2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission rear brake proportioning valve issue

[jkern]

well, now that i really need my truck the rear brakes failed. there is fluid all over the rear load sensing valve, however not exactly where the leak is yet. i replaced the rear brake line past the fuel tank about two years ago from a similar failure. do these valves go bad and rupture? what is the fix... i wouldn't mind getting rid of the thing entirely? thoughts?

 

[SSolderitch]

i drove 3 weeks without rear brakes, didn't tow. Try to hold the lever down (simulate a loaded truck) to see what removing the valve would be like... or just bypass it. I think you will be fine. I might change the abs comming on due to unloaded bed/tire lock up? All depends on how HARD you are one the brakes

 

[AClayton]

Mine was not leaking but the rear brakes failed to engage fully... loaded or not. I disconnected from shock mount and welded a 3" piece of round stock to extend the shaft and thereby,simulated a fully loaded truck. 3 yrs and everything is still good. Brakes work now and the front pads are lasting much longer also.



Alan

 

[V Baker]

This might help. TSB 05-04-98

 

[TBartlett1]

As trucks have become more powerful and the weight and towing capacity has increased the brakes have become much more powerful.

This has required that the rear brakes be modulated to adapt the braking power to suit the load and weight being carried.

If the rear brakes are fully applied on a vehicle that is empty the rears will have a tendency to lock up.



The abs on my 1990 failed and it was very sensitive when stopping without the rear brakes locking. On 1 occasion the roads were wet when I encountered a yellow light and I needed to make a quick decision to continue or stop. The situation turned into a hard stop and the rear brakes locked up. I ended up sideways in the intersection.



Or as Alan experienced on his 2001 the rear brakes may not fully apply.



I would suggest keeping it operational. If you decide to eliminate it I would experiment in a wet empty lot to get a feel for how it will react in an emergency situation.



Tim

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I replaced my valve with a line from EGR brakes made for duallys. Apparently dual wheel 3500's did not have a valve. My truck stop great and even in show and ice it maintains good control. I see no point in putting the valve back in especially if you are towing.

 

[jbrown404]

I was never impressed with the brakes on my truck from when I bought it new. It never seem to have enough power and I was replacing front rotors and pads a lot more frequently than on other vehicles I own. Not to mention the rear shoes looked practically unused. After many years I decided to ditch the OE proportioning valve and put a manually adjustable one in its place. What a difference for the better that made. I dialed in some more rear brake when the truck is empty and now they work great (for what they are). If I tow a trailer or haul a heavy load I can put in a little more.