GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Use 2 brake pressure gages to check the brake proportioning valves that are attached to the master cylinder on non-antilock brake system (ABS) braking systems. These valves limit the outlet pressure to the rear brakes after a predetermined master cylinder pressure has been reached. On ABS braking systems, the hydraulic modulator/motor pack assembly controls the hydraulic pressure to both the rear wheel cylinders or rear calipers, and the front calipers.

When checking the brake proportioning valves, be sure that the hydraulic line pressure is measured simultaneously and diagonally on the front and the rear axles.

To measure the pressure, use the following steps.

  1. Remove the bleeder valve and install a pressure gage to one of the rear brake cylinders.
  2. Install another bleeder valve and install another pressure gage to the diagonally opposite front brake.
  3. Build pressure by pressing firmly on the brake pedal several times. The pressure indicated on the gage is not regulated and represents the actual brake system hydraulic pressure.
  4. Build pressure until the test values in the following proportioning valve test chart are achieved.
  5. Important: If the pressure exceeds 10 000 kPa (1,450 psi), the pressure reading on the rear gage will not be accurate.

  6. Remove the gages from the tested brake circuit and repeat the test on the remaining circuit.

Model

Reference Number for Gradient and Switching Pressure on the Valve Housing

Input Pressure Read on the Manometer at the Front Axle

Output Pressure Read on the Manometer at the Front Axle

Metric

English

Metric

English

N/B, H/B

0.3/30

500 kPa

73 psi

500 kPa

73 psi

4 500 kPa

653 psi

3 450 ± 200 kPa

500 ± 29 psi

10 000 kPa

1,450 psi

5 100 ± 300 kPa

740 ± 44 psi

Wagon

0.3/40

500 kPa

73 psi

500 kPa

73 psi

5 500 kPa

798 psi

4 450 ± 200 kPa

645 ± 29 psi

10 000 kPa

1,450 psi

5 800 ± 300 kPa

841 ± 44 psi