Brake Fluid

I can tell the first thing I would do. Get rid of that front brake proportioning valve and replace it with a "T". My car would not hardly ever stop. I could put the pedal throught the floor and it would just kind of slow down. I removed that ugly valve (the black thing in the picture) and it was like a new braking system. I can now lock up all 4 wheels at will. Even from 140 mph (not recommended). I still have stock rotors and calipers with a Ford Master. My pedal is also MUCH firmer than before.

For fluid, I just use plain dot 3 high temp fluid like Ford performance fluid or Performance friction.

Wilkinson sells the T fitting to replace the proportioning valve. Read this thread. It started off as brake pads but then progressed into discussing the proportioning valve. http://pantera.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1510042044/m/9480076854/p/1

One benefit to DOT 5 is that it will not affect paint, if spilled on the painted surface. This came in handy last month when my slave cylinder line sprung a leak and sprayed the painted engine compartment.

I would also agree that the original shuttle valve should be eliminated, you can put a "tee" in or a modern valve that can modulate the pressure Wilwood makes one.

Gary #06984

Dot 5 is great for collector cars but what ever you do don't mix dot 5 and onther types of brake fluids. You will have to flush the system.


https://secure19.uplinkearth.com/wappmanmotorsports/store/fluid.cfm

"We do not recommend using DOT 5 fluid in any racing applications. DOT 5 fluid is not hygroscopic, so as moisture enters the system, it is not absorbed by the fluid, and results in beads of moisture moving through the brake line, collecting in the calipers. It is not uncommon to have caliper temperatures exceed 200° F, and at 212° F, this collected moisture will boil causing vapor lock and system failure. Additionally, DOT 5 fluid is highly compressible due to aeration and foaming under normal braking conditions, providing a spongy brake feel. DOT 5 fluid is best suited for show car applications where its anti-corrosion and paint friendly characteristics are important."

quote:

I would also agree that the original shuttle valve should be eliminated

NOTE: the shuttle valve IS NOT the same as the proportioning valve.

Entirely different purpose for each.

Each can cause you trouble, however.

Most all Panteras can do without the proportioning valve. Only a full stock brake system might find benefit from the stock unit.

Most Panteras should probably retain the shuttle valve, as it is your safety net to allow retention of one end brake action should you have a tube/hose failure.

Read my (long winded) post in the above referenced thread to understand what the shuttle valve is really there for, and how to live happily ever after with it retained in your system..

Larry

Once again, Larry is correct, I meant to say...err type... proportioning valve not shuttle valve


Gary #06984

I think DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone and not synthetic. I will not use synthetic brake fluid again in my clutch master, because I think it was destroying the rubber cups/seals (giving me a lot of headaches).

Steve Wilkinson told me not to use Dot 3 fluid in the clutch master.

I have always used DOT 3 in the clutch and the brakes. Never used anything else. I have replaced both masters but I am sure that was not the cause of the failure since they lasted over 20 years before failure. I would say that the most important is to flush yearly with new fluid to remove moisture.