Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting proportioning valve MIA

I drive a 1997 2.0 liter Contour with non-ABS brakes, drums in the rear.
Had a brake warning light come on as per your advice to others, unstead of simply adding fluid, I decided to find the leak. I figured it would be a wheel cylinder but nope. The drip was coming from left rear wheel where the brake hose (rubber) meets the proportioning valve. Hard to tell if it was the vavle or the hose so I figured I replace both just to be safe. Well, NAPA, AUTOZONE, Advanced Auto, all say they do not carry the proportioning valve, check with a dealer. Dealer says FOrd does not make that anymore, check aftermarket. And of course it is Labour day weekend so gosh golly knows when I will be able to get the part.
Can I test the proportioning valve? Just replace the hose and watch? Anyone know who carries Ford brake parts?
ARGH!!!!
Thanks

It sounds like you are talking about a pressure reducing valve. I would be very surprised if it is truly discontinued. There was a recall on them a few years back (I don't remember which model years were involved).

During the recalls I learned that the ABS cars were not part of the recall and that there was a different part number for the ABS systems vs the non-ABS systems. If my memory serves me correctly, the rear disc systems used the same part number as the rear drum systems.

If yours was part of the recall, you may see if the recall was already done or not. If yours is involved and the recall has not been done, you should be able to get Ford to do the recall and replace the valve.

If the recall has been done and whoever installed the new part cross threaded it, I would try very hard to get Ford to pay for the new part, but it may be wishful thinking at this point.

Thanks Big Jim. I did some more checking and you are right it is the pressure reducing valve not proportioning. I am mad cuz A)I never got the recall but I did find it on the NTSB web site so I will be sure to show it the them and B) on the phone today the dealer parts guys were clueless when I described which part I was looking for. Leave it to CEG to come through. Thanks .

hey dont blame you not knowing the parts you are trying to buy on the parts guy.. he deals with this everyday.. people come in lookking for stuff and dont know the name of it or even how to describe it.... and such.... then if they cant find the part they blame the poor parts guy...he is there to sell parts only... not to give advice or anyting else...
if you go to the grocery and were looking for milk and could not find it and then tell the clerk that it is somthing to drink and he comes up with bottled water or a coke can you blame him????? no..... so think clearly and if you dont know what you are looking for dont blame someone that is trying to help you if they dont know what you want...