Vehicle Brake Valve Manufacturers

1. Function of vehicle brake valves

The main function of a vehicle brake valve is to regulate the pressure and flow of brake fluid to the brake device, whether it is a disc brake or a drum brake. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake valve controls the amount of hydraulic fluid reaching the brake, thereby controlling the braking force applied to the wheel. This precise regulation is essential to maintaining control of the vehicle in emergency braking situations.
The basics of hydraulic brake systems
The hydraulic brake system uses the incompressibility of fluid to transmit braking force. The brake fluid flows within a closed system, and when the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake master cylinder pushes the brake fluid toward the brake valve. The brake valve regulates the flow and pressure of the brake fluid to the brakes of each wheel based on the force applied by the driver.
Brake valves typically work with other components such as master cylinders, brake lines, and brake calipers to form a responsive and reliable braking system. By ensuring that the right amount of pressure is distributed to each wheel, brake valves help prevent wheel locking and skidding, which can cause the vehicle to lose control.
Preventing wheel locking and skidding
The role of the brake valve is critical when the vehicle is braked, especially in emergency braking situations. Brake valves precisely control the amount of brake fluid pressure reaching each wheel, ensuring a balanced distribution of braking force to each wheel. This balanced distribution helps prevent the rear wheels from locking before the front wheels, which can prevent the vehicle from tailing out or skidding.
In some advanced braking systems, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), brake valves work in conjunction with sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU). Sensors detect wheel speed and slip, and the ECU adjusts the operation of the brake valves in real time based on sensor data to ensure optimal braking force at each wheel. This system further improves vehicle stability and control in emergency situations.
Improve driver braking feel
The brake valve is more than just a device that regulates pressure and flow. It also directly affects the driver's braking feel. The response and feedback of the brake pedal are achieved through the adjustment of the brake valve. When drivers step on the brake pedal, they expect a smooth, gradual braking effect, not abrupt or uneven braking force. This requires the brake valve to accurately control the flow of brake fluid across a wide range of operating pressures to provide consistent braking force output.
Adjustment for different vehicle loads and driving conditions
The braking needs of a vehicle are different under different loads and driving conditions. When the load is light, the brake system needs less braking force, while when the load is heavy, more braking force is required. The brake valve plays a key role in this regard, by adjusting the pressure distribution to adapt to different load conditions.

2. Types of vehicle brake valves

Proportional valves Proportional valves are used in front disc and rear drum brake systems to adjust the pressure distribution between the front and rear brakes to prevent the rear wheels from locking under heavy braking. By reducing the pressure on the rear wheels, it ensures a balanced braking force and keeps the vehicle stable.
How proportional valves work
The proportional valve works by adjusting the brake fluid pressure to the rear wheels according to the vehicle's deceleration and load conditions. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the proportional valve automatically adjusts according to the pressure of the brake system to reduce the brake pressure on the rear wheels. This automatic adjustment mechanism helps prevent the rear wheels from locking during braking, thereby preventing the rear of the vehicle from losing control or skidding.
Design and structure of proportional valves
Proportional valves usually consist of a valve body, a pressure regulator, and a spring. The channels and apertures inside the valve body are cleverly designed to ensure that the brake fluid can flow smoothly and adjust the pressure in a timely manner. The pressure regulator adjusts the valve opening by sensing the pressure changes in the brake system, while the spring provides the necessary reaction force to ensure that the valve can operate normally in all working pressure ranges.
Application of Proportional Valves in Different Vehicles
The design and adjustment of proportional valves vary for different types of vehicles due to their different weight distribution and braking needs. Light passenger vehicles generally require a smaller proportional adjustment, while heavy trucks and buses require a wider range of adjustment. The specific settings of the proportional valve are usually calibrated by the vehicle manufacturer according to the design and performance requirements of the vehicle to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
Combination Valve
The combination valve integrates multiple functions into a single device, including proportional adjustment, metering, and pressure difference sensing. This type of valve is very common in modern vehicles and provides a compact and efficient solution for brake fluid pressure management.
Versatility of Combination Valve
The versatility of the combination valve makes it widely used in modern braking systems. It not only balances the brake pressure of the front and rear wheels, but also delays the action of the front wheel brakes to ensure that the rear wheels touch the ground first and generate braking force. In addition, the combination valve can sense the pressure difference of the braking system and send a warning signal when there is an abnormal pressure difference in the system. This versatility greatly improves the reliability and responsiveness of the braking system.
Design and Manufacturing of Combination Valve
The design of the combination valve is complex and requires precise machining and material selection. Its internal structure contains multiple valve cores and channels, each of which needs to be designed to ensure that the flow and pressure of the brake fluid can be accurately regulated under different working conditions. Every link in the manufacturing process must be strictly controlled to ensure the quality and performance of the final product.
Application of combination valves in modern vehicles
Modern vehicles, due to their complex braking system requirements, usually use combination valves to achieve multi-functional pressure management. Especially in vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control systems (ESC), precise control of combination valves is essential to ensure the coordinated operation of the system. By integrating multiple functions, combination valves not only simplify the design of the braking system, but also improve the overall reliability and maintenance convenience of the system.
Metering valve
The metering valve is used in front disc and rear drum brake systems. Its function is to slightly delay the application of the front brakes so that the rear brakes can work first. This helps to improve the stability of the vehicle during braking and prevent the front wheels from locking prematurely.
Working principle of metering valve
The working principle of the metering valve is to control the flow of brake fluid to the front brake so that it starts to work after the rear brakes work. This delay mechanism ensures the stability of the vehicle in the early stage of braking, because the rear wheels brake first to provide better ground adhesion and prevent the front wheels from slipping or locking.
Design and structure of metering valve
The metering valve usually consists of a valve body, a metering mechanism and a control mechanism. The valve body is designed with complex channels and apertures to ensure that the brake fluid can flow in a controlled manner. The metering mechanism adjusts the opening of the valve by sensing the pressure changes of the brake fluid, while the control mechanism automatically adjusts the action of the metering mechanism according to the braking needs of the vehicle to ensure the coordinated operation of the front and rear brakes.
Application of metering valves in different vehicles
Metering valves are widely used in various types of vehicles, especially in front disc and rear drum brake systems. For light and medium-sized passenger cars, precise adjustment of metering valves can significantly improve braking performance and driving safety. For heavy commercial vehicles, metering valves require higher durability and reliability to cope with frequent heavy-load braking needs.

3. Maintenance and troubleshooting of vehicle brake valves

Routine inspection
Regularly check the brake valves and related components for signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Check the brake lines for leaks and make sure all connections are tight. If any fluid leaks or signs of damage are found, they should be dealt with promptly to prevent brake system failure.
Visual inspection
Performing a visual inspection is one of the simplest and most effective methods. Regularly inspect the appearance of the brake valve to observe whether there is any obvious wear, corrosion or cracks. Pay special attention to the condition of the joints and seals, as these parts are most prone to problems. Any abnormal signs should be noted and further inspection and treatment should be carried out immediately.
Functional inspection
In addition to the visual inspection, a functional inspection of the brake valve is also required. By simulating the braking operation, check whether the brake valve can work properly. Especially when the vehicle is regularly maintained, the response and pressure regulation ability of the brake valve should be tested to ensure that it can operate normally under different working conditions.
Regular maintenance
Perform a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the brake system regularly according to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Professional maintenance technicians will use special equipment to conduct a detailed inspection of the brake valve and other brake components to ensure the normal operation of all parts and the overall performance of the system.
Replace the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be replaced regularly at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Over time, brake fluid may be contaminated by moisture and impurities, which can reduce its effectiveness and cause corrosion of the brake valves. Replacing the brake fluid can maintain optimal braking performance.
The importance of replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid is the core of the hydraulic brake system, and its performance directly affects the effectiveness of the brake system. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air, causing a lower boiling point and affecting braking effectiveness. Regularly replacing brake fluid can avoid these problems and keep the brake system operating efficiently.
Replacement steps
The steps to replace brake fluid include draining the old brake fluid, cleaning the brake system, filling with new brake fluid, and exhausting. First, park the vehicle on level ground to ensure safety. Then, open the brake fluid reservoir and drain the old brake fluid. Use special tools to clean the brake system and make sure there is no residue inside. Finally, fill with new brake fluid and use the exhaust step to remove air from the system to ensure the normal operation of the brake system.
Professional maintenance
It is very important to have the brake system inspected and maintained by a professional technician regularly. Professional repairs can not only identify and resolve potential problems, but also ensure the reliability of the brake system by testing the performance of the brake valve and other components through advanced diagnostic equipment.
Importance of professional repairs
Professional technicians have extensive experience and expertise, and can identify potential hidden dangers through systematic inspection and testing. Especially in modern vehicles, the complexity of the brake system increases the difficulty of repair. Professional technicians can use advanced diagnostic equipment to fully inspect and calibrate the brake valve and other electronic control units to ensure the best performance of the system.
Repair process
Professional repair processes usually include a comprehensive system inspection, brake fluid replacement, component cleaning and lubrication, and necessary component replacement. Based on the inspection results, technicians will carry out targeted repairs and maintenance to ensure that the brake system can work reliably under all conditions.
Symptoms of dealing with valve problems
Watch for symptoms that may indicate brake valve problems, such as uneven braking, a soft brake pedal, or a warning light on the dashboard. These symptoms may indicate a faulty proportional valve or a leak in the brake system. Dealing with these problems in a timely manner can prevent more serious problems and ensure vehicle safety.
Identify common symptoms
Identifying common symptoms of brake valve problems is the key to quickly resolving the problem. Common symptoms include abnormal brake pedal feel, extended braking distance, overheated brakes, or wheel locking. These problems may be caused by internal faults in the brake valve, brake fluid leakage, or gas inside the system.
Diagnosis and repair
For different symptoms, detailed diagnosis is necessary. Use diagnostic equipment to detect the pressure and flow of the brake system to find out the specific fault point. According to the diagnosis results, make corresponding repairs or replace parts. For example, if a brake fluid leak is found, the leak point should be repaired immediately or the damaged pipeline and seal should be replaced.
Preventive measures
In order to prevent the occurrence of brake valve problems, daily maintenance and care are very important. Keep the brake system clean, replace the brake fluid regularly, and avoid using inferior brake fluid or unqualified parts. In addition, regular professional inspections and maintenance can detect and solve potential problems in advance and ensure the long-term reliability of the brake system.