What is the purpose of a metering valve?

A brake metering valve is used to Balance the Braking Forces. It is only found on vehicles with front disc and rear drum brakes. The metering valve holds back fluid to the front brakes until enough pressure is created to overcome the return springs inside the rear drums. It is also known as a “metering block.”

Do I need a metering valve?

Metering Valve: Due to the design of disc brakes versus drum brakes, disc brakes will apply quicker than drum brakes. If this happens, the car will nose dive when applying the brakes. To prevent this, the use of a Metering Valve is required.

What is the difference between a metering valve and a proportioning valve?

The metering valve works with a front disc/rear drum setup to hold off pressure to the front brakes until pressure has been applied to the rear brakes. The proportion valve works in a panic situation to hold off rear brake pressure and prevent rear brake lock-up.

What is the function of a metering valve in brake system?

For your disc / drum brake system, a metering valve is essential for proper balance. A metering valve will control fluid flow from the master cylinder causing the rear drum brakes to engage just before the front disc brakes. This allows the car to settle evenly under braking instead of nose diving.

How do I know if my metering valve is bad?

Since the proportioning valve decreases the pressure sent to the rear brakes, the main symptom the valve is going bad is the rear wheels locking up when the brakes are applied. Furthermore, the wheels will lock up more easily on wet surfaces. The rear brakes may feel touchy when applied even gently.

Does the metering valve delays front brake action?

The metering valve delays the flow of brake fluid to the front calipers until the pressure in the system rises to a point where the wheel cylinder can overcome the tension of the brake shoe return springs. The purpose is to have both front and rear brakes apply simultane ously.

Where are metering valves located?

Metering valves are located at various points in the braking system, depending on the make and model, and may be part of a larger combination valve used to regulate pressure inside the hydraulic braking system.

How do you test a metering valve?

The metering valve is holding off the pressure until the rear drum brakes have applied. It’s best to use a pressure kit to test this delay and measure actual fluid pressures. Connect a pressure gauge to the inlet and another to one of the outlet ports. Compare the results.

What would happen if the pressure differential valve was faulty?

The Pressure Differential Valve is designed to move should pressure drop on the front side of the valve versus the rear side and vice versa. When this happens, fluid coming from the master cylinder basically hits a wall. Because the brake fluid can’t be compressed, the pedal becomes rock hard.

How does proportioning valve work?

It is a spring-loaded component that activates when fluid pressure builds when you step on the brake pedal. Then, the valve’s plunger unseats and fluid rushes into the calibrated range. Once this happens, the spring gets compressed and the plunger blocks the fluid from passing through.

How do I know if my proportioning valve is bad?

First, you might notice your car is taking a nose dive when you suddenly apply the brakes. Then your car may not stop fast enough. If your rear wheels lock up easily, especially when you drive on wet surfaces, it is a good sign your proportioning valve is going bad.