Height sensing valve, how or what can I use to bypass?
 

Hey guys, Ive got an 88 Suburban 3500 4X4 here at work. Some one in the past had removed the height sensing lever for the rear propotioning valve. I cant find another one at the bone yards so I'm left with only 1 option to get the rear brakes working again. I'm curious what you guys have used to bypass this sucker when you put your lift kits on or had one go bad?
Thanks Clint.


I also posted in the Suburban fourm because this thing is driving me nuts.:crazy:

Re: Height sensing valve, how or what can I use to bypass?
 

SSC: Hello. In response to your problem I ask a few questions. How much if any of the bracketing is actually left on the real axel? What is the condition of the lines themselves? You can replace the valve with brass fittings, but the inlet and outlet are different sizes so be careful there. I would recomend you just fabricate a new bracket & actuator assembly from some 1\8" steel. Calibration might be a little sticky but it can be done. There is a nut in the center of the valve that rotates upward as load increases. If the valve is in reasonable condition try rotating that nut until you get brakes again. At that point you could just leave it alone or do the fabrication for a bracket\actuator. After 33 years as a Chevy light truck mechanic I recommend you do not just bypass the valve because the rear brakes will lock up all the time when your unloaded and spin you out. I do hope this has been helpful, jim