Brake compensator valve

Technical Help for the A & K Series Metro. Please state what year and model you're referring to for better responses.
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Werner Hedgehog
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:53 pm

Brake compensator valve

Post by Werner Hedgehog »

Hi there,

Having trouble with the brakes on my '89 Mk.2 Metro. Have tried everything to get pressure and finally think I have it cracked- I reckon it's the brake compensator (or equalizer) valve attached to the side of the master cylinder. I reckon I'll finally be able to get the car back on the road when this is sorted. The only problem is that I can't locate one anywhere. Would anyone on here have any ideas where I'd get one or indeed have one they'd be willing to part with?

I'm going to get this car back on the road if it kills me.
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DotMatrix
Posts: 451
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2017 8:28 pm
Location: Denmark

Re: Brake compensator valve

Post by DotMatrix »

in my experience brake limiting valves tend to fail in the open state giving a 50/50 brake distribution.
are you sure you have removed all air from the system? have you followed the correct airing out sequence, the a-series brake system can be really tricky to get all the air out of. I have previously had to run up to a litre of brake fluid through before all the air was out.
also.
start by airing out by the two t-join placed on the bulkhead of the car by loosening the brake pipe unions, then move on to air out all screws at one front wheel, then the other front wheel, and then the left hand rear wheel, then finally the right hand rear wheel. I usually use compressed air at a low pressure applied at the reservoir when I air out a-series brakes.

about your question of where you can get at new limiting valve, I dont think you can get one, I have never seen any new valves or repair kits for sale. If you want to change it I suggest removing it completely from the master cylinder and fitting a pipe instead and then fitting a mini brake balancing valve near the rear subframe t-piece instead.
Werner Hedgehog
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:53 pm

Re: Brake compensator valve

Post by Werner Hedgehog »

That's helpful. Thanks. I'll give those a try and report back.
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DotMatrix
Posts: 451
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2017 8:28 pm
Location: Denmark

Re: Brake compensator valve

Post by DotMatrix »

Werner Hedgehog wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:36 pm That's helpful. Thanks. I'll give those a try and report back.
if you do decide to fit a mini compensating valve like the one with part number 21A1774 you have to be aware that this mini item uses unions with an other type of thread than the metro so you have to make new brake pipes or fit new unions to the existing.
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