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3/14/2022 4:44 PM  #1


Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Hey everyone. I have a 66 mustang coupe with the mustang Steve cable clutch kit and power brake booster.  The front of the car has csrp spindles with Granada front disc brakes and the back has the factory drums. I believe the distribution block in their is the A 68 or 69 mustang one for rear drum front discs. My old booster had a vacum leak and the rear drums were starting to lock up which I never had an issue with before. 

I just replaced the booster with a new one from mustang Steve. Before I never really had a problem with the back brakes locking up.  But recently before I changed the booster they were locking up. Now with the new booster they are still locking up.  Do I need to look into an adjustable proportioning valve?

 

3/14/2022 8:00 PM  #2


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

While the specifications of the proportioning valve you have should be correct, if it is not working for you, consider removing it and install an adjustable valve.

Before you do that, do a thorough rear drum inspection and check for sticking wheel cylinders, worn out backing plates, worn out or stuck self-adjusters, oil or grease on the shoes and see if the primary shoes are in the right location.  When I got my 69 disc-drum car, one side had the shoes on backwards and it would skid if you tapped the brakes.
Then, it check the fronts. If a caliper piston is seized, a caliper slide is seized, or a hose has collapsed, the rear brakes will do all the work and tend to lockup before the fronts do anything. Even loose bearings cab cause ineffective brakes.
Once you determine the brakes themselves are all working properly, then consider a new prop valve.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

3/14/2022 8:20 PM  #3


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Ok thanks. It has been a while since I’ve gone through the drums. I’ll check that first.

     Thread Starter
 

3/21/2022 9:10 AM  #4


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Well it looks like the drum brakes were the issue. Here’s some before and after photos to show. It’s been quite a while since I’ve done drums. Man what a PIA lol. Only got driver side done last night. Today will be on to passenger side. 






     Thread Starter
 

3/21/2022 10:10 AM  #5


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

I'm showing my drum brake ignorance here....
Does the small shoe go towards the front of the car or the rear?
It looks like maybe your new shoes are opposite of the old shoes you removed....

 

3/21/2022 12:48 PM  #6


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

I'm not a drum brake guru, but I put the small shoe on the front.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

3/21/2022 12:50 PM  #7


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Small shoe in front....practice makes perfect...

 

3/21/2022 1:21 PM  #8


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Doh!   Thanks guys. Like I said it has been a while. When putting them on I compared the shape of all the notches and holes. But missed the shorter pad vs the bigger. Thanks.

     Thread Starter
 

3/21/2022 2:43 PM  #9


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

It wouldn't be the end of the world I don't think.  I've heard of guys running two primary shoes to get more surface area and improve braking where they are limited by racing class rules to factory style brakes. 

 

3/21/2022 3:35 PM  #10


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Alright. Was able to get it corrected. Thanks again for pointing that out. 

     Thread Starter
 

3/21/2022 4:58 PM  #11


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

Those shoes are really made weird. The front shoe is way shorter than any I have seen. Glad you got it corrected. Big shoe goes to rear, but it looks like half your front shoe is missing.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

3/21/2022 5:06 PM  #12


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

If you want to know why the leading shoe doesn't have to be as large as the trailing shoe, this video explains it.  It's an old video but the information is there.  The key words are "self energizing brakes".  It is the rear shoe that does the braking.



 


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
 

3/21/2022 7:44 PM  #13


Re: Do I need a adjustable proportioning valve?

I had a Vincent motorcycle that had a double leading shoe drum clutch. The way it was designed that the more throttle that was applied the harder the shoes gripped the drum.
It seems that in a car brake drum if the larger surface shoe is installed as the primary the braking is more erratic and not predictable.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

Board footera


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