brakes CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Repair Manual

All vehicles use a 270 mm single diaphragm vac-
uum power brake booster.
Vehicles equipped with Disc/Disc brakes use a dif-
ferent power brake booster than vehicles equipped
with Disc/Drum brakes. Differences between the two
are internal. Service is the same for all boosters.
The power brake booster can be identified by the
tag attached to the body of the booster (Fig. 76). This
tag contains the production part number, the date it
was built, and who the manufacturer of the power
brake booster is.
NOTE: The power brake booster assembly is not a
repairable component and must be replaced as a
complete assembly if found to be faulty in any way.
The check valve located on the power brake
booster face is not repairable, but it can be
replaced separately from the power brake booster.
The different engine combinations used in this
vehicle require different vacuum hose routings to the
power brake booster. All vacuum hoses must be
routed from the engine to the power brake booster
without kinks or excessively tight bends.
OPERATION
The power brake booster reduces the amount of
force required by the driver to obtain the necessary
hydraulic pressure to stop a vehicle.
The power brake booster is vacuum operated. The
vacuum is supplied from the intake manifold on the
engine through a vacuum hose and the power brake
booster check valve (Fig. 75).As the brake pedal is depressed, the power brake
booster's input rod moves forward (Fig. 75). This
opens and closes valves in the power booster allowing
atmospheric pressure to enter on one side of a dia-
phragm. Engine vacuum is always present on the
other side. This difference in pressure forces the out-
put rod of the power brake booster out against the
primary piston of the master cylinder. As the pistons
in the master cylinder move forward this creates the
hydraulic pressure in the brake system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER BRAKE
BOOSTER
BASIC TEST
(1) With engine off, depress and release the brake
pedal several times to purge all vacuum from the
power brake booster.
(2) Depress and hold the pedal with light effort (15
to 25 lbs. pressure), then start the engine.
The pedal should fall slightly, then hold. Less effort
should be needed to apply the pedal at this time. If
the pedal fell as indicated, perform the VACUUM
LEAK TEST listed after the BASIC TEST. If the
pedal did not fall, continue on with this BASIC
TEST.
(3) Disconnect the vacuum hose on the vacuum
check valve, then place a vacuum gauge in line
between the vacuum hose and the valve.
(4) Start the engine.
(5) When the engine is at warm operating temper-
ature, allow it to idle and check the vacuum at the
gauge.
If the vacuum supply is 12 inches Hg (40.5 kPa) or
more, the power brake booster is defective and must
be replaced. If the vacuum supply is below 12 inches
Hg, continue on with this BASIC TEST.
(6) Shut off the engine.
(7) Connect the vacuum gauge to the vacuum ref-
erence port on the engine intake manifold.
(8) Start the engine and observe the vacuum
gauge.
If the vacuum is still low, check the engine tune
and repair as necessary. If the vacuum is above 12
inches Hg, the hose or check valve to the booster has
a restriction or leak.
Once an adequate vacuum supply is obtained,
repeat the BASIC TEST.
VACUUM LEAK TEST
(1) Disconnect the vacuum hose on the vacuum
check valve, then place a vacuum gauge in line
between the vacuum hose and the valve.
(2) Start the engine.
(3) Allow the engine to warm up to normal operat-
ing temperature and engine idle.
Fig. 76 MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - BOOSTER IDENTIFICATION LABEL
3 - FLUID LEVEL SWITCH CONNECTOR
4 - PRIMARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
5 - SECONDARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
6 - MASTER CYLINDER
RSBRAKES - BASE5-49
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(4) Using vacuum line pliers, close off the vacuum
supply hose near the booster, but before the vacuum
gauge, then observe the vacuum gauge.
If the vacuum drop exceeds 1.0 inch Hg (3.3 kPa)
in one minute, repeat the above steps to confirm the
reading. The vacuum loss should be less than 1.0
inch Hg in one minute time span. If the loss is more
than 1.0 inch Hg, replace the power brake booster. If
it is not, continue on with this test.
(5) Remove the pliers from the hose temporarily.
(6) Apply light effort (approximately 15 lbs. of
force) to the brake pedal and hold the pedal steady.
Do not move the pedal once the pressure is applied
or the test results may vary.
(7) Have an assistant reattach the vacuum line
pliers to the vacuum supply hose.
(8) Allow 5 seconds for stabilization, then observe
the vacuum gauge.
If the vacuum drop exceeds 3.0 inches Hg (10 kPa)
in 15 seconds, repeat the above steps to confirm the
reading. The vacuum loss should be less than 3.0
inches Hg in 15 seconds time span. If the loss is
more than 3.0 inches Hg, replace the power brake
booster. If it is not, the booster is not defective.
(9) Remove the pliers and vacuum gauge.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LHD
CAUTION: Reserve vacuum in power brake booster
must be pumped down (removed) before removing
master cylinder from booster. This is necessary to
prevent booster from sucking in any contamination
as master cylinder is removed. This can be done
simply by pumping the brake pedal, with the vehi-
cle's engine not running, until a firm feeling brake
pedal is achieved.
(1) With engine not running, pump the brake
pedal until a firm pedal is achieved (4-5 strokes).
(2) Remove negative battery cable terminal from
battery.
(3) Remove positive battery cable terminal from
battery.
(4) Remove battery thermal guard shield.
(5) Remove battery clamp, nut and battery from
the battery tray.
(6) Remove screw securing engine coolant filler
tube to battery tray.
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
disconnect the vacuum hose at the vacuum tank built
into the battery tray.
(8) Remove the two nuts and one bolt securing bat-
tery tray in place. Remove battery tray.
(9) If vehicle is equipped with speed control:(a) Disconnect wiring harness connector from
the speed control servo.
(b) Remove the two servo mounting nuts.
(c) Lay speed control servo off to the side, out of
the way.
(10) Remove the wiper module (unit). (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MOD-
ULE - REMOVAL)
(11) Disconnect wiring harness connector from
brake fluid level switch in master cylinder fluid res-
ervoir (Fig. 77).
CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
from the power brake vacuum booster, the master
cylinder and vacuum booster must be thoroughly
cleaned. This must be done to prevent dirt particles
from falling into the power brake vacuum booster.
(12) Clean area where master cylinder assembly
attaches to power brake booster. Use only a solvent
such as MopartBrake Parts Cleaner or equivalent.
(13) Disconnect primary and secondary brake
tubes from ABS integrated control unit or non-ABS
junction block (Fig. 78). Install sealing plugs in the
now open brake tube ports and install caps on ends
of tubes.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the brake
tubes from the master cylinder when removing the
master cylinder from the vacuum booster.
(14) Remove two nuts attaching master cylinder to
power brake booster (Fig. 78).
Fig. 77 Master Cylinder And Booster
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - BOOSTER IDENTIFICATION LABEL
3 - FLUID LEVEL SWITCH CONNECTOR
4 - PRIMARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
5 - SECONDARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
6 - MASTER CYLINDER
5 - 50 BRAKES - BASERS
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(15) Slide master cylinder straight out of power
brake booster. Remove master cylinder with primary
and secondary tubes from vehicle.
CAUTION: A seal on the rear of the master cylinder
is used to create the seal for holding vacuum in the
power brake vacuum booster. The vacuum seal on
the master cylinder MUST be replaced whenever the
master cylinder is removed from the power brake
vacuum booster.
(16) Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve
located on vacuum booster.DO NOT REMOVE
CHECK VALVE FROM POWER BRAKE
BOOSTER.
(17) Inside vehicle, remove silencer panel under
instrument panel below steering column.
(18) Locate the booster input rod to brake pedal
connection under the instrument panel. Position a
small screwdriver between the center tang on the
power brake booster input rod to brake pedal pin
retaining clip (Fig. 79).
(19) Rotate screwdriver enough to allow retaining
clip center tang to pass over end of brake pedal pin.
Then pull retaining clip off brake pedal pin.Discard
retaining clip. It is not to be reused. Replace
only with a new retaining clip when assem-
bling.
(20) Slide booster input rod off pedal pin.
(21) Remove the four nuts attaching power brake
booster to dash panel (Fig. 80).
(22) Slide power brake booster forward and remove
through engine compartment (Fig. 81).CAUTION: Do not attempt to disassemble the power
brake vacuum booster. It is serviced ONLY as a
complete assembly.
Fig. 78 Master Cylinder Mounting
1 - MASTER CYLINDER MOUNTING NUTS
2 - MASTER CYLINDER
3 - SECONDARY TUBE NUT AT ICU
4 - PRIMARY TUBE NUT AT ICU
Fig. 79 Vacuum Booster Input Rod Retaining Pin
1 - BRAKE PEDAL
2 - INPUT ROD
3 - SCREWDRIVER
4 - RETAINING CLIP
5 - BRAKE PEDAL PIN
Fig. 80 Booster Mounting
1 - DASH BRACKET
2 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
3 - BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY
RSBRAKES - BASE5-51
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

REMOVAL - RHD
CAUTION: Reserve vacuum in power brake booster
must be pumped down (removed) before removing
master cylinder from booster. This is necessary to
prevent booster from sucking in any contamination
as master cylinder is removed. This can be done
simply by pumping the brake pedal, with the vehi-
cle's engine not running, until a firm feeling brake
pedal is achieved.
(1) With engine not running, pump the brake
pedal until a firm pedal is achieved (4 or 5 strokes).
(2) Remove negative battery cable terminal from
battery.
(3) Remove positive battery cable terminal from
battery.
(4) Remove battery thermal guard shield.
(5) Remove battery clamp, nut and battery from
the battery tray.
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
disconnect the vacuum hose at the vacuum tank built
into the battery tray.
(7) Remove the two nuts and one bolt securing bat-
tery tray in place. Remove battery tray.
(8) If vehicle is equipped with speed control:
(a) Disconnect wiring harness connector from
the speed control servo.
(b) Remove the two servo mounting nuts.
(c) Lay speed control servo off to the side, out of
the way.
(9) If the vehicle is equipped with the 2.5L diesel
engine, remove the coolant recovery pressure con-
tainer and bracket. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESS CONTAINER -
REMOVAL)
(10) Disconnect wiring harness connector from
brake fluid level switch in master cylinder fluid res-
ervoir (Fig. 82).CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
from the power brake vacuum booster, the master
cylinder and vacuum booster must be thoroughly
cleaned. This must be done to prevent dirt particles
from falling into the power brake vacuum booster.
(11) Clean area where master cylinder assembly
attaches to power brake booster. Use only a solvent
such as MopartBrake Parts Cleaner or equivalent.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the brake
tubes from the master cylinder when removing the
master cylinder from the booster.
(12) Remove two nuts attaching master cylinder to
power brake booster (Fig. 83).
(13) Slide master cylinder straight out of power
brake booster. Lay master cylinder with primary and
secondary tubes to the side, out of the way.
CAUTION: A seal on the rear of the master cylinder
is used to create the seal for holding vacuum in the
power brake vacuum booster. The vacuum seal on
the master cylinder MUST be replaced whenever the
master cylinder is removed from the power brake
vacuum booster.
(14) Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve
located on booster.DO NOT REMOVE CHECK
VALVE FROM POWER BRAKE BOOSTER.
(15) Under the instrument panel, remove booster
input rod trim cover.
(16) Locate the booster input rod to brake pedal
torque shaft connection under the instrument panel.
Fig. 81 Booster Removal/InstallationFig. 82 RHD Master Cylinder And Power Brake
Booster
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
3 - FLUID RESERVOIR
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
5 - 52 BRAKES - BASERS
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

Position a small screwdriver between the center tang
on the retaining clip (Fig. 84).
(17) Rotate screwdriver enough to allow retaining
clip center tang to pass over end of brake pedal pin.
Then pull retaining clip off brake pedal torque shaft
pin.Discard retaining clip. It is not to be
reused. Replace only with a new retaining clip
when assembling.
(18) Remove booster input rod from pedal torque
shaft pin.(19) Remove the three easily accessed mounting
nuts attaching power brake booster to dash panel
and loosen fourth (Fig. 85). As fourth nut is loosened,
push the booster forward periodically until the nut
can be completely removed.
(20) Slide power brake booster forward and remove
through engine compartment (Fig. 86).
CAUTION: Do not attempt to disassemble the power
brake vacuum booster. It is serviced ONLY as a
complete assembly.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LHD
(1) Position power brake booster on dash panel
using the reverse procedure of its removal (Fig. 81).
It may be necessary to push in on booster input rod
as it is guided through the dash panel.
(2) Install the four nuts mounting the booster to
the dash panel (Fig. 80). Tighten the mounting nuts
to a torque of 29 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
Fig. 83 RHD Master Cylinder Mounting
1 - PRIMARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
2 - SECONDARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
3 - MASTER CYLINDER MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 84 Booster Input Rod Pin Retaining Clip
(Typical)
1 - BRAKE PEDAL
2 - INPUT ROD
3 - SCREWDRIVER
4 - RETAINING CLIP
5 - BRAKE PEDAL PIN
Fig. 85 Booster, Torque Shaft And Pedal Mounting
1 - PEDAL MOUNTING NUT
2 - BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY
3 - PEDAL MOUNTING NUT
4 - PEDAL TORQUE SHAFT
5 - BOOSTER MOUNTING NUT
6 - BOOSTER BRACKET
7 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
8 - BOOSTER BRACKET MOUNTING NUT
RSBRAKES - BASE5-53
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(3) Using lubriplate, or equivalent, coat the sur-
face of the brake pedal pin where it contacts the
booster input rod.
CAUTION: When installing the brake pedal pin on
the power brake booster input rod, do not re-use
the old retaining clip.
(4) Install booster input rod on brake pedal pin
and install a NEW retaining clip (Fig. 87).
CAUTION: Do not reuse the original brake lamp
switch. The switch can only be adjusted once. That
is during initial installation of the switch. If the
switch is not adjusted properly or has beenremoved for some service, a new switch must be
installed and adjusted.
(5) Remove and replace the brake lamp switch
with a NEW switch. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH - REMOVAL), (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the silencer panel below the steering
column.
(7) Connect vacuum hose to check valve on power
brake booster.
CAUTION: The master cylinder (and its rear seal) is
used to create the seal for holding vacuum in the
vacuum booster. The vacuum seal on the master
cylinder MUST be replaced with a NEW seal when-
ever the master cylinder is removed from the vac-
uum booster.
CAUTION: When removing the vacuum seal from
the master cylinder do not use a sharp tool.
(8) Using a soft tool such as a trim stick, remove
the vacuum seal from the master cylinder mounting
flange.
(9) Install a NEW vacuum seal on rear mounting
flange of the master cylinder (Fig. 88).
(10) Position master cylinder on studs of booster,
aligning push rod on booster with master cylinder
piston.
(11) Install the two nuts mounting the master cyl-
inder to the booster (Fig. 78). Tighten both mounting
nuts to a torque of 25 N´m (225 in. lbs.).
Fig. 86 RHD Booster Removal/Installation
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 87 Retaining Pin Installed On Brake Pedal Pin
1 - BRAKE PEDAL
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - BOOSTER INPUT ROD
Fig. 88 Vacuum Seal (Typical)
1 - MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY
2 - VACUUM SEAL
5 - 54 BRAKES - BASERS
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(12) Connect wiring harness connector to brake
fluid level switch in the master cylinder fluid reser-
voir (Fig. 77).
(13) Connect primary and secondary brake tubes
to ABS ICU or non-ABS junction block (Fig. 78).
Tighten the tube nuts to 17 N´m (145 in lbs.).
(14) Install wiper module (unit). (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MOD-
ULE - INSTALLATION)
(15) If equipped with speed control, install speed
control servo and connect wiring connector. Tighten
the mounting nuts to a torque of 14 N´m (124 in.
lbs.).
(16) Install the battery tray. Install the two nuts
and one bolt attaching the battery tray to the vehicle.
Tighten the bolt and nuts to a torque of 14 N´m (124
in. lbs.).
(17) If vehicle is equipped with speed control, con-
nect the servo vacuum hose to the vacuum tank on
the battery tray.
(18) Install the air inlet resonator and hoses as an
assembly on the throttle body and air cleaner hous-
ing. Securely tighten hose clamp at air cleaner hous-
ing and throttle body.
(19) Secure the engine coolant filler neck to the
battery tray with its mounting screw.
(20) Install the battery, clamp and mounting nut.
(21) Install the positive battery cable on the bat-
tery.
(22) Install the negative battery cable on the bat-
tery.
(23) Install the battery thermal guard shield.
(24) Bleed the base brakes as necessary. (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(25) Road test vehicle to ensure operation of the
brakes.
INSTALLATION - RHD
(1) Position power brake booster on dash panel
using the reverse procedure of its removal (Fig. 86).
(2) Below instrument panel, first install the two
upper nuts mounting the booster to the dash panel,
drawing it into place, then install the two lower
mounting nuts. Tighten the mounting nuts to a
torque of 29 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(3) Using lubriplate, or equivalent, coat the sur-
face of the brake pedal torque shaft pin where it con-
tacts the booster input rod.
CAUTION: When installing the brake pedal torque
shaft pin on the power brake booster input rod, do
not re-use the old retaining clip.
(4) Install booster input rod on brake pedal torque
shaft pin and install a NEW retaining clip (Fig. 89).
(5) Install booster input rod trim cover.(6) Connect vacuum hose to check valve on power
brake booster.
CAUTION: The master cylinder (and its rear seal) is
used to create the seal for holding vacuum in the
vacuum booster. The vacuum seal on the master
cylinder MUST be replaced with a NEW seal when-
ever the master cylinder is removed from the vac-
uum booster.
CAUTION: When removing the vacuum seal from
the master cylinder, do not use a sharp tool.
(7) Using a soft tool such as a trim stick, remove
the vacuum seal from the master cylinder mounting
flange.
(8) Install a NEW vacuum seal on rear mounting
flange of the master cylinder (Fig. 90).
(9) Position master cylinder on studs of booster,
aligning push rod on booster with master cylinder
piston.
(10) Install the two nuts mounting the master cyl-
inder to the booster (Fig. 83). Tighten both mounting
nuts to a torque of 25 N´m (225 in. lbs.).
(11) Connect wiring harness connector to brake
fluid level switch in the master cylinder fluid reser-
voir (Fig. 82).
(12) If the vehicle is equipped with the 2.5L diesel
engine, install the coolant recovery pressure con-
tainer and bracket. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESS CONTAINER -
INSTALLATION)
(13) If equipped with speed control, install speed
control servo and connect wiring connector. Tighten
Fig. 89 Retaining Pin Installed On Brake Pedal Pin
(Typical)
1 - BRAKE PEDAL
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - BOOSTER INPUT ROD
RSBRAKES - BASE5-55
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

the mounting nuts to a torque of 14 N´m (124 in.
lbs.).
(14) Install the battery tray. Install the two nuts
and one bolt attaching the battery tray to the vehicle.
Tighten the bolt and nuts to a torque of 14 N´m (124
in. lbs.).
(15) If vehicle is equipped with speed control, con-
nect the servo vacuum hose to the vacuum tank on
the battery tray.
(16) Install the battery, clamp and mounting nut.
(17) Install the positive battery cable on the bat-
tery.
(18) Install the negative battery cable on the bat-
tery.
(19) Install the battery thermal guard shield.
CAUTION: Do not reuse the original brake lamp
switch. The switch can only be adjusted once. That
is during initial installation of the switch. If the
switch is not adjusted properly or has been
removed for some service, a new switch must be
installed and adjusted.
(20) Remove and replace the brake lamp switch
with a NEW switch. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH - REMOVAL), (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH - INSTALLATION)
(21) Bleed the base brakes as necessary. (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(22) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation
of the brakes.
PROPORTIONING VALVE
DESCRIPTION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)
NOTE: Only vehicles without antilock brakes (ABS)
have a proportioning valve. Vehicles with ABS uti-
lize electronic brake distribution which is controlled
through the ABS integrated control unit.
Vehicles not equipped with ABS use a height sens-
ing proportioning valve. It is mounted to the body of
the vehicle above the rear axle (Fig. 91). It has an
actuator lever that attaches to the rear axle and
moves with the axle to help the valve sense the vehi-
cle height.
CAUTION: The height sensing proportioning valve
is not adjustable. No attempt should be made to
adjust it. It is replaced as a complete assembly.
CAUTION: The use of after-market load leveling or
load capacity increasing devices on this vehicle are
prohibited. Using air shock absorbers or helper
springs on this vehicle will cause the height sens-
ing proportioning valve to inappropriately reduce
the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes. This inap-
propriate reduction in hydraulic pressure potentially
could result in increased stopping distance of the
vehicle.
Fig. 90 Vacuum Seal (Typical)
1 - MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY
2 - VACUUM SEAL
Fig. 91 HEIGHT SENSING PROPORTIONING VALVE
1 - PROPORTIONING VALVE
2 - ACTUATOR LEVER
3 - AXLE BRACKET
4 - REAR AXLE
5 - 56 BRAKES - BASERS
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)
Vehicles not equipped with ABS use a height sens-
ing proportioning valve.
The height sensing proportioning valve operates
similarly to a standard proportioning valve in the fol-
lowing way. As hydraulic pressure is applied to the
valve, full input hydraulic pressure is supplied to the
rear brakes up to a certain pressure point, called the
split point. Beyond the split point, the proportioning
valve reduces the amount of hydraulic pressure to
the rear brakes according to a given ratio. Thus, on
light brake applications, approximately equal
hydraulic pressure will be transmitted to both the
front and rear brakes. Upon heavier brake applica-
tions, the hydraulic pressure transmitted to the rear
brakes will be lower than the front brakes. This will
prevent premature rear wheel lockup and skid.
Here is how the height sensing proportioning valve
differs from a standard proportioning valve. As the
height of the rear suspension changes, the height
sensing portion of the proportioning valve changes
the split point of the proportioning valve. When the
height of the rear suspension is low, the proportion-
ing valve interprets this as extra load and the split
point of the proportioning valve is raised to a higher
pressure to allow for more rear braking. When the
height of the rear suspension is high, the proportion-
ing valve interprets this as a light load and the split
point of the proportioning valve is lowered to a lower
pressure and rear braking is reduced.
The height sensing proportioning valve regulates
the pressure by sensing the load condition of the
vehicle through the movement of the proportioning
valve actuator lever (Fig. 91). As the position of the
rear axle changes, depending on the load the vehicle
is carrying, the movement is transferred to the pro-
portioning valve. The proportioning valve adjusts the
hydraulic pressure accordingly.
The height sensing proportioning valve allows the
brake system to maintain the optimal front to rear
brake balance regardless of the vehicle load condi-
tion. Under a light load condition, hydraulic pressure
to the rear brakes is minimized. As the rear load con-
dition increases, so does the hydraulic pressure to
the rear brakes.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PROPORTIONING
VALVE (HEIGHT SENSING)
CAUTION: The use of aftermarket load leveling or
load capacity increasing devices on this vehicle is
prohibited. Using air shock absorbers or helper
springs on this vehicle will cause the height sens-
ing proportioning valve to inappropriately reduce
the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes. This inap-propriate reduction in hydraulic pressure potentially
could result in increased stopping distance of the
vehicle.
When a premature rear wheel skid is obtained on a
brake application, it may be an indication that the
hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes is above the
specified output from the proportioning valve. This
condition indicates a possible malfunction of the
height sensing proportioning valve, which will
require testing to verify that it is properly controlling
the hydraulic pressure allowed to the rear brakes.
Premature rear wheel skid may also be caused by
contaminated front or rear brake linings.
Prior to testing a proportioning valve for function,
check that all tire pressures are correct. Also, ensure
the front and rear brake linings are in satisfactory
condition.It is also necessary to verify that the
brakes shoe assemblies on a vehicle being
tested are either original equipment manufac-
turers (OEM) or original replacement brake
shoe assemblies meeting the OEM lining mate-
rial specification. This vehicles brake system is
not balanced for aftermarket brake shoe assem-
bly lining material.
If both front and rear brakes check OK, proceed
with the following test procedure for the height sens-
ing proportioning valve.
(1) Road test the vehicle to determine which rear
wheel brake is exhibiting premature wheel skid.
(2) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(3) Remove the chassis brake tube going to the
rear brake in question at the proportioning valve.
Remove the chassis brake tube coming from the junc-
tion block at the proportioning valve (Fig. 92).
(4) Install the appropriate fittings from Pressure
Test Fittings, Special Tool 6833, into the open ports
of the proportioning valve.
(5) Install the previously removed brake lines into
the Pressure Test Fittings. Tighten all tube nuts to
17 N´m (145 in. lbs.).
(6) Install a pressure gauge from Gauge Set, Spe-
cial Tool C-4007-A into the open port on each pres-
sure test fitting. Bleed air out of hose from pressure
test fittings to pressure gauges at the pressure
gauges. Then bleed air out of the brake line being
tested at that rear wheel brake bleeder.
NOTE: Actuator rod is a linear spring and is meant
to flex by design. When rod is raised, it will have
some curvature to it.
(7) Remove the screw fastening the proportioning
valve actuator rod bracket to the rear axle. Raise the
actuator lever to the full-upward position and hold it
there.
RSBRAKES - BASE5-57
PROPORTIONING VALVE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(8) With the aid of a helper, apply pressure to the
brake pedal until a pressure of 6895 kPa (1000 psi) is
obtained on the proportioning valve inlet gauge.
Then, based on the type of brake system the vehicle
is equipped with and the pressure specification
shown on the following table, compare the pressure
reading on the outlet gauge to the specification. If
outlet pressure at the proportioning valve is not
within specification when required inlet pressure is
obtained, replace the proportioning valve. (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/PROPOR-
TIONING VALVE - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the height sens-
ing proportioning valve. If found to be defective,
replace the valve.(9) Remove the pressure test fittings and pressure
gauges from the proportioning valve.
(10) Install the chassis brake lines in the correct
ports of the proportioning valve. Tighten all tube
nuts to 17 N´m (145 in. lbs.).
(11) If necessary, repeat the above steps on the
remaining side of the proportioning valve which con-
trol the other rear wheel brake.
(12) Attach the actuator lever and bracket to the
rear axle.
(13) Bleed rear brakes. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(14) Road test vehicle.
PROPORTIONING VALVE SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL
BASEDRIVE
TRAINSALES CODE BRAKE SYSTEMSPLIT
POINTSLOPEINLET
PRESSURE
PSIOUTLET
PRESSURE
PSI
SWB FWD BRB-BGF159DISC/DRUM
W/O ANTILOCKVAR. .59 1000 PSI 675-875 PSI
REMOVAL - PROPORTIONING VALVE (HEIGHT
SENSING)
(1) Using a brake pedal depressor, move and lock
the brake pedal to a position past its first 1 inch of
travel. This will prevent brake fluid from draining
out of the master cylinder when the brake tubes are
removed from the proportioning valve.
(2) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
CAUTION: Before removing the brake tubes from
the proportioning valve, the proportioning valve and
the brake tubes must be thoroughly cleaned. This is
required to prevent contamination from entering the
proportioning valve or the brake tubes.
(3) Remove the four brake tubes from the inlet and
outlet ports of the proportioning valve (Fig. 92).
(4) Remove the two bolts attaching the proportion-
ing valve and bracket to the vehicle (Fig. 92).
(5) Slide the bracket out from under rear track bar
bracket. Lower the valve down enough to pull its
actuator rod out of the axle bracket and remove the
proportioning valve from the vehicle.
Fig. 92 PROPORTIONING VALVE MOUNTING
1 - LEFT REAR OUTLET TUBE
2 - RIGHT REAR OUTLET TUBE
3 - RIGHT REAR INLET TUBE
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - LEFT REAR INLET TUBE
5 - 58 BRAKES - BASERS
PROPORTIONING VALVE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com