Hydraulic Brake Control Valves Automotive Mechanics Technology Walla

Hydraulic Brake Control Valves Automotive Mechanics Technology Walla Community College

Objectives w Identify purpose of metering valve w Identify purpose of proportioning valve w Identify purpose of pressure differential valve w Explain operation of height sensing proportioning valve w Identify Operation of combination valve

Introduction Brake hydraulic systems need various type of control devices Braking performance must be even and consistent Combination disc/drum systems require different type of valves

Metering Valve Purpose of Valve Location/construction of metering valve Operation of metering valve Bleeding system with a metering valve

Metering Valve w Delays application of front discs slightly w Located between master cylinder and front disc brakes (pg 100 C) w Operation n Valve is held open by spring Closes at 3 – 30 psi Opens at 75 – 300 psi w Operation happens in microseconds

Proportioning Valve Page 104 – 105 C Proportioning valve balances pressure on front disc, rear drum vehicles Restricts fluid to the rear brakes Located between MC and rear brakes (pg 100 C) Split point is the pressure when P. V. closes Slope is percentage of rear pressure to total pressure Two proportioning valves required on diagonal split system Some 4 wheel disc brake cars have two Proportioning valves

Height Sensing Proportioning Valve Used on trucks and some cars Reduces pressure to rear brakes for light loads Two types of valves linkage type (pg 107 C) Gravity ball (pg 108 C) Placement of valves

Height/Load Sensing Valve w Some systems use one valve per rear wheel.

Pressure Differential Valve Hydraulically operated switch Located between front and rear systems Some systems use a low fluid level switch instead of a pressure Diff Switch

Pg 111 C Combination Valve Combines 2 or 3 functions Metering valve Warning switch Proportioning valve

3 Function Combination Valve

Hydraulic System Bleeding

Brake Bleeding and Bleeder Screws w Must remove all air from system w Five methods n n n Manual bleeding Pressure bleeding Vacuum bleeding Gravity bleeding Surge bleeding

Symptoms of Trapped Air w Low and Spongy when first applied w Repeated pedal pumping will make pedal become firm w Can be similar to drum brakes in need of adjustment w Can perform air entrapment test to verify air in system

Air Entrapment Test w Wear safety glasses w Pump brake 10 to 20 times rapidly w Hold pedal pressure w Observe reservoirs w Let off pedal w If air in system, air will squirt fluid

Bleeding Procedures w Must follow bleeding sequence and procedures (pg 137 L) w Bench bleed master cylinder first w Start at high points in system w Then, continue from farthest point away from MC and work back towards MC. w Watch fluid level! w Use jar and hose to observe fluid

Frozen Bleeder Screw w Use six sided wrench or socket w Always test bleeders first when doing brake work w Sometimes a hammer will break bleeder free w Sometimes use applied heat w Tapping on caliper will also free air bubbles

Metering Valve prep w Must hold open valve when pressure bleeding w Several tools available

Wheel Brake Bleeding Sequence

Pressure Bleeding Set Up

Brake Hydraulic System Service Manufacturer’s Recommendations Follow brake inspection schedule Follow service procedures Problems of Flushing System should be refilled with fresh fluid Intervals are 15, 000 to 60, 000 miles Be careful of stirring sludge up in system!

Recentering a Pressure Differential Valve After flushing or work on brake system valve becomes off center Make sure other sources not turning on light Must determine type of Pressure Differential Valve may be separate or part of M. C.

Re-centering Single Piston Valve with centering springs

Re-centering single piston valve without centering springs

Re-centering Two Piston Valve with Centering Springs

Servicing Hydraulic System Valves

Metering Valves Brake problems caused by bad metering valve Can allow front brakes to lock prematurely Testing metering valve Inspect boot for leakage Metering valve pressure test (2 methods) 1. Apply brakes and feel stem 2. Pressurize system over 40 psi and open front bleeder to see if system fluid flows (should not flow)

Pg 171 L Proportioning Valve Brake problems caused by bad proportioning valve May cause rear drum lock up Testing proportioning valve Check for leaks Check “split point” pressure operation (pg 171 L) Servicing of proportioning valve Can only overhaul non integral valves

Pg 174 L Height Sensing Proportioning Valve Brake problems caused by bad valve Can cause over braking or reduced braking Chassis modifications Adjustment of valve Follow factory procedures Removal and replacement of valve Road test to make sure correct operation