Re: brake fluid distributor (archive)

If your car's equipped w/ drum brakes in the rear,then the brake system also uses a brake proportioning valve to provide the same fluid pressure to the rear drum brakes as to the front disc brakes. THis is to eliminate drum brakes from lockup at the rear when using disc up front.

If one were to tighten or loosen that allen bolt, it could alter the degree of proportioning to offset the amount of pressure that goes to the rear brakes.

YOu can find that type of wrench at a locksmith. They are designed for tamper-proof bolts that are commonly used on vending machines or outdoor lighting and electrical service panels.

For reference, my 323 have rear discs. THey don't have the proportioning valve.

Sorry, but I don't know what to call it other than a distributor...? From the brake fluid reservoir runs a hard metal brake line to a part that is attached to wall of the engine compartment opposite of the left front wheel. From this part, 4 additional hard metal brake lines go to each of the 4 wheels. On my 78 320i it was leaking from the bottom of what appears to be a cylinder within it (perhaps to equalize pressure?). I bought a 79 320i as a parts car and replaced this part from it (which was a pain in the ass because of the tight location and all the endless turns of a wrench needed to tighten all the metal brake lines). It worked OK for a couple weeks before this same part began leaking again... The parts car had low mileage (66,000) but it sat for 7 years, could the seals have rotted? Can it be tightened? Looking at the bottom of it, it would accept a large Allen wrench (10mm maybe), the kind with a hole drilled in the center. But where to find such a wrench? Anything to avoid climbing under my car to spend an hour flipping the wrench over and over for an hour tightening all those brake lines!

Matthew

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