Disc brake conversion
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Disc brake conversion
Today I installed a front disc brake conversion on my 1960 Vette using the stock single master cylinder. Aside for some minor problems, the installation was completed. I inadvertently left one caliper bleed open and drained the master cylinder. I bled the master cylinder and all the brakes. The front rotors rotated perfectly until I pumped the brakes. At that point, I could not turn them when the brakes were released. They were essentially locked up. A knowledgeable member of the forum said the restrictor valve in the master cylinder had to be removed as it was causing a retention of pressure. Another member of the forum said removing the valve was not required and had no problems leaving it in. At this point I am stumped. I'm planning on removing the end cap of the master cylinder and removing the restrictor valve IF I can remove the end cap which has so far been not successful. If I can't remove the end cap, my options are remove the master cylinder and rebuild it or get a new cylinder and prior to installation, remove the restrictor valve.
Any comments would be appreciated. I was hoping the rotors would turn with the valve in, but it's either that or something I'm missing.
Thanks, Captain Bud
Any comments would be appreciated. I was hoping the rotors would turn with the valve in, but it's either that or something I'm missing.
Thanks, Captain Bud
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
residual valve
Bill, I call it a restrictor valve, you call it a residual valve. Are we speaking of the same thing in the master cylinder?
#7
Melting Slicks
Converted And did nothing and It functioned properly. Then I did the dual master set up. Also functioned properly.
Or you could try the ideas you already have. That's the fun of it.
Or you could try the ideas you already have. That's the fun of it.
#8
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Inverness FL
Posts: 17,891
Received 727 Likes
on
621 Posts
St. Jude Donor '07
https://www.freeasestudyguides.com/r...eck-valve.html
if left in, the valve will cause disc brakes to drag. I had this problem when I converted to front discs. in my case the drag was not severe but it caused the front brakes to squeal a bit because the dragging pads; particularly noticeable in slow traffic, and I could hear it with the windows down.
Bill
#9
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Residual Valve
Bill, thanks for all your help. Today I got that pesky sucker out of the car. I bled the master cylinder and tomorrow, I'll do the 4 wheels.
#11
Racer
You could install a 10 pound residual check valve in the rear brake line only and a 2 pound valve for the front brakes if you need to get a better brake pedal feel . Most of the time the front doesn’t need any.
#12
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Washington Michigan
Posts: 38,899
Received 1,857 Likes
on
1,100 Posts
Disc brake systems don't use (or need) residual pressure valves - unless you like the smell of fried brake pads, don't use one.
#13
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
John, took out the residual valve. At least now I'm able to turn the rotor when I let off the brake. Thanks, Bud
#14
Le Mans Master
#15
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Proportioning valve
No it didn’t. If the rears lock up before the fronts, I’ll install. Since the fronts do about 75% of the braking, I should be ok.
Last edited by Captain Bud; 05-29-2018 at 11:46 AM. Reason: Spelling
#16
Le Mans Master
I was just curious because I added front disc's to my '63, (along with a dual master cylinder) and it required a proportioning valve to adjust the pressure on the rear brakes. I did use the '65-'82 calipers however.
Good luck... GUSTO
#17
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Inverness FL
Posts: 17,891
Received 727 Likes
on
621 Posts
St. Jude Donor '07
if the drum rears lock up before the fronts when braking, then a proportioning valve is necessary. otherwise not needed
Bill
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
proportioning valve
I'm still using the single master cylinder. I'm one of those who wants to keep it as original looking as possible. I'm good with your reply except for the "good Luck" part.
#19
Le Mans Master
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
proportioning valve
No problem. I was just hoping you knew something I didn't know. My wife won't drive in it until I do the Fantom Works 3-2-1 panic stop. I haven't put the wheels back on yet to test the new system because the brake pedal still feels spongy. I bled the master cylinder and wheels twice. I suppose I will actually need your "GOOD LUCK".