Can anyone, with stock brakes. (aftermarket pads or lines are fine) able to lock all 4 tires?

My 89 GTA locks the front on hard stops but cant lock the rear for the life of me. Can anyone?

If anyone can what did you do to improve the stopping power? combo valve? aftermarket Master?

Thanks all!

 

Its a very common problem. Go to a 1LE prop valve for your year car. It will make a big improvement in stopping power.

 

Called around, NAPA and LORDCO dont carry them. Im scared to call the dealership. Anyone know an easy place to get one?

 

I used to be able to lock all 4, but not any longer. I need to do some work on my brakes.

 

I am eliminating stock prop valve. Run the fronts straight and put wilwood adjustable on the rears. But I am also going with LS1 up front and PBRs in the rear. For just stock setup I would stick with the 1LE. I think the dealership may be your only hope on that.

 

What do u guys think will be the damage?

 

Call Dal Slabaugh...my 1LE prop valve from GM was $55 shipped to my door. Call him or go thru GMPD.

Dal Slabaugh
Van Devere Pont-Buick-Olds
877-448-5451


Ed

 

Does the 1LE prop valve have the fitting for the brake light sensor? Does it bolt right in place of the stock valve without needing any mods to brackets, brake lines, etc??

 

Yes but you need to get the right one for your car as the brake line threads change between years.

Look here for more info:

http://www.ws6transam.org/1LEbrake.html#1LEfront

Ed

 

OK, since my car is an 88 with J65 brakes, looks like the correct combo/prop valve is p/n 14089496. I assume this valve applys more line pressure to the rear brakes than the stock J65 valve?

 

Yep, same one I used on my '88, and I think the theory is correct.


Ed

 

Ed, did all the stock brake lines line up correctly with the new valve, or did you have to do some bending?

 

they did on mine

 

Lined up perfectly.


Ed

 

Well, i know why i cant lock my rear wheels. THEY DONT WORK. I was bummed out.

I was at aircare yesturday. They do a quick mechanical test, they came back and asked me if my rear brakes work. I said as far as i know. My rear wheels were on a roller (like a dyno) and they didnt brake even when floored.

Im replacing the calipers/lines imediately (5 months old, and surprise surprise still at 95%.)

Weird thing is the parking brake still works. No well. But itll hold if the hill isnt crazy steep. Hopefully this will solve the problem. Im hoping this pistons are seized or something like that. IF not ill have to find out whats going on. EVERYTHING in my braking system is new, minus the combo valve....

 

I take it you replaced the rear flex lines too?

Ed

 

I have an earls ss brake line kit if thats what you mean. Not installed though, well, technically they are now (along with new calipers) but i havent used it yet. The mechanic is still making sure i pass smog.

dont know what else a flexline could be.