, it balances pressure between front and rear, (usually like 70/30) so the front brakes get full pressure, and the rears do not.
Second, its a safety valve.... if one circuit fails (front or rear), the valve inside it will be pushed off center, and turn on the brake light, and block pressure (or lack thereof) going to the failed circuit. Aside from an ABS failure, that is the ONLY reason the brake lite will come on. (ok, also if the e-brake isn't fully released....)
If the brake lite is NOT on, and you aren't getting pressure at the rear wheel cylinders, suspect the soft line going from body to axle FIRST.
First and foremost, it balances pressure between front and rear, (usually like 70/30) so the front brakes get full pressure, and the rears do not.
Second, its a safety valve.... if one circuit fails (front or rear), the valve inside it will be pushed off center, and turn on the brake light, and block pressure (or lack thereof) going to the failed circuit. Aside from an ABS failure, that is the ONLY reason the brake lite will come on. (ok, also if the e-brake isn't fully released....)
If the brake lite is NOT on, and you aren't getting pressure at the rear wheel cylinders, suspect the soft line going from body to axle FIRST.
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#8
The proportioning valve serves a couple purposes.
First and foremost, it balances pressure between front and rear, (usually like 70/30) so the front brakes get full pressure, and the rears do not.
Second, its a safety valve.... if one circuit fails (front or rear), the valve inside it will be pushed off center, and turn on the brake light, and block pressure (or lack thereof) going to the failed circuit. Aside from an ABS failure, that is the ONLY reason the brake lite will come on. (ok, also if the e-brake isn't fully released....)
If the brake lite is NOT on, and you aren't getting pressure at the rear wheel cylinders, suspect the soft line going from body to axle FIRST.
First and foremost, it balances pressure between front and rear, (usually like 70/30) so the front brakes get full pressure, and the rears do not.
Second, its a safety valve.... if one circuit fails (front or rear), the valve inside it will be pushed off center, and turn on the brake light, and block pressure (or lack thereof) going to the failed circuit. Aside from an ABS failure, that is the ONLY reason the brake lite will come on. (ok, also if the e-brake isn't fully released....)
If the brake lite is NOT on, and you aren't getting pressure at the rear wheel cylinders, suspect the soft line going from body to axle FIRST.
#9
#10
I would agree with you, but there are no leaks and the reservoir is full. I assume you're asking if the brake light is malfunctioning - it comes on with the rest of the warning lights when I turn in the ignition and also when I use the parking brake.