Hi,

Last year I did a front disc conversion and it worked fine with no leaks for months. I went out to the garage to get the 1971 Cutlass ready for the spring and noticed brake fluid under the car. Turns out the valve is leaking from the front under that rubber cap. A quick Google search showed this is sadly a common, long running problem.

Mine was bought from Summit (will be contacting tomorrow) and is the SUM-760186 I think. Has anyone had this issue? Is there a quality built part out there anywhere or are they all cheap junk? I would rather not be changing this thing anually, not to mention the safety hazzard.

Thanks!

 

I had to look up that part number to know exactly what you were referring to.

So the proportioning valve is leaking. Have you considered using an original used GM part instead of an aftermarket one? I say this as the original on my car is still working well after 52 years.

 

I may have to resort to trying to find an original. I found a replacement metering valve and seal. If that doesn't work I found one that looks exactly the same as these but is black and made by Wilwood. Maybe I will try that

 

If you can't find an OE valve that Wildwood proportioning valve would be better than a Summit cheapie.

 

I agree, I'm glad I found it. It's 3 times the price but after seeing people that are on thier 5th replacement it will save money in the long run and if I don't have to change it and re-bleed the brakes every year it's is worth every penny.

 

After looking into it more the Wilwood model only has 1 outlet for front brakes. I saw comments about people installing a tee for the front, just not sure how I feel about that. I guess as long as it doesn't cause any issues with how the brakes work it would be worth it.

My replacement metering valve and seal get here Thursday so I will remain hopeful that it fixes this permanently. I just can't help but think whatever caused the leak the first time will happen again to the new part.... oh well, time will tell.

 

It looks like you have resolve the issue, but if you are in need of the one piece Proportioning valve used 1971 and later i believe i have one available.
Thanks

 

So good news/bad news for me - I changed the metering valve out on the front of the proportioning valve and it is now leak free. Bad news is now I can't get fluid at any wheel. I had the bleeder tool installed before, the brake light was not on and had fluid at all the wheels. I did take the tool out so I could reconnect the light and see if it was on and it is, maybe it moved then, but with the issues I assume it had to have moved before.

Any ideas what has gone wrong? As far as I knew if the valve moves one way or the other you will always have fluid either front or back and at least know what way you need to try and move it to center and get the brake light off. But with not having fluid front or back I'm questioning if the issue is even the valve because I don't understand how it could block front and back at the same time, but all I did was change that metering valve....