Author Topic: Proportion Valve reset??  (Read 3940 times)

Offline xtrememopars

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Proportion Valve reset??
« on: April 23, 2013 - 07:20:47 PM »
Ok here is the story keeping it short... I got a 73 challenger has not been moved for 15 years. (stashed in my dads shop) i Finally got it running. now I was having brake issues so I replaced the Master cylinder, booster ,checked all brakes no leaks bled the brakes too. now it feels as if the rear tires brakes are constantly engaged and the in dash brake light does not go off. I read it can be the proportion valve. is there a way to reset it to put the meter in the middle? also how is the proper way to bleed this car? or you guys recommend I just replace the proportion valve all together?? please help!   :working:




Offline RzeroB

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Re: Proportion Valve reset??
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2013 - 07:56:01 PM »
I had a similar problem with a 70 Challenger that I once had. Upon braking, one of the wheels would lock up and the tire would skid making a loud screeching sound. The sound was coming from the right side and I was sure it was the right front wheel that was locking up. I bled the brakes, replaced the caliper, replaced the master cylinder and nothing seemed to cure it. I was going to replace the proportioning valve too but my friend suggested that I drive the car past him and brake while he observed from the sidewalk. I did so and he said that it was the right rear wheel that was locking up. Rear? I thought for sure it was the front. We then disassembled the right rear brake and discovered that the wheel cylinder had corrosion in it that was causing it to stick and lock up the wheel when braking. The point is, I suspect that it probably isn't your proportioning valve. Do you remember what color the brake fluid was that came out of your brakes when you bled them? Was it dark in color by chance? Brake fluid absorbs moisture and after sitting for 15 years I would suspect that you probably have some corrosion in one of your wheel cylinders or calipers and it's the source of your brake problems.
Cheers!
Tom
St Louis, MO

Former owner of 16 classic Mopars. "It is better to have owned (Mopars) and lost then to have never owned at all" (apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Offline burdar

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Re: Proportion Valve reset??
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2013 - 08:58:38 PM »
73's use a steel combination valve.  Sometimes you can step on the pedal really hard and it will reset.  First of all make sure the parking brake isn't frozen in the applied possition.  Pull on the handle and lift up on the pedal.  Open the rear bleeders and check to make sure the wheels spin.  If that is OK, then I'd pull the combination valve and take it apart.  THey can be completely disassembled and cleaned.  I think there is a really good pic of one on Moparts.  My guess is your seals will still be in good shape.  The inside can get some rust in it though.  You can soak it in EvapoRust after it's apart.  There have been problems with the repop combination valves.  I'd try using your original first.

Offline burdar

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Re: Proportion Valve reset??
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2013 - 09:02:38 PM »
Here's the exploded picture for you.  This picture should be in the reference pics thread.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/7489638-poportioningvalve.jpg